A Night in Pescara on a Budget
My husband and I are forced to be, what you’d call, frugal. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had the cash flow that allowed us the freedom to do as please when we pleased? Pescara is not a particularly expensive city to have fun in but as in any other, you must pay to play. Given our circumstances we have had to find numerous ways of entertaining ourselves on a tight budget. Our nights generally find us at home watching movies, playing games or reading a good book. We’re still considered newly weds so sitting in each others’ company, for hours on end, still holds a bit of charm. Honestly, I’m so comfortable with this situation that the proposal of a night out invokes feelings of irritation. I like “comfortable”, it means “familiarity” which I embrace and have a hard time letting go of. To avoid complete hermit behavior I force myself out of the house on occasion. When I do, I wonder why we don’t head out more often. This city is constantly teaming with people. I come from a city (Salt Lake City, UT) where everyone, except your bar/concert going crowd, is indoors by 9pm. This is not the case here. Walking through the center of the city, which is my preferred pastime, you can see people of all ages. There are entire families out together at midnight, pushing strollers and linking arms with Grandma. I really do enjoy seeing this; the unity of the Italian family is remarkable.
The fact that the city center has no streets running through it makes it perfect for a stroll and, consequently, people watching. I also enjoy that the long string of shops lining both sides of the center all have beautifully displayed storefront windows. This is not something entirely common in America, at least not in my neck of the woods. Every shop from Prada to the pharmacy has a storefront window display showing all the latest products and fashions. So yes, window shopping is huge and believe me, it will REMAIN “window” shopping as long as they continue to post that 2.000 euro price tag next to the Gucci silk shirt.
The designer laden path leads you to a spot on the beach marked by a large modern-looking fountain. Not a bad way to end a stroll, I’d say, taking in a view of the Adriatic. It’s near here where you’ll find my favorite café, Berardo. They have gelato there that can only be described as gourmet. I’ve never seen anything so fanciful, made with liqueur dressings and geometrically shaped wafers. Not to mention that the variety of flavors is astounding. Although the desserts are superb, I usually order a tea. They have a wide selection and they give me my own little pot along with a small plate of biscotti.
A stroll through the city ending with a hot tea and sweets is just how I prefer to digest dinner. Eating out in Pescara can be costly but it doesn’t have to be. I’m a pretty cheap date so a kebab from Mian is what hits the spot. They are all of 3 euro and the tastiest thing in a paper pocket I’ve ever had. It’s a sandwich, of sorts, made from a roasted turkey and chicken mixture and it’s heaven. There is also a number of pizzerie, of course, that can satisfy your most intense carb cravings. As a matter of fact, there is a pizzeria very near Mian’s that makes an excellent egg and ham calzone. They’re humongous and probably extremely unhealthy but I believe that calories don’t count if I don’t eat them at home.
If we’re meeting up with friends at a pub later I prefer La Strega. They have Montepulciano wine for 2 euro a glass! This is the least expensive place I’ve seen for drinks in general. They also make a mean piadina. What makes this place interesting and not only cheap is that they have a selection of board games and the like. Also, you have to go down this small walkway and ring a doorbell to be let in. I love that! It’s so mysterious.
So let’s see, dinner, tea, glass of wine (let’s say two) we arrive at a grand total of 10,50 euro each and very pleasant evening!
If you’re coming for a visit and would like any recommendations on pubs or restaurants please feel free to ask me, I’m happy to help.
The fact that the city center has no streets running through it makes it perfect for a stroll and, consequently, people watching. I also enjoy that the long string of shops lining both sides of the center all have beautifully displayed storefront windows. This is not something entirely common in America, at least not in my neck of the woods. Every shop from Prada to the pharmacy has a storefront window display showing all the latest products and fashions. So yes, window shopping is huge and believe me, it will REMAIN “window” shopping as long as they continue to post that 2.000 euro price tag next to the Gucci silk shirt.
The designer laden path leads you to a spot on the beach marked by a large modern-looking fountain. Not a bad way to end a stroll, I’d say, taking in a view of the Adriatic. It’s near here where you’ll find my favorite café, Berardo. They have gelato there that can only be described as gourmet. I’ve never seen anything so fanciful, made with liqueur dressings and geometrically shaped wafers. Not to mention that the variety of flavors is astounding. Although the desserts are superb, I usually order a tea. They have a wide selection and they give me my own little pot along with a small plate of biscotti.
A stroll through the city ending with a hot tea and sweets is just how I prefer to digest dinner. Eating out in Pescara can be costly but it doesn’t have to be. I’m a pretty cheap date so a kebab from Mian is what hits the spot. They are all of 3 euro and the tastiest thing in a paper pocket I’ve ever had. It’s a sandwich, of sorts, made from a roasted turkey and chicken mixture and it’s heaven. There is also a number of pizzerie, of course, that can satisfy your most intense carb cravings. As a matter of fact, there is a pizzeria very near Mian’s that makes an excellent egg and ham calzone. They’re humongous and probably extremely unhealthy but I believe that calories don’t count if I don’t eat them at home.
If we’re meeting up with friends at a pub later I prefer La Strega. They have Montepulciano wine for 2 euro a glass! This is the least expensive place I’ve seen for drinks in general. They also make a mean piadina. What makes this place interesting and not only cheap is that they have a selection of board games and the like. Also, you have to go down this small walkway and ring a doorbell to be let in. I love that! It’s so mysterious.
So let’s see, dinner, tea, glass of wine (let’s say two) we arrive at a grand total of 10,50 euro each and very pleasant evening!
If you’re coming for a visit and would like any recommendations on pubs or restaurants please feel free to ask me, I’m happy to help.