Bar Olimpo - FORMIA

I returned here after a lengthy absence. I make it back to the bar when I come to visit my parents in Castellonorato. This bar is a constant and a point where you can catch up on all the has been going on in your absence. The regulars are there religiously and Marco, the proprietor, is ready to prepare his signature espresso or any other concoction you may desire. Aside from the espresso I like the Negroni and Marco 's version rivals the best I have had other places. Next to the bar Marco has a small but well equipped food store where you may buy cold cuts, bread, pasta and so on. All in all, I look forward to this place.

I've been going to Castellonorato for years to visit my family. I always make it a point to grab a drink at Bar Olimpo. Marco the very friendly proprietor speaks English well enough so language should not be an issue. He makes a great espresso at a very affordable price. Ask him to invent a drink for you and he'll come up with a concoction that you will be sure to enjoy. He once made me a layered shot consisting of grenadine, Baileys Irish Cream, and Absinthe. I will certainly continue to pay visits to this great establishment.

Bar Olimpo is located in Castellonorato, a hill top castle like village near Formia in Italy. If you are ever anywhere near Formia you owe it yourself to visit Castellonorato; the views alone of the Tyrrhenian Sea are spectacular. Take the road from Formia for about 6 miles and you are there. Bar Olimpo is near San Rocco, a small chapel dating back to when the Count Onorato governed from the castle the surrounding valley. Marco is the very affable proprietor. He is there to greet you with a smile and a friendly “ciao”. He speaks English well enough so language should not be an issue at all. Here, if you know a smattering of Italian, you can converse with the locals, mostly middle aged, who have an opinion about everything. The espresso here is excellent and very reasonable when compared to what they charge in Formia. If you are hungry and want a snack, Marco can prepare sandwiches for you using the freshest ingredients and again, very reasonably priced. I have been returning to Castellonorato almost every year to visit my parents. I met Marco a few years ago and he impressed me immediately not only because he made a great espresso, but he also knew how to make my favorite alcoholic concoction, the Negroni. With the infusion of America everywhere, even the Italians have been forgetting their time honored drinks such as the Negroni. Marco, however, had not forgotten, and he also knew the proper proportions of Campari, gin and vermouth, without having to check a recipe book. Over the years he has made many other drinks for me and my sons who also love this place. One of my sons wrote his very first published article for the Boston globe sipping a drink made by Marco. Americans know the bar Cheers where “everyone knows your name.” Well, this does not look like Cheers, but indeed here everyone definitely knows your name and it won’t take you long to become an integral member of the Bar Olimpo Community.