Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Anzio, Italy, unfolds its charm not just through its history, but also in its welcoming cafes like Caffe Grande Italia. Billy and Akaisha Kaderli experienced this firsthand, soaking in the essence of Italian culture with its delightful outdoor seating.

A Slice of La Dolce Vita

Imagine yourself basking in the Italian sunshine, comfortably nestled in Caffe Grande Italia's outdoor area. This cafe, just steps from your hotel, becomes your haven for daily rituals. Start your mornings with a refreshing espresso, the invigorating aroma brewing anticipation for the day ahead. As the afternoon sun warms the air, a vibrant scene unfolds. Locals gather, indulging in refreshing Aperol spritzes or glasses of wine, creating a symphony of laughter and conversation.

The Art of People-Watching

Anzio's cafes double as open-air theaters. As you sip your drink, the world becomes your stage. Observe the locals greet familiar faces, their animated gestures reflecting the warmth of Italian social life. This becomes an immersive experience, a window into the soul of the city.

The front of Caffe Grande Italia

Opposite the town hall is this pleasant seating area for Caffe Grande Italia.

Nestled in behind cheery red flowers there are nearly 15 umbrella'd tables and chairs.

We chose this location to experience Happy Hour because their sandwich board advertised a drink of choice with appetizers for an attractive price.

Outdoor service was reasonably quick.

Akaisha at Caffe Grande Italia

Here I am sitting with my Prosecco wine, the appetizers and Billy's Aperol.

Aperol, if you don't already know, is a drink made from an amari - Italian bitters - to aid digestion. With a strong orange syrup flavor, it's perfect to mix with Prosecco wine or soda water.

All the beau monde drink this as they people-watch, and without a doubt, Billy is a member of "The In Crowd."

The Town Hall is to the right just outside the photo.

As the sun set, the sky filled with birds and colorful wispy clouds.

Google Maps showing the location of Caffe Grande Italia

Caffe Grande Italia is located near the famous Port of Anzio, just up the coast and a bit inland.

A tray of appetizers

As I mentioned, outdoor service was fine, it's Italy after all, and the friendly waitstaff delivered our appetizers and drinks with a smile.

Here we have mini pepperoni pizzas, crust-less sandwiches, peanuts and chips.

Billy and our waitress holding a bottle of Grappa Riserva

Meanwhile, we had another friend in France at the time, and he suggested (via WhatsApp) that we try the Grappa.

We had never had it before, and to be honest, had not heard of it.

So we asked our waitress to please serve us 2 glasses of it... and to please choose the bottle of Grappa herself.

Here she is holding a Riserva that has been aged 18 years.

Grappa is a unique Italian spirit with a fragrant character and a fiery punch, to say the least.

The alcohol content of grappa typically ranges from 35% to 60% alcohol by volume (ABV), and most grappas contain around 37.5% to 40% .

So... that's where the "fire" comes from.

Two glasses of Grappa Riserva

Leave it to the Italians to not waste a thing. Who has THAT kind of money?

Grappa is a grape-based pomace brandy.

Pomace refers to the leftover skins, seeds, stems, and pulp after pressing grapes for winemaking. Traditionally, Grappa was a way to utilize what would otherwise be waste products.

The pomace undergoes fermentation and then distillation, concentrating the alcohol and flavors.

The flavor of the Grappa itself depends on the grape, the distillation process and if it is aged. It can have a floral flavor or be spicy and herbal.

We could tell the grape flavor, but the alcohol was so strong, that, well. ... What were we talking about?

It's often served straight up, at room temperature, in a small snifter glass to savor its aroma and flavor.

Some enjoy it chilled as well.

Our bill for two

As I mentioned, we visited here a couple of times.

I prefer bills that list the items I am paying for so I know how much each item cost, and how much the coperto is. (A "coperto" is a cover charge that is used in Italy in lieu of tipping.)

Regardless, for the appetizers we had eaten and the 2 Aperols and 2 Prosecco wines, $25Euros (just under $27USD) was a decent price.

Would we recommend visiting Caffe Grande Italia?

Yes. We had a great time!

__________

Caffe Grande Italia, Anzio, Italy

Piazza Pia, 2,

Anzio, Lazio, Italy

Tele: +39. 06. 984. 5537

Open daily 7AM to 9PM and later on Saturday evenings

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

HOME   Book Store

Retire Early Lifestyle Blog      About Billy & Akaisha Kaderli      Press     Contact     20 Questions     Preferred Links    

Retirement     Country Info     Retiree Interviews      Commentary     REL Videos