Roman oxtail stew was once a staple of the poorer neighborhoods of the city as the inexpensive oxtail was considered a “fifth fourth,” or “lesser desirable cut of meat.” Today this iconic Roman dish appears on the menus of many of Rome’s most chic restaurants. Prepared with oxtail, peeled tomatoes, pork jowl, celery, carrots, white wine, dark chocolate and various herbs and spices, coda alla vaccinara is a “must try” dish when in Rome. Buon appetito!