Food Trip! Molto Delicious Italy

Throwaway your calorie counter, charge the Fit Bit and let’s food trip – molto delicious Italy! How many places can say that every meal is a culinary masterpiece?

Explanation of Italian Meals

Breakfast or as Italians would say “Colazione“

As with most countries in Europe, there are long-standing traditions which define each meal. In fact, Italians grab an espresso and a pastry and are off for the day. This usually happens at their favorite neighborhood bar. Yes, bar. Namely, people order, pay, drink and head out the door a few minutes later. Actually, most hotels or B&B’s have a lovely breakfast of pastries, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cheese, ham and coffee included. Specifically on the Amalfi Coast, the freshly squeezed orange juice is heavenly! Also, there is always homemade Limoncello after dinner!

Lunch or “Pranzo“

Either lunch can be a several course meal or a quick bite of the local street food. For example, in Umbria and Tuscany, be on the lookout for Porchetta trucks. This local dish of pork and herbs melting into a freshly baked Ciabatta roll is everyone’s favorite! Indeed, my taste buds are salivating just thinking about Porchetta!

Cocktails or “Aperitivo”

In the afternoon, you will see locals grabbing an Aperitivo (cocktail) with a snack.  Probably charcuterie, grilled vegetables, seafood or nuts. Whatever is local and fresh. Specifically, what you eat in Milan is far different than what’s on the table in Sicily!

Dinner or “Cena“

Besides, dinner doesn’t begin for an Italian until 7:30 pm at the earliest! So when you start to recognize the Aperitivo – join in! Actually for only a few euros, you can spend an hour or so making new friends, eating fantastic foods and drink. Rather fun to try a Bellini in Venice. Probably a Spritz on a hot Summer’s day. Another highlight is a spiked hot chocolate in Winter.

Food Trip – A Few Tips

In fact, any restaurant that is open before 7 pm, is catering to tourists, not locals.  Anywhere that has menus in four languages or accompanying photos is a place to be cautious. Even with our knowledge of Italy, we look at www.tripadvisor.com.  Because then we see what is newly opened, trending high or looks interesting. For example, this past trip we went back to one of our favorite Trattoria’s in Tuscany. A place we had frequented several times over the course of many years. In fact, it had recently been sold and the food was awful. So had we taken a peek at their recent reviews, we would have known in advance.

For cappuccino or cocktails, standing at the bar is cheaper. Actually, if you sit down for any meal, there will be a service charge added per person. Therefore, you do not need to add a tip but you may add a few euro onto the bill. For example, if the bill is 46 euros, I will leave 50 euro. As a result of these customs, questions about tipping are common among Americans.

Italian Food Traditions

The traditional Italian dinner is a series of courses. Especially in summer, we order two or three antipasti. Either Caprese salad, melon and proscuitto, or other seasonal dishes. Il primi piatto, or first course, is pasta, risotto, or soup. Then il secondo piatto, the second course, is meat or fish. Next, contorni, side dishes of vegetables. A full Italian meal would also include formaggi (cheeses), frutta (fresh fruit) and dolci (dessert). Limoncello or Grappa is a Digestivo – good for digestion and often served as a complimentary “thank you” at the end of a meal. Children are warmly welcome at an Italian table and little ones LOVE freshly made pasta, pizza, and risotto. You will be surprised what kids will try when they are in a new environment! There is a long list of foods our children tried in Italy and now love: salad, yoghurt, kumquat, gooseberries, anchovies, gelato, figs, proscuitto…

A Few of Our Favorite Places to Eat

Italy is Great Eating for All

Unless the food establishment is takeaway, you should make a reservation, especially in high season. So ask at your hotel or apartment. Often they are familiar with the restaurant and may be able to snag you that coveted spot! Most Italian restaurants know the ingredients in their food because they are preparing the entire dish. Actually, this makes Italy a great vacation destination for the millions who have food allergies, gluten intolerance’s or are vegetarian. We often ask locals where they eat. As a result many of our best dining experiences are when we take their advice.

Remember, when in Rome, or other parts of Italy…do as they do. Namely, dress appropriately. Do not over indulge on the vino.  Say per favore (please), grazie (thank you) and have patience. Indeed, delicious, homemade food takes time. The art of eating in Italy is to slow down and savor every bite. Enjoy the time with family and friends!

Buon Appetito – Food Trip! Molto Delicious Italy awaits.

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