Don’t Scare the Italians

You may not know it, but the way you eat may be shocking to them.

I have recently had the privilege of visiting a country on my Bucket List: Italy. Before I left, I did a respectable amount of research before going. I learned some key phrases and etiquette. However, one area of my research that I overlooked was their food. There were some things that I was aware of (such as the stance about spaghetti and meatballs), but others I learned along the way.

Sweet vs. Savory Breakfasts

It’s completely normal to have a sweet breakfast in Italy filled with chocolate pastries and decadent cakes. Having breakfast served with eggs, bacon, and hash browns is not expected there.

Cappuccinos Throughout the Day is No Bene

Having one in the morning is fine, but not after noon. However, if you want to fit in, try to transition to black espresso, which Italians consume all day long.

Water & Wine with Meals

These are the only two drinks typically seen with Italian meals. You might have a shot of limoncello afterward. However, you can bet that water or wine will be what you see on the tables. Otherwise, plan on having cocktails and liquors either before dinner. Italians take food taste seriously, and your taste buds may not be getting the full appreciation the freshly cooked food deserves.

The only exception to the wine and water guideline is when it comes to pizza, and it’s become more common to have a single carbonated beverage or beer with it and no ice.

Pepperoni vs Peperoni

If you are looking for thinly sliced spiced meat circles on your pizza, don’t order peperoni pizza (with one “p”). Otherwise, you’re going to get a pizza filled with peppers.

The pepperoni pizzas we are used to in the US will likely be on the menu as one of the following: pizza diavola (spicy sausage); pizza al salamino (with salami); or pizza calabrese (a spicy pizza).

Thank Disney for Spaghetti & Meatballs

In Italy, you either get spaghetti or meatballs. Meatballs (polpette) is a meat dish usually served on its own as a second course. Can you order one order of spaghetti and another of meatballs and put them together. Sure! However, it is a dish made famous by Lady and the Tramp and not an Italian delicacy.

Note: Some things seem normal to us as Americans to combine. Such as spaghetti and meatballs. The same can be said with Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. In fact, Italians believe that combining chicken with pasta is disgusting. To take it one step further, the name Alfredo is an Italian first name, so if you ask for “fettuccine Alfredo,” don’t be surprised if the Italian response is “Chi?” (Who?)

Olive Oil & Balsamic is the Dressing to Choose

You’ll instantly be labeled as a foreigner in Italy if you ask for “salad dressing.” Italian olive oil is fantastic, and mixing it with some vinegar (olio e aceto) is packs an even larger taste bud explosion. After you’ve had some authentic olive oil and balsamic vinegar, you may find yourself opting out of your normal ranch or french dressing for life. And it’s healthier!

You should also use condiments sparingly as olive oil is considered the primary Italian condiment. When Italians eat their food, they want to taste what their food tastes like. For example, eat the chicken to appreciate the taste of chicken and don’t smother it in BBQ sauce.

Use Bread as a Utensil

You’ll fit right in at your first ristorante if you pour some olive oil and vinegar on your plate, sprinkle with Parmesan, and dip your bread into it. In Italy, bread is not something that should be eaten alone or requires butter. Instead, it’s more of a utensil to help you mop up sauces of the course or help clean your plate.

Take your time at meals

It’s normal to have a dinner that lasts three hours. In Italy, the philosophy is to live La Dolce Vita (“The Sweet Life”). Be prepared to have numerous courses at dinner and food made fresh. Eating in front of the television or on the go is not “dinner.” Relax and savor your meal at Italian speed!

Having some authentic Italian food has taken my appreciation for food to a whole new level.

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