So food in Italy is a pretty big deal. Italians see taste as one of the most important senses that we have, which is probably a reason they actually respect that sense of taste and make quality food! We talked a TON about the differences between slow food vs. fast food. Slow food relies on freshness for flavor, where on the other hand fast food relies on sugar, fat, and salt for flavor. Italians are well known for eating fresh fruits, vegetable, and herbs that are in season. They rely on natural flavors to make their food, which is definitely the way to go! Oh and one thing to note, is that when you are invited to dine with an Italian, bring your appetite! Here was an example of a traditional dining in order:
1. Aperitivo ( a before dinner drink meant to whet appetite)... 2. Antipasto ( could be many things, but is pretty much an appetizer, could include an assortment of meats and cheeses, crackers, seafood, etc.)...3. The first course: protein and a side dish ( could be a variety of things, some common ones are pasta, soups, and Gnocchi.) ....4. Salad.....5. Cheese.... 6.Fruit... 7.Dessert...8.Coffee....9. Digestivo...
Some dining meals include another course or two, so like I said, bring your appetite!
Italians are well known for a lot of things.
In fact they are #1:
- per capita consumers of coffee in the world
-per capita consumers, producers, and exporters of wine in the world
-per capita consumers of mineral water in the world
Just cause they are most famous for their wine and coffee doesn't mean that's a must drink once you get to Italy. I strongly discourage that idea because one those are bad for our bodies, and two there are sooo many other things in Italy to try, why waste it on that?
Italy is well known for their cafe's. I mean you walk everywhere and almost on every corner you can find a cafe where they make fresh juice, provide quality bakery items, and make great relaxing/ socializing areas to go.
My teacher talked a lot about different types of wines, and coffees and such but I really don't care much about it, if its on the test sure I'll answer, but I'm not going to be drinking any so really it doesn't matter. He did quickly talk about the hot chocolate their and it sounds delicious! Italians make it really thick, almost to a pudding texture, not quite, but close, and they cover it with whipped cream. Can I say that sounds REALLY good right now?? Soooooo unhealthy but luckily in Italy you have to walk everywhere, so it evens out right? ok not really, but I'm sure that would be a WONDERFUL idea for that occasional splurge :D
So that was the basics of the class. We watched a clip of a movie that was pretty much just a typical Italian dining experience, and I came out really really really wanting to cook. Maybe one of these days I can get back into some intense cooking. :)
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