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Italians are known for their outstanding love of food and often see it as being a part of them, their identity if you will. To the locals, food is a way of life, an art form, and a way to bring good people together. In times of celebration or times of turmoil, food is more often than not, at the center.
Italians take great pride in their choice of ingredients, preparation methods, as well as eating etiquette. Preparation is often an all day process, and only the freshest, most high quality ingredients are chosen. When it comes to family dinners, Italian women are often head of the kitchen and ensure that all their family and guests are served and satisfied before sitting down themselves. Food is how Italians bond, be it in the kitchen preparing a meal or sitting in the dining room eating it, either way, it brings family and friends together. Staples in Italian cuisine include foods such as various types of pasta dishes, pizza, calzones, bread with olive oil, wine, and gelato. During my time in Italy, I have never felt more welcomed than I did during dinners. Being surrounded by good friends and new people, while eating fresh, from-scratch food is an experience I will never forget. While conversing over a hearty, homemade dinner, strangers suddenly become friends, and friends turn into family. After learning about Italian food and the practices and traditions surrounding it, it was clear to me that food has the ability to bring cultures together. "Paese che vai, usanza che trovi" - Unknown "Different places you visit, different customs you’ll find" This short video clip reveals some of the Italian secrets on how to cook delicious food and how to choose the perfect ingredients. Grazie! |