TASTE ITALY: All the wonderful flavors and aromas.

Table of Contents:
BREAKFAST AT THE BAR.
BE AWARE.
DINING IN SIX (10) EASY COURSES.
SLOW FOOD.

Wines of Italy. Italian Beers. Italian Spirits.

Taste Italy in every bite of pasta, meat, cheese or dulches (sweets). — In Italy, dining is an experience.

Food Magnifico

Somewhere up there with Amore and Mama, Italians also rank their food. When you read about their love affair with food and eating, at first, you may think it odd. When you taste Italy through its food for yourself, it will be your storia d’amore.

Like so many countries in Europe, the cuisine in Northern Italy is not the same as southern. Left is different from the right, and everyone has the best pasta recipe. To taste Italy properly, you need to visit several regions.

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Where to Taste Italy.

Finding the right eatery for YOU is the first step.

Breakfast (Colazione).

Bar – Explain that to mom. More like an American cafe. Coffee and rolls.
Caffe – is similar to a bar. It may have outdoor seating.

Lunch (Pranzo).

Main Market – Have a progressive lunch as you walk the aisles.
Alimentari (grocery shop) or Salumeria (a cross between a butcher and grocery shop). Meats, cheeses, and other supplies for lunch outside while watching the people pass.
Tavola Calda (table hot) – Think cafeteria meets buffet. An excellent choice to make for the local hot lunch.
Rosticceria – A Tavola calda with the addition of roasts and meats.
Paninoteca – Where you order a Panino (one sandwich), Panini is plural. Don’t over order.
Pizza al Taglio – Quick service as they warm pizza they made earlier. You order by weight or slice.

While the sun is setting, waiters at a Trattoria in Trastevere prepare for the dinner service. — A Trattoria in Trastevere.

Dinner (Cena).

Pizzeria – This differs from a Pizza al Taglio. It is usually open only in the evening when they light the wood ovens. Usually only serves pizza and only one size pizza.
Enoteca. – A wine bar where you can eat. (Like a gastropub) They use simple recipes with local and seasonal ingredients.
Trattoria – is usually a casual family place. In other words, with meals, mom DID make.
Osteria (hosteria) Traditionally, it was an inexpensive local eatery. For this reason, trendy restaurants now use it in their name to infer simple food. Also, it’s usually not a straightforward price.
Ristorante – In general, think more formal and upscale or attempting to appear that way.

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The Fine (Italian) Print.

Some other items you may find on the bill.

Pane e coperto – Surprisingly, you will put out some bread for, well, something to spread with butter. This item is a “bread and cover” charge that is stupid but legal, and you will find it just about everywhere. Also, it is per person and can range from €1 in a less expensive trattoria to €10 in the fancy-schmancy Ristorantes.
Servizio incluso – This SHOULD be in print somewhere on the menu (sometimes on the back) and means the service charge (tip) is already in the price. For really excellent service, I still leave an additional euro or two per person. If the service is not already in the bill, 10% will do. Thank goodness Europe has not gone tip stupid like some countries. I know of places where flawed, or complete lack of, service expects 18 or 20%.
Menu a Prezzo fisso – This is usually a great deal. Typically an appetizer, entree, dessert, coffee, and maybe wine, for a set price. Although the number of choices may be smaller than the standard menu, usually there is something you will like. It may also appear as a menu turistico.
Menu degustazione – Also, a fixed price menu. Usually a very high price. However, compare it to ordering the same things from the menu ala carte, it may save you money. Ranging from €20 to several hundred per person, it is a dining experience. This menu is by the chef’s choosing, usually showing their strong points. In other words, a chance to taste Rome from a chef’s view.

Are you going to pay for that before you order?

This policy is another Italian quirk (there are many). Usually, in the less expensive bars/cafes, you pay the cashier first. Then you take the receipt to the counter to receive your drink/food.

In the markets and meat shops you can taste wonderful cured meats and Salami. — Taste some of the incredible meats and Salami.

Watch the locals and see what they do, or you may be standing without anything.

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Italian Dining in Six (ten) Easy Courses.

Aperitivo.

Antipasto.

Primo.

Secundo.

Formaggi e frutta.

Dolce.

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Slow Down and Taste Italy.

Italy is home to the Slow Food Organization. In Rome around 1986, it promotes local food, traditional cooking, and a slow pace of life.

You would swear you can taste Rome by just walking past the open door of a cheese or bread shop. — You can almost taste Rome by just walking past a cheese or bread shop.

In short, whether one course or ten, Italians do not like to rush their meals. They want to love them and experience them and perhaps remember them. Do you have meals you remember? (In a positive way). Treat your dinners not just as a meal, but as your evening entertainment.

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