Italian Food

A Taste of Terminology Whether you’re in the privacy of your own kitchen sipping on a glass of wine as you peruse over your Italian cookbook, or at an authentic Italian restaurant, coming across more than one foreign word is inevitable. Rosette? Bufala? Polenta? It’s difficult, and sometimes impossible, to make an educated decision in these cases without a basic education on the description of various dishes. Understanding exactly what each dish entails is a good way to combat the same old “Let’s-just-stick-to-spaghetti-and-meatballs” night and explore the many flavors of Italian cuisine. When eyeing that menu, keep a lookout for […]

Spoiler Alert: If you are one of the millions of people who enjoy Fettuccine Alfredo and believe it is one of the most authentic of Italian foods, please stop reading this blog now. There is no such thing as Alfredo sauce in Italy. If you have the intestinal fortitude to forge ahead while we uncover some other dishes that have been branded “Italian” by the masses, please read on. Baked dishes are typically not smothered in melted mozzarella – that’s a sure sign that the dish is not from any region in Italy. So your manicotti, stuffed shells and ravioli […]

Gastronomy, the study of food and culture is often thought of as an elitist category.  In fact, the gastronome is typically considered one who only studies gourmet delicacies. Under the scrutiny of a gastronome, any country around the world would be hard pressed to prove that the preparation of indigenous foods has not been influenced by other cultures and the introduction of crops and livestock from other lands. This holds true for Italian food as well. For instance, let’s look at the tomato. Tomato sauce is forever linked with Italian cooking. Tomatoes however, are not indigenous to Italy.  They were […]

Here at one of the best Italian restaurants Orlando, we understand there is nothing more satisfying or soothing than a hot bowl of soup, stew or pasta on a cold winter’s day. Throughout Italy there is a wide and wonderful selection of dishes that will fit the bill perfectly for a hearty and warming meal. Pasta Fagioli and Minestrone soups are probably at the top of most lists when it comes to fulfilling a craving for an Italian cold weather lunch or dinner, but here are a few other suggestions that will help round out your quest for that perfect […]

Selecting an appropriate olive oil to prepare a dish is as important as the proper pairing of wine with your menu selection; Italian cooks take this very seriously and with good reason. Selecting the best Italian olive oil, however, is truly a subjective choice. Our palates are individual and unique; what appeals to one, may make another grimace with disdain. To pick your best Italian olive oil you should familiarize yourself with the varieties of oils produced in the different regions of Italy. Tasting and experimentation will help you narrow down your favorites. While olive trees grow throughout all of […]