It is the goal of almost everyone who travels to a foreign country to blend in and not look like a tourist. The odds are that they are spotted almost immediately the first time they try to ask for directions, or place an order in a restaurant. When visiting Italy, there are some basic food rules for American travelers that may help you navigate the ins and outs of the local ristorantes and trattorias and perhaps keep you from being an obvious tourist.
Ordering your first breakfast in Italy? Don’t be such an American. Italians do not eat eggs and bacon for breakfast. They do enjoy an espresso or cappuccino and a sweet pastry of some kind. Fruit is optional. If you are craving eggs, hold off until lunch or dinner and you can select hard boiled or a scrumptious frittata.
Want to order a slice of pizza? Please don’t. Pizza is served by weight in Italy. More often than not the server will resort to holding up his or her hands to demonstrate the size of the piece you wish to order if you don’t do it first. Also, “Peperoni” (not to be confused with “pepperoni”) means bell peppers in Italy so be careful in how you order your toppings if you want to avoid a surprise.
It’s hard to believe but spaghetti and meatballs is not a dish that you will find on any menu while visiting Italy. The pasta course may be served with a meat sauce, but meatballs are always reserved for a separate course and never combined with pasta of any kind. If you want to blend in you should avoid making this common mistake.
This next suggestion is a tough one for most American visitors. When in Italy try to avoid asking for soda’s or beer with your meal. Italians drink flat water, sparkling water, and wine with their afternoon and evening meals. If you want to blend in, this is a good way to start. Beer and soda can be ordered when eating pizza, but during mealtime, not so much.
Forget the salad dressing selections that you are accustomed to ordering. Olive oil and a splash of well-aged balsamic vinegar is the staple here. You can also forget the ketchup, mayonnaise and other condiments routinely served in American establishments. A flavorful olive oil is a great substitution and will add fabulous, fresh flavor.
For authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, visit one of the top Italian restaurants Orlando, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano. We have a beautiful menu full of dishes that are traditional to Northern Italy. Make a reservation today.
