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 buried under an inch of melted cheese are not the same as what would be served if you visited Italy.
Keep in mind that not every dish that sounds Italian, is Italian. Some primary examples of non-Italian foods that sound Italian include: chicken tetrazzini (created in the U.S.), lobster fra diavolo (U.S.), chicken parmigiana (U.S.), spaghetti and meatballs (spaghetti is Italian, so are meatballs, however they are never served together in Italy.)
Muffaletta is a very popular Italian sounding sandwich usually consisting of marinatedolive salad, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. Now, there is a type of Sicilian sesame bread called muffaletta, but this sandwich recipe was developed in New Orleans by people of Italian descent.
You will not find garlic bread anywhere in Italy. You will find delicious, crusty breads, flavorful focaccia and bruschetta but you will not find bread served with melted butter and garlic.
Cannoli is most definitely an Italian pastry. They are traditionally filled with a creamy sweetened cheese (most often ricotta) and lightly dusted with confectioner’s sugar. The American version has included the addition of chocolate chips to the filling and sometimes they are topped with whipped cream – even sprinkles. Beware of the fakes if you are seeking the true Italian delight.
Pizza’s made with pineapple, pepperoni, chicken, seafood, or pesto (to name a few), are not Italian. True Italian pizza can be topped with sausage, anchovies, and perhaps prosciutto. There is also much less cheese topping a pizza made in Italy than its American cousin.
Another tell-tale sign that should have you questioning whether or not the food is authentic is misspelling and/or misuse of Italian words. If the sign says “pannini” the restaurant is probably not authentic. “Panini” is the plural of “panino.” Little mistakes like this can speak volumes.
We can’t forget to mention the coffee issue. Café Latte is not an Italian gourmet coffee preparation. Latte means milk in Italy. Italians drink their coffee black or with an added cordial, if they are not enjoying a cappuccino at breakfast.
If you are ready to dispel the myths and sample some of the finest, truly authentic, Northern Italian cuisine, make a reservation and come visit Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, and you can experience true fine dining Orlando.
