Buon Giorno!
Welcome to the latest installment of Tasty Thursday!
It is time to sit back, relax and savor the moment!
"My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it."
-Buddy Hackett
Food - what else is there to talk about?
Well, many things, but food is so versatile!
We need it to function, it is fun to prepare, the smell of good food is an absolute pleasure and please don't get me started on the "Eating" aspect!!!
"C is for cookie, it's good enough for me; oh cookie cookie cookie starts with C."
-Cookie Monster
I love many different types of cuisines, but Italian is my favorite.
Yes, I am biased - I am a full blooded Italian, but what is not to love?
A traditional Italian meal usually consists of an appetizer (antipasti), first course (primo) - pasta, a second course (secondo) - meat, side dishes (contorni) and dessert (dolce). One meal can last hours and hours!!
Then you throw in wine and after dinner drinks - it is a party!
Now, you may wonder how someone could eat everything that is offered, but what you have to understand is that even though you may have many courses, the actual amount of food you eat is not overwhelming. The key is to sit, talk, drink wine and eat small portions. Fruit, vegetables and numerous healthy dishes are always available.
You can visit any traditional restaurant in Italy and will never be served plates "PILED" with food. The concept of all-you-can-eat and extremely large portions is an American thing.
I cringe when I go out to eat and the server places a bowl overflowing with pasta, meat, etc.. in front of me. It is very unappetizing and I am turned off every time it happens! Therefore, even though we dine out on a regular basis I try to steer clear of those types of restaurants.
Yes, Yes, Yes - I sound like a snob, I know! What you fail to realize is that I grew up in a strict Italian household and we very rarely dined out - so I am used to eating a certain way. Also, in this day and age of pre-packaged, pre-fabricated, chemically modified food I try to stay away from the "Phony" stuff! The Italians had it right when they started the Slow Food Movement!
I realize how long this post is already and I have not even begun to delve into the wonderful world of Italian cuisine!
Stayed tuned for the next installment of Tasty Thursday - coming to you live on May 21, 2009!
“If it had been an Italian who codified the world of cuisine, it would be thought of as Italian.”
-Escoffier
Don't change that channel!!!
Ciao!
2 comments:
I can't wait for the next installment-I was hoping that you were going to share the recipe on the dish pictured at the start of this piece!
I agree about the whole slow food experience. I love countries that still celebrate a daily siesta. It is a very healthy way to live as it accommodates the soul into everyday life. You are able to sit with family and talk which is becoming more and more rare in American life. I enjoyed this post, thanks for offering up! Viva Italia!
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