EAT LIKE AN ITALIAN 2/2
Good food and warm welcome
Italy is all-encompassing passion for food and all its trimmings goes back over centuries. This passion has brought about a series of traditions that Italians hold dear and pass on from generation to generation.
The typical Italian’s enthusiasm to entertain never falters, whatever the occasion.
An invitation at home is a sure way to experience that welcoming feeling of well-being. Amongst good food, drink and the warm hospitality that comes with it. After all, this is what Italians do best!
So let’s continue with our roundup of practical tips and tricks that will make you eat like an Italian in no time!
Buon Appetito!
Those two words being none other than ‘Buon Appetito!’ literally translating into ‘Good appetite!’
Wishing ‘Buon Appetito’ to each other before we start eating is, according to many an etiquette expert, very bad manners!
It sounds like the person uttering it is wishing you luck with your digestion. Actually insinuates that the guest is so hungry he cannot wait to pounce on the food, any food at that! It is safe to say that you will never hear ‘Buon Appetito’ at table.
The food should speak for itself and a simple ‘enjoy’ should suffice.
As for when to start digging in, take a glance at your hosts. If they have taken up the cutlery consider it a sure sign to get on with it and tuck in to your heart’s content!
Ladies and gentlemen: Gelato!
I wonder, who among us can say no to a delightfully enticing gelato!
We Italians are proud to be considered among the highest consumers of gelato.
In Italy, especially during the hot summer, it is not unusual to see large queues waiting for their turn outside the local gelateria.
These stores boast not only the traditional flavours of gelato most Italians usually opt for. Most gelateria also make their own special flavours, usually from local and in-season products.
gelato is not ice-cream
Gelato is not to be confused with ice-cream!
It is essentially an artisanal product and therefore the favour is much more intense than that of ice-cream.
This is because it is made with machines that produce a few kilograms at a time whereas ice-cream. On the other hand, is prepared in very large quantities in a single session and therefore it is fair to call it an industrial product. The differences do not stop there. One must also consider, for example, the contrast in the fat content, the temperature at which they are served but, alas, that is a narrative for another day!
Hot topic: Warm milky beverage
These range from a wide selection of well-known hot beverages such as cappuccino, caffelatte and espresso macchiato, just to name a few, that you can find at the local bar (coffee shop).
cappuccino against latte
A quick word of advice!
When in Italy, refrain from ordering a ‘latte’ and opt for a cappuccino instead.
If you order a latte at the bar, they will serve you a glass of milk, since “latte” means “milk” in italian.
A caffelatte is commonly made and consumed at home for breakfast rather than in a coffee shop.
the right time for cappuccino
In Italy, it is considered odd to drink milky beverages during or after lunch or dinner as caffelattes and cappuccinos are generally enjoyed in the morning or afternoon.
It is also useful to know that a cappuccino or any type of milky beverage should be served warm and never piping hot.
Keep this ‘ammodo’ tips in mind when you are out and about and you will do no wrong!
