Italian food famous the world over is based on the Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruit, grains, fish and dairies with varying recipes according to the various regions. Northern food is generally rich with a preference for meat, cured meats and cheeses, while the south and particularly the coastal areas have a preference for fish and vegetables. Northern food is also more sophisticated with creamy and rich sauces while southern food tends to be lighter based on grilled meat and fish, olive oil and tomato are used as a base rather than butter and cheesy sauces.

Pasta

Contrary to belief Italian food is not just about pizza and pasta, which, as much as they are very popular, are only some of the delicious recipes Italy has to offer. Pizza is usually a snack and is considered finger food or a light meal that is often consumed in a pizzeria with friends over a few beers. Pasta on the other hand is consumed by Italians at least once a day and is usually the first course followed by a second course of fish or meat served with fresh vegetables. Bread is never missing from an Italian table, a lot of dishes often come with sauce therefore bread is used to dip in the sauce, oil or gravy. To clean the plate with bread is referred to as “fare la scarpetta” which, according to good manners, is not what you should do in a posh restaurant, but it is widely accepted everywhere else. The meal always ends with fruit followed by an espresso.

Pizza

Olive oil, olives, tomatoes, parmesan, cured meats, vegetable dishes, homemade ice cream, etc., Italian food is so varied with a lot of good genuine produce to base its recipes on that not only tastes good but is also very nutritious and good for you.
Italian wines are as varied as the food, with many varieties of grapes through Italy. Piedmont and Tuscan wines are Italy’s most famous, in particular we’d like to mention the regal Barolo and Dolcetto d’Alba for Piedmont and Chianti, Montepulciano and the famous Brunello for Tuscany. However other areas in Italy produce as good if not better wines, in particular southern wines are very fruity and rich such as Carignano del Sulcis and Terre Brune from Sardinia. Famous Italian whites are Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio, Vermentino and Orvieto. Italy is also a fine producer of spirits with a large variety of Grappa in the North, and Myrtle and Lemon sweet liqueurs in Sardinia and Sicily.