Gastronomy, the study of food and culture is often thought of as an elitist category. In fact, the gastronome is typically considered one who only studies gourmet delicacies. Under the scrutiny of a gastronome, any country around the world would be hard pressed to prove that the preparation of indigenous foods has not been influenced by other cultures and the introduction of crops and livestock from other lands. This holds true for Italian food as well. For instance, let’s look at the tomato. Tomato sauce is forever linked with Italian cooking. Tomatoes however, are not indigenous to Italy. They were […]
Fine Dining Blog
Italian Foods for Winter
Here at one of the best Italian restaurants Orlando, we understand there is nothing more satisfying or soothing than a hot bowl of soup, stew or pasta on a cold winter’s day. Throughout Italy there is a wide and wonderful selection of dishes that will fit the bill perfectly for a hearty and warming meal. Pasta Fagioli and Minestrone soups are probably at the top of most lists when it comes to fulfilling a craving for an Italian cold weather lunch or dinner, but here are a few other suggestions that will help round out your quest for that perfect […]
Best Italian Olive Oil
Selecting an appropriate olive oil to prepare a dish is as important as the proper pairing of wine with your menu selection; Italian cooks take this very seriously and with good reason. Selecting the best Italian olive oil, however, is truly a subjective choice. Our palates are individual and unique; what appeals to one, may make another grimace with disdain. To pick your best Italian olive oil you should familiarize yourself with the varieties of oils produced in the different regions of Italy. Tasting and experimentation will help you narrow down your favorites. While olive trees grow throughout all of […]
Food Rules for Americans in Italy
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 […]
Cooking Italian Food for Italian Guests
There is probably nothing more intimidating than trying to plan and execute a meal for guests. Well, maybe there is and that would be trying to cook an ethnic meal for people of that ethnicity. You want to get it right and hope you don’t insult. So what Italian food would you prepare for Italian guests coming to dinner? The thought of this may cause you to run screaming from the kitchen, but hold on. It’s really not as daunting as it seems. Several options lay before you. The first is to ditch the idea of serving Italian cuisine and […]