Every culture around the world has its own unique rules of etiquette when it comes to dining. In France, for example, salad is never to be cut to be eaten. It is folded on the fork and consumed. In Germany, it’s potatoes that should never be cut with a knife, but smashed with a fork, and in Egypt, adding salt to your plate is considered an insult to the cook. In Italian restaurants Orlando, you don’t need to be cued into the appropriate etiquette for consuming your meal, but it is fun to learn about the nuances in breaking bread at an Italian table.
In Italy, every meal is to be savored and celebrated. Food is lovingly prepared and enjoyed by all at the table. Typically, all who are to share the meal need to be seated before the appetizers are consumed, and it is not unusual for a blessing for the food and the cook to be shared prior to starting this course. Following an old tradition that allegedly dates to medieval times to assure your dining companions that you possessed no hidden weapons, your hands are always on the table and elbows may also rest there. It’s a quirky custom, yet effective and comfortable.
The pasta course has its own rules. First, Italians never, ever twirl spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or any other long noodles into a spoon or cut them. That’s what the curves of the plate or bowl are for. Second, this is the only course where you may begin eating before waiting for everyone else to be served. All other courses require you wait for the entire table to be served. Oh, and don’t eat bread before or during the pasta course if you want to blend in. It is OK to use bread to sop up any remaining sauce after eating your pasta.
This trend is changing with the evolution of the foodies here in the U.S., but in Italy, you will not find fish or seafood dishes finished with a grating of any kind of cheese. Shrimp alfredo is not on the menu. It simply isn’t done.
If you are not enjoying wine during your meal, bottled water should be your beverage of choice. Soda, lemonade, and other beverages are typically not offered. While on the subject of beverages, coffee is only consumed after dessert is finished, not during the dessert course, and cappuccino is a breakfast item.
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano is the only one of the Orlando Italian restaurants that stakes its reputation on the authenticity of its cuisine and exemplary service. We know all the subtleties of the Italian dining experience and invite you to dine with us soon. Reservations are suggested. Contact us to savor the best of Italian cuisine.