A Canadian in Italy

10 Foodie Things Italians Have Got Right, and 10 They Don’t

29 Mar 2012 3 Comments

by eloradaphne in Daily Life, Food and Recipes, Italy Tags: bad Italian food, bread, buscuits, foccaccia, good Italian food, Italian Food, panino, Pasta, pesto, pizza, salad, soup

A recent conversation with one of my students led to one of the most common topics in coversation in Italy – food.

If you ask any Italian what country has the best food, they will stand up straighter, look down on you, raise an eyebrow and say, incredulously, “Why Italy, of course!” I mean, how could I ever think otherwise? But, as someone raised in a multicultural country like Canada, I can’t believe that Italian is the BEST food in the world – I think every country has at least one dish that is amazing.

But I digress. This conversation I had with my student led me to reflect a moment on some of the things Italy has that are pure awesomeness, and some others that they just can’t seem to get right (sorry guys). So here they are, in no particular order:

10 Foodie Things They Got Right:

1. Foccaccia. This is something that we North Americans think we are familar with, but nay, until you have tasted real foccaccia (from Genova, becuase even in other parts of Italy, it’s not so great), you know NOTHING people. Real foccacio is soft, chewy and oily and salty, and so not good for you, but so, so delicious.

2. Pesto. Another Genoese specialty. Interestingly enough, although the main ingredients are the same throughout Liguria, each part of the area makes it a little diffferently when serving it with pasta. For example, some add green beans and potatoes to the pasta and mix it all together with the pesto. I honestly love it this way, and it is the only way I eat green beans!

3. Gelato. Is anyone really going to try and debate with me on this one? Never has there been a creamier ice cream. Although sometimes lacking in flavour variety, there is nothing like the texture and taste that a cone or cup of gelato can give. Damn you lactose intollerance!

4. Regional Cooking. In no other country of the world (I think) is there so much variety in regional cooking. Every Region, Province and yes even every town, has it’s own special digh that they make only there in their own special way, that no-one else knows how to make. YOu could live here a life time and never have tasted everything.

5. Pasta. There is a reason Italy is famous for this around the world.

6. Pizza. See point 5.

7. Olive Oil. I know the entire Mediterranean area is famous for olive production, but I have tasted olive oil from many places, and no-one has it like they do in Italy. Now, every region will say their’s is the best (there is no unity in food competition in this country), but they are all good. Their taste ranges from the suble blending of flavours in the amber aged oils to the sharp almost spicy bit of the green fresh pressed oils. They’ve even invented the oil somelier here.

8. Seafood. This is a toughie, because I have had some pretty awesome seafood all over the world, actually never have I found a country that can make it wrong. But try a fritto misto or marinated anchovies, and you will be in heaven!

9. Deli meats. Also known as cold cuts. The variety of deli meats in this country is incredible. Try and say “salami” to the grocer, and they will spew forth a list of about forty different kinds, all made within a radious of 100km. There is a reason why you can’t find a Christmas ham in this country – it is all turned into prosciutto, or salami of some sort!

10. Wine. I’m no expert, but in a country where nearly every family has someone who makes their own, and who knows the moon cycles and harvest times by heart, you really can’t go wrong, no matter what wine you choose from the list.

… And 10 They Don’t:

1. Bread. Notwithstanding that Italians eat bread with every meal (yes, even with pasta), their bread all tastes, well, the same. It is either crusty or soft, but the middle is the same. Everywhere. Where are the whole grains, the seeds, the nuts, and all the other good stuff you can find in breads all over the world? Sometimes I try and make my own bread, but it is pretty hard to find the goods to put in it, at a reasonable price anyways.

2. Sandwiches. Notwithstanding the amazing variety in deli meats, which is such a great base for their sandwiches, the Italians have not figured out the great art of sandwich-making. You can either get a tramezzini (stale breat filled with mayonnaise and something – way overdone) or you get a panino (a slab of bread, sometimes so crusty it hurts you palate to take a bit out of it, with a couble slices of meat in it. Period). What about some nice crisp lettuce? A couple of tomatoes, sprouts, cheese? Some mustard and may? And some soft yummy bread, maybe slightly toasted…a bagel perhaps? Need I say more?

3. Meat. I’m talking beef and pork and chicken. No matter where you are, the meat is often prepared in a similar manner, either raw or overcooked, breaded or grilled with nothing. No roast beef, no babrbeque. Italian barbeque is grilled meat. Nothing more, no sauce, no marinade. Not so great to be honest.

4. Milk. Italians have great cheese, but the milk is undrinkable. I used to drink a glass of milk a day. Since I came to Italy that has stopped. And I only became lactose intollerant a few years ago.

5. Cookies/Biscuits. Anyone ever tried what they pass off as cookies here? Ever tried different brands, with supposedly different ingredients? Ever noticed a difference in taste? Ya, neither have I.

6. Breakfast. Partially related to point 5 above is breakfast. Now in North America we may exaggerate with the eggs and the bacon and stuff, but even during the week usually breakfast is filling and some of it is good for you at least. Italian breakfast consists in cafelatte/tea and a few cookies or a croissant. Pure sugar, no sustenance. No wonder they need huge lunches – I would be ravenous!

7. Multiculturalism in food. This isn’t really a food in itself but it is an attitude to food. Nothing is better than Italian food. Strangely enough, my husband now goes crazy for pad thai, sushi and waffles. Hmmmm. I must confess however that the situation has improved over the years, with more ethnic restaurants opening up here and there.

8. Cakes, pies and deserts in general. Italians have a few amazing desserts: tiramisu, cannelone siciliano, and pastries are some of the amazing specialties they have here. But their cakes are three types and three types they remain. Crostata is good, but really you can only put in so many flavours of jam before it gets boring.

9. Picnics. I know this is a strange one, but I used to love going on picnics, and loved picnic food. Alas, since most picnic food consists of sandwiches and fingerfood, the country falls short.

10. Soups and Salads. Again a lack of creativity in both. There are the usual four or five soups. Finis. Then the salads, usually consisting of tomatoes, carrots and lettuce, dressed in oil and vinegar. Where is the daring with some fruit? Or different dressings? Vegetables can be fun and amazing, if only you would dare with them!

And there you have it. Did I miss something? Rememeber this is purely subjective, so feel free to agree or disagree in the comments!!