As promised here comes the other five secrets revealed.
6. Only drink wine or water with a meal
When I was in America, my roommate used to open up the fridge come dinnertime and list every drinkable thing inside. This would never happen in Italy.
The table is usually set with a bottle of sparkling or still water, and a bottle of wine. Cocktails and liquors are reserved for: aperitivi (before-dinner drinks) and digestivi (after dinner drinks). One exception is pizza, to which Coke and beer are acceptable compliments.
Italians take enjoying the flavor of food very seriously and for us drinking peach ice tea with rosemary lamb chops is really incredible.
7. Don’t ask for “fettuccine alfredo”
They don’t exist here. Alfredo is an Italian name, and when my guests ask me if I really have never heard of “fettuccine alfredo,” I answer: “Chi?” (Who?). This really is the funniest story of an Italian dish that doesn’t exist here. One of the most popular condiments in the world is virtually unknown in Italy.
Italians eat the pasta with butter and Parmesan cheese only in the following situations: if you have stomach pain, if you are in hospital, if your fridge is empty or if there’s also sage and you’re eating tortellini.
8. Use condiments sparingly
Olive oil is the only real Italian condiment. People in Italy like to enjoy the exceptional flavor of what they’re eating (which is usually handmade, or picked that day), and not mask it with other toppings. If they’re eating chicken, they want to taste chicken, not barbecue sauce. A condiment (olive oil is the only real Italian condiment) should enhance flavors, never cover them up.
9. Don’t ask for salad dressing
…reach for the olive oil and vinegar.
In Italy salad is dressed with: extra virgin olive oil, salt and vinegar, or extra virgin olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar, or extra virgin olive oil, salt and lemon. Any other dressing is not Italian.
10. Take time to enjoy your food
It’s not uncommon for Italians to spend an hour preparing a meal and even more time savoring every bite. And when eating out: service is slow, courses are many, and it’s unlikely that a waiter will ever tell you they “need your table.”
Italian food is unbelievably good and so worthy of “wasting” an hour; sitting at a table is so much nicer that running around town with a sandwich in your hand.
Relax! You’re in Italy!