Italy is known around the world for its indulgent, decadent cuisine. Living in the US for my whole life, hadn't properly prepared me to eat in a foreien country.
In Italy, each dish is a work of art;
EVERYTHING on your plate was out there for a purpose
The Unspoken Rules of Italian Eating
- There is not salt or pepper on the tables. Your food doesn't need seasoning- it's "perfect" the way it is.
- Would you like water or wine to drink with your meal?
- If you want water, you get it in a bottle. No ice.
- So, water...sparkling or still?
- You are not required to tip!
- However you will be charged a sitting fee.
- And even though you don't have to tip, it's still nice to leave a euro or two on the table.
- Oh and they may charge you extra for bread so if you don't want it, say 'no grazie' at the beginning.
- Speaking of the bread, don't expect it to be served warm and with butter like in the U. S. You will have cold bread and olive oil just like the ancient Romans and you'll like it.
- And don't expect it to have much flavor. Italians don't use salt in their bread (because they have it fresh and done need the salt as a preservative.)
- There is no in-and-out in 30 minutes. You sit and enjoy your meal and your company for hours.
- No you may not have a to-go bag. You finish all of your meal in the restaurant. (Asking for a doggy bag is sort of an insult. The meal made for you was prepared for you to have in that moment. They believe that reheating a dish ruins the consistency, flavor and overall experience. )
I visited Italy with an open mind and an open pallet. During our travels I adopted one of our tour guide's philosophies of "Two Bites- No Thank You". This means, always try something new and you can't refuse something without having tasted it first. You're allowed two bites to decide if you like it. If you don't, then you can say 'no thank you.'
