Are you out of inspiration for lunch or dinner; would like to try something new but not sure what? Then why not have a shot at some Italian restaurants. If you think that Italian food is only spaghetti and lasagna, well you are in for a surprise! Of course pastas are a part of their regime, but there is much more to it!
The different regions of Italy were unified in 1861. The Italian food was then influenced by many factors: the different regions of Italy as well as by Greek, Arab, Roman and Norman cultures. Today's Italian restaurants reflect mostly either the southern or northern part of the country.
The main difference between both is principally the type of pasta used and the cooking fat. The northern part will tend to use Mascarpone cheese, butter, cream, fresh egg pasta and risotto. The southern Italy will prefer dried pasta, olive oil, mozzarella cheese from buffalo milk, and also a lot of tomatoes.
Typical Italian restaurants menus are composed of 5 sections, the first one being the Antipasto. The antipasto is the hot and cold appetizers. For instance, it could consist of breaded calamari (squid), stuffed olives, Caprese salad (a ripe tomato topped with basil and fresh mozzarella) or baked artichoke hearts.
The second part would be the Primo. The Primo is the first course. It usually includes a warm dish like soup, pasta or risotto. There generally are some vegetarian options at this point of the meal. The next part is the Secondo. It consists of a second main course mainly composed of meat. Veal would be the meat of choice in this culture, even though beef has grown in popularity since WWII.
All meals come with a Contorno, a side dish. Those are either vegetables, or a fresh salad of your choice, many of which can be tailored to suit individual tastes. The best has been saved for last, with the dolce. Dolce is the dessert that finishes the meal in beauty!
Just about the way local food is diversified in the US depending which state you are from, or whether you come from the south or the north, all restaurants have their own version, but it usually follows the big lines of it.
Italian restaurants are now common in northern America, citizens enjoying its flavor all over the continent. The Michelin guide reviews establishments, and can help you pick the one of your choice, that your entire family should appreciate. With today's technology, you can find restaurant's full or partial menus in phone books, or online. So with all these tools in hand, enjoy your meal!
The different regions of Italy were unified in 1861. The Italian food was then influenced by many factors: the different regions of Italy as well as by Greek, Arab, Roman and Norman cultures. Today's Italian restaurants reflect mostly either the southern or northern part of the country.
The main difference between both is principally the type of pasta used and the cooking fat. The northern part will tend to use Mascarpone cheese, butter, cream, fresh egg pasta and risotto. The southern Italy will prefer dried pasta, olive oil, mozzarella cheese from buffalo milk, and also a lot of tomatoes.
Typical Italian restaurants menus are composed of 5 sections, the first one being the Antipasto. The antipasto is the hot and cold appetizers. For instance, it could consist of breaded calamari (squid), stuffed olives, Caprese salad (a ripe tomato topped with basil and fresh mozzarella) or baked artichoke hearts.
The second part would be the Primo. The Primo is the first course. It usually includes a warm dish like soup, pasta or risotto. There generally are some vegetarian options at this point of the meal. The next part is the Secondo. It consists of a second main course mainly composed of meat. Veal would be the meat of choice in this culture, even though beef has grown in popularity since WWII.
All meals come with a Contorno, a side dish. Those are either vegetables, or a fresh salad of your choice, many of which can be tailored to suit individual tastes. The best has been saved for last, with the dolce. Dolce is the dessert that finishes the meal in beauty!
Just about the way local food is diversified in the US depending which state you are from, or whether you come from the south or the north, all restaurants have their own version, but it usually follows the big lines of it.
Italian restaurants are now common in northern America, citizens enjoying its flavor all over the continent. The Michelin guide reviews establishments, and can help you pick the one of your choice, that your entire family should appreciate. With today's technology, you can find restaurant's full or partial menus in phone books, or online. So with all these tools in hand, enjoy your meal!
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