7. The “Italian” day starts strong sweet and fast. A frothy
cappuccino and a sweet cornetto pastry eaten standing up
at the local bar is how to eat breakfast like a local.
11. Italians are not snackers. Lunch and dinner are eaten at
the table, on a normal plate and real silverware and usually
with a glass of wine with your family or work colleagues.
12. A quick plate of pasta or even a large salad are perfectly
acceptable.
17. Italians eat with the seasons; strawberries in the spring and
certain fruits in the summer. Winter is full of citrus and dark
leafy greens and fall is the time for chestnuts porcini
mushroom dishes.
18. Go to the markets and see what is being sold. When you
are in a restaurant, ask what is fresh that day. There are
very often dishes not on the menu.
23. The best pizza in Italy comes from Naples and Rome. The
Neapolitan style has a soft, puffy crust and the Roman style
a thin and crispy crust.
24. Round wood oven cooked pizzas are only served at dinner
and each one is an individual serving. Pizzas arrive at your
table unsliced and they are eaten with a knife and a fork.
25. Have a yearning for pizza during the day? Look for Pizza
al Taglio, pizza by the slice.
27. Stick to coffee, water (fizzy or still or cold gushing from
drinking fountains) and wine.
28. Drink your cafe latte in the morning or a cappuccino for an
afternoon snack. Avoid a milky coffee directly after a
meal. A small, strong espresso is much better for your
digestion.