Check out these four interesting facts and customs about Italian food.
We are all familiar with Italian food and the delicious variety it offers, but there are a few interesting facts and customs that you may not know about! Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, and each culture has put their own spin on classic Italian dishes. Continue reading to learn about a few facts and customs about authentic Italian food.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Is Not An Italian Dish
When you think of real Italian food, the popular dish of spaghetti and meatballs may cross your mind. However, this renowned dish is actually not an authentic Italian meal, as most traditional pasta dishes are not topped with meat. There are only a select few special pasta dishes that contain meat, as it is typically reserved for dishes cooked “al Forno.” In fact, you will never see chicken on top of pasta in Italy- while chicken alfredo is a favorite dish in the U.S.
Italian Wedding Soup Doesn’t Exist In Italy
While Italian wedding soup is quite popular in the U.S., this soup is not actually Italian. It is not known exactly where the dish came from, but it is assumed that it originated from a melding of Italian and American cuisine. While it is a delicious soup, you won’t be able to order it in Italy!
Pepperoni Pizza Is From The U.S.
While you may think all pizza originated from Italy, pepperoni pizza originated in America. The word “peperoni” (with one P) means bell pepper in Italian, so if you order a “pepperoni pizza,” you will likely be served a pizza with the vegetable instead of the meat!
Salad and Bread Are Not Appetizers
When sitting down at an Italian restaurant in the U.S., you will often be served a salad and a basket of bread as the appetizer. However, in Italy, the bread and salad are not eaten before a meal. The bread is used to eat with extra sauce left on your plate after finishing the meal, while salad is also eaten after the meal to help with digestion. Italian dressing is also not found in Italy, as authentic salads are simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.
Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli
Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!
Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!
Tags: Giolitti Deli, italian food, pasta, pizza