Take these lessons for enjoying friends and food from the Italian lifestyle and apply it to your own!
At Giolitti Deli, we try and bring an Italian appreciation for food, family, and “la vita bella” to every dish and item we sell to our guests. But what exactly is the Italian way? And do you have to wait to visit Giolitti Deli to enjoy it? Well, the answer to that last question is a resounding “no.” If you want to apply the best lessons Italian culture can teach us over here in America, read below to learn how to live the “beautiful life” every day.
Eat Slowly, Locally, and With Friends
The slow food movement is an excellent example of how Italians prefer to enjoy their meals. Dinners are unhurried and eaten around a table with your family or a close group of friends. You take the time to socialize and eat a couple of courses while enjoying the exceptional flavors present in classic Italian dishes. This not only lets you catch up with loved ones but gives you time to savor the traditional flavors.
Drink in Moderation
Like most of us, Italians love wine, but they know how to share a bottle with a table and how to drink small glasses with their meals. The Italian lifestyle encourages drinking to socialize or enhance the flavor of your meal, rather than binge-drinking to party.
Let Yourself Indulge
Italian desserts are fantastic and worldwide favorites. Gelato, pastries, tiramisu, cannolis…the list goes on. Italians know that these rich desserts are better in moderation, so they don’t feel guilty about indulging in a cup of gelato now and then. Importantly, the servings of desserts are often smaller than we’re used to; but that makes them easier to eat after your dinner!
Slow Down
It can be hard to escape the “hustle” mentality, but taking a cue from the Italian lifestyle and slowing down your daily schedule can help you de-stress and enjoy life a bit more. Don’t speed-walk to the post office, but enjoy the stroll down the block. Let your meals linger, rather than eating as fast as you can. The slow life lets you be present to the everyday pleasures around you.
Keep Family Close
Families in Italy tend to stay close, with grandparents helping care for grandchildren and extended families staying in regular contact. Many families are spread throughout the country in America, but if you have family close, making an effort to have family dinners once a week is a great way to nourish your family ties.
Spend Time Outdoors
The communal feel of the Italian lifestyle comes from the many people who like to congregate outdoors for lunch, play, or chit-chat. Many Italians also shop at outdoor markets, enjoying the sun while selecting food and merchandise. This is harder to do in America, but if you have the opportunity to walk a shopping boulevard, or eat lunch “al fresco,” taking that chance can be a great decision.
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: desserts, italian, italian culture, italian lifestyle, slow food movement