L'amore Italian Restaurant

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Limoncello: A Classic Italian After Dinner Beverage

Have you ever taken a trip to Italy? If so, there is a chance that you may have been given a complimentary glass of limoncello after the meal. This is one of the most popular drinks in all of Italy, and you might find it on the shelves of local stores as well. The recipe is remarkably straightforward. ;imoncello is an Italian liqueur. It is made from lemon zest, water, sugar, and alcohol. Even though different alcohols might be used, one of the most popular is vodka. What do you need to know about this drink, and why is it so popular? 

Where Did Limoncello Come From?

So, where did limoncello come from? Even though the exact origins are unknown, the common belief throughout Italy is that the drink originated in a house located in Capri somewhere during the early 20th century. Locals used to grow oranges and lemons to create drinks for their guests. Following the end of World War Two, bars opened in this part of the country with limoncello as an option for guests. Even though Capri is commonly associated with limoncello, the drink is also closely associated with Sorrento, Positano, and the rest of the Amalfi Coast. Even though each town has its own specific recipe for this drink, it is common throughout all of Italy. 

How Should You Enjoy Limoncello?

Typically, this drink is served after a meal. For example, you may be given a class after dinner. Usually, the drink is served in a small ceramic dish. Even though it is remarkably sweet, the tart flavor belies its very high alcohol content. It is not intended to be taken as a shot. You should sip the drink slowly, savoring every drop. Furthermore, the drink can be mixed into a few cocktails, but it is usually enjoyed straight. 

You May Find it as an Ingredient in Desserts

Because the drink is so popular throughout Italy, it is commonly included as an ingredient in desserts. For example, lots of people love cheesecake, gelato, and pound cake made with this popular liquor. If you ever take a trip to Capri or the Amalfi Coast, you may be given some limoncello after a meal. Then, when you fall in love with it like everybody else, you may want to take a bottle of limoncello back with you to share with your family members and friends! 

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What Are The Different Types Of Italian Bread?

When you think about Italy, you probably think about high-quality food and drinks. Many people think about pasta, pasta sauce, wine, and cheese when they think about Italian dishes. On the other hand, Italy is also known for the tremendous quality of its spread. There are numerous types of Italian bread and if you are trying to figure out the right type of bread to go with your meal, it is important to be familiar with a few of the most popular examples. 

Focaccia Bread

Without a doubt, Focaccia is one of the most popular types of Italian bread. This type of Italian bread is baked in the oven and is commonly compared to pizza dough when it comes to style and texture. Usually, Focaccia bread is seasoned with salt, olive oil, and a variety of herbs. Focaccia is commonly used as a side for many entrees; however, it can also be used as a base for pizza. 

Rosetta Bread

Another popular bread that is found in Italy is called Rosetta bread. This bread is usually compared to a hollow roll. As a result, it is usually used to make sandwiches. Rosetta bread comes from round and derives its name from the unique nose shape that the role has when it comes out of the oven. 

Pizza Bianca Bread

It is difficult to talk about Italian bread without mentioning pizza. Pizza Bianca bread is a specific type of bread that is used for pizza. The exact style of pizza Bianca bread does vary from region to region. Now, this bread is commonly served as an appetizer and is even used for sandwiches. 

Ciabatta Bread

Similar to pizza dough, ciabatta is also a flatbread. Ciabatta is usually harder and texture and slightly less oily than pizza bread. Ciabatta bread is commonly used for sandwiches. It is frequently found in bakeries and grocery stores throughout not only Italy but the rest of the world as well. A lot of restaurants use ciabatta bread for their sandwiches. 

Select The Right Italian Bread

Ultimately, there are dozens of varieties of Italian bread. These are just a few of the most popular examples. If you are trying to find the right red to pair with your meal, it is helpful to speak to a professional Italian chef. Better yet, why not visit Italy and learn about the different types of bread?

 

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What Are The Top Italian Dining Traditions?

If you are thinking about having an Italian dinner, then you need to stay up-to-date on the top Italian dining Traditions. When people think about Italian food, they commonly think about delicious pasta, unique pizza, and meals that are bursting with flavor. At the same time, so truly get the entire Italian experience, it is a good idea to think about a few Italian dining traditions. What are a few of the top points to keep in mind? 

Bread And Pasta Do Not Go Together

First, it is important to highlight the role that red plays an Italian mule. Obviously, Italy is known for its delicious bread. At the same time, bread is also meant to be eaten first. Bread is a starch. Famed Italian pasta is also a starch. Therefore, they should not be eaten together. Bread should be eaten first. Once the bread is gone, the main course can be brought out. Be sure to eat bread like an Italian. This usually means with a soup or salad course. 

Coffee Is Only Allowed After Dinner

In Italy, coffee is seen as a way to help you digest your meal. Therefore, drinking it with the main course is seen as misguided. Therefore, coffee is always reserved for after the meeting. There are lots of variations on coffee including espressos, cappuccinos, and more. All of them are meant to be consumed after the meal is done. Furthermore, the caffeine in these drinks can help you stay awake if your body is tempted to fall asleep after eating a delicious Italian dinner. 

Italians Share Their Dishes

When you go to a restaurant in the United States, you are probably used to ordering a dish that is meant for you. This is not how it is done in Italy. An Italian dinner is meant to be shared. The goal is to try as many different dishes as possible. Therefore, Italian dishes are usually served on large plates that are meant to be passed around. This will also help facilitate conversation during dinner. Never try to eat all of the food on a single platter. This will be seen as rude. 

Eat Dinner Like An Italian

These are a few of the top traditions and etiquette tips to keep in mind when it comes to eating an Italian dinner. There is something special about Italian food. It is always packed with flavor. Make sure that you enjoy it like an Italian as well.

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The Role of Capers in Italian Cooking

The caper, also referred to as Capparis Spinosa, grows on spiny perennials highlighted by sizable white and pink flowers.  Capers are officially classified as buds.  Though there are other parts of capers that grow on perennial bushes, the bud is the component most commonly used for culinary purposes.  Take a look at the ingredients listed on the top Italian dishes and sauces and you are sure to find capers listed for good reason: these diminutive buds pack a powerful punch of flavor.

The Origins of the Caper
Capers grow along walls and rocks throughout the Mediterranean region.  Most capers are either pickled or salted prior to consumption.  These small buds are commonly used as seasonings as well as garnishes in a wide variety of Italian dishes.  It is believed capers originated in especially dry parts of central and western Asia.  In fact, the Sumerian clay tablets mention capers in Gilgamesh’s writings.  Historians insist the ancient Greeks used capers for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. 

Capers in Italian Dishes
Caper flavor increases when its mustard oil is emitted from its buds.  This enzyme reaction spurs rutin that manifests in the form of crystallized white marks along the exterior of caper buds.  Capers are used in all sorts of pasta dishes, seafood/meat entrees, pizzas, and myriad other Italian dishes.  Capers are also used in tartar sauce, sometimes served with cured or cold-smoked salmon.  

It is particularly interesting to note restaurants as well as residents in southern Italy preserve capers in salt instead of brining them.  Head to Sicily and you will find capers are an important ingredient in the summer side dish known as Caponata.  This side dish features slow-cooked eggplant along with capers and other spices.  Take a trip to Naples and you will find capers are a key ingredient in Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca.  The capers in this dish are combined with anchovies, olives, and tomatoes. 

The Creative Uses of Capers
Capers are used beyond traditional entrees and the occasional eggplant side dish.  These flavorful buds are also used in tapenades, pestos, and salads.  In fact, some Italians add capers to crostinis.  Especially adventurous culinary creators will serve up capers with mixed berries combined with pickled and brined veggies for quite the daring antipasti platter. 

The extent to which capers are used in culinary creations ultimately hinges on the chef’s creativity and willingness to take chances.  Order a dish featuring capers and your taste buds are sure to be satisfied.

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3159 E Lincoln Dr
Phoenix , AZ 85016
Phone: 602.381.3159

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Credit for most photos: Kay W. Eskridge: Images By Kay

Our Hours

Lunch
TBD.
Dinner
Mon – Sat: 4pm–9pm
Saturday Dinner: 4pm–9pm

Sunday Closed

Happy Hour
Mon – Fri: 4:00pm–6:00pm
No happy hour on Saturdays

Holiday Closures: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, sometimes Christmas Eve (call to check), Christmas Day

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