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April 27, 2016 by Kim Abbott

Who Knew? The Unusual Origins of Four Popular Italian Dishes

A lot can be learned from a culture from the gastronomic history and traditions found in the region, and the world has hardly a better example of a culture whose culinary history has inspired more people to eat, cook, and travel than Italy. So we’ve compiled a brief survey of some of Italy’s most famous and popular dishes and their histories.

Pizza
It may seem obvious, but there’s much more to pizza than cheap delivery on a Friday night. There’s some disagreement as to where it was first developed as the evidence points equally to Greece and Egypt. But the Romans took to it readily once invading armies brought it to their doorstep. Rome’s great poet, Virgil wrote, 

[…] Their scanty meal to mend, cakes of flour.
Ascanius observ’d this, and they smiling said:
“We devour the plates from which we fed.”

Since then, pizza has become possibly the best-traveled entrée on Earth and serves appetites from the most basic to the most refined.

Chicken Parmigiana
Another dish of specious origins, chicken parmigiana is more the product of Italian immigrants to America and Europe than of Italy. Nevertheless, we credit Italy for this classic representation of Italian cuisine, and if it isn’t a direct offspring of the boot-shaped country, it’s definitely the product of the creativity of its people. That’s good enough for us. The fresh and aromatic tomatoes and gently breaded fillet of chicken in a delicately warmed cheese sauce that we know so well is enjoyed by people the world over. Regardless of where it comes from, this exquisite balance of Italian-inspired ingredients has since been thoroughly mastered by our friends from western Europe. 

Veal Marsala
Veal, of course, is a cut of meat taken from a young cow, and marsala is a type of wine from a region in Sicily of the same name. Chicken is a common meat substitute for those who dislike the caging and killing of immature cows. Those who sympathize with the cows, and feel chicken is too boring often take a sirloin as a substitute. Either way, this is a simple but very distinctive dish served with bread or pasta to absorb the marsala.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo
An Italian phrase meaning ‘brother devil,’ fra Diavolo is the name of a variety of spicy sauces usually made from tomatoes. Frequently attributed to Mediterranean origins due to its heavy use of seafood sources of protein- this is in truth another product of Italian immigrant tradition in the United States. The reliance on shrimp and other shellfish gives this dish its distinctive kick. It is sometimes referred to as the Italian’s answer to Jambalaya. 

It may come as a surprise to learn that some of our favorite Italian dishes have broader origins than we might have thought. But there is some consolation to see that we have actually been enjoying the products of an even broader culture than that of a single European country- and it leaves us with the new possibility of discovering Italian cuisine all over again for the first time.

Filed Under: Food History Tagged With: chicken parmiagana, veal parmiagana

April 15, 2016 by Kim Abbott

5 Italian Traditions You’ll Surely Want To Know

When you think of Italy, you probably think of its delicious food. But did you know there are many other traditions that make Italy the iconic place it is? Check out these time-honored Italian traditions so special you just might adopt them for your own life!

1. Family

For Italians, family is the most important part of life. Italians are extremely close with not just their immediate family but their extended family as well. Italians spend most of their time with their families. Even as children grow, they are taught to stay close to their families—and, as they have their own children, to bring them into the larger family network. Sharing both joys and sorrows with family members is a staple of Italian culture.

2. Music

Italians absolutely love music. They listen to music on holidays and at all family celebrations and special occasions. Italians especially love opera singing! Opera has its roots in Italy. Many famous operas—including “Aida,” “La Traviata” and “Pagliacci”—were written in Italian and are still performed in Italian today.

3. Religion

Most Italians are Roman Catholic. This isn’t so surprising considering that Vatican City—in Rome, Italy—is the heart of Catholicism. In fact, Roman Catholics make up 90 percent of the population in Italy! Italians go to church regularly, where they pray and share their traditions.

4. Holidays and celebrations

Italians embrace any reason to get together with family. They celebrate most Christian holidays, including Christmas and Easter. The Monday after Easter is usually celebrated with family picnics to mark spring’s arrival. Italians also observe Saints Day on November 1, when they decorate deceased family members’ graves with flowers.

Weddings also call for big celebrations in Italian culture. Italians have a church ceremony followed by a reception, where they rent a hall, play music, dance, eat special pastries and drink wine.

Baptisms are also a reason for celebration in Italy. All family members attend christenings as well as the receptions that follow.

Funerals in Italy are particularly moving. Candles are lit as all family members participate in the wake. A church mass is followed by family members accompanying their deceased loved one to their final resting place.

5. Architecture and art

In Italy, you’ll see some of the most famous architecture in the world, such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Italy is also home to the famous painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, done by Michelangelo. In Italy, you’ll also find many world-renowned fashion powerhouses, including Armani, Gucci, Benetton, Versace and Prada.

Learn anything new about Italian culture and traditions? These are just a few of the many things to love about Italy. Want to make some of these traditions your own? Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: architecture, family, italian, italy, music, religion, traditions

March 29, 2016 by Kim Abbott

Italian Cooking 101: 7 ‘Must Have’ Pantry Items to Add to Your Shopping List

2738229_SThere are many cultural specialties around the world from the coq au vin of France to the curries of India, but few types of cuisine are more popular – and adaptable! – than that of the country of Italy. With a style based on simplicity that is replete with the finest of cheese, pasta and sauce, here are a few things you’ll want to add to your pantry so you can serve up simple pleasure in your own kitchen.

All About the Oil

There are few food items more synonymous with Italy than olive oil, so make sure you have a bottle of the finest for making pasta or sprinkling over pizza. Whether you decide on extra-virgin or pure, you’ll want to forego the butter when it comes to having an Italian kitchen.

A Can of Tomatoes

It may go against the typical Italian way to reach for a canned tomato, but they can actually be more flavorful than the average tomato straight from the vine. Whether you’re making sauce for pizza or adding these to pasta, they’ll still provide better flavor than a tasteless tomato.

A Bit of Broth

Whether you decide to make this from scratch and freeze it or purchase it from the shelves of the grocery store, broth is a staple item in many traditional Italian foods. Risotto, one of Italy’s most famous foods, lives and dies through the addition of broth.

Dried or Canned Beans

From a side vegetable to salads and meat specialties, beans are a very popular item in many Italian dishes. The dried variety will often taste better and contain less salt than those that are canned, but if you don’t have the time, a can of beans will serve its purpose well.

A Jar of Tomato Sauce

Few things are more common in Italian cuisine than tomato sauce, but many people don’t have time to make this on their own. Instead of slaving over the pot, pick up a jar that is thick and low in sugar so you can instantly add it to spaghetti or pizza.

Fresh or Dried Pasta

There are few foods around the world that have the versatility of pasta, so keeping a number of different options in your pantry will provide recipe ideas for many months. From fusilli and linguine to spaghetti and penne, there’s no shortage of possibility with this staple food.

Put Some Parmesan On

In truth, there are many varieties of cheese that are specific to Italy, but few have had the influence that Parmesan has. While you can go for the cheaper variety of Grana Padano, if you’re really trying to impress, you’ll want to invest in Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is Italy’s most famous cheese at its best.

A pantry well-stocked with the foods of Italy may make it seem like you’ll be wedged in a culinary corner, but the global appeal of Italian food provides plenty of options you can make your own. Whether it’s pasta one night and risotto the next, it’s hard to exhaust the adaptability of Italian cuisine.

Filed Under: Cooking Tips Tagged With: Cooking

March 15, 2016 by Kim Abbott

6 Great Italian Wines And Exactly What You Should Pair Them With

How To Pair Italian Wines CorrectlyFoodies are fond of saying, “If it grows together, it goes together.” The statement could not be more true of Italian wines. Italy’s widespread vineyards generate some truly amazing red and white wines from premium quality grapes. These wines pair well with all different types of Italian dishes as well as some other ethnic cuisine.

Chianti

Chianti is a powerful, bold red wine. It is best served with entrees that are heavy on flavor. Order a glass of Chianti with a dish that features a rich sauce to create the perfect combination of food and drink. Chianti pairs well with just about any type of pasta dish. Though many claim that this wine tastes best with a tomato based sauce, it can also pair with cream sauces as well. Chianti has a particularly high level of acidity that tastes fantastic with fatty meats such as steak and game meat.

Prosecco

The Vento region of Italy produces this lovely sparking wine. A glass of Prosecco is the perfect way to start your meal. Drink it alongside any type of seafood (like our Chilean Sea Bass!)  and your taste buds will be awash with the perfect combination of flavors. Prosecco tastes especially good with oysters. This wine also pairs nicely with shrimp, prosciutto, chorizo and Marcona almonds.

Vin Santo

If you are on the prowl for a particularly sweet wine, Vin Santo is the answer. This wine is made with grapes from the Malvasia and Trebbiano sections of Italy that have been thoroughly dried. Take a sip and you will immediately notice the considerable amount of sugar and acid in Vin Santo. The unique flavor jives nicely with biscotti, dried fruit, cheese, tarts and pies.

Sangiovese

If you love Italian food with a kick, a strong red wine like Sangiovese is the perfect way to wash down each forkful. It works especially well with Italian entrees that have beef, cheese or red sauces. Yet some foodies are adamant that Sangiovese also pairs nicely with cream sauces and oil based sauces.

Soave

Soave is one of the most flexible white wines around. It tastes great with just about any type of food. Order a glass of Soave with your salad, pasta or grilled vegetables and you won’t regret it. The only types of food that it doesn’t jive with are those that are especially rich or heavy.

Barolo and Barbaresco

Italy’s Piedmont region creates one of the country’s best grapes, the Nebbiolo. This grape is the foundation of two of the world’s tastiest red wines: Barolo and Barbaresco. These wines are best enjoyed with entrees that have a considerable amount of protein and/or fat such as pot roast, ribs or beef stew.

Filed Under: Cooking Tips Tagged With: chianti, Italian Wine, vino, wine

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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

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Mon – Sat: 4pm–9pm
Saturday Dinner: 4pm–9pm

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