L'amore Italian Restaurant

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August 29, 2016 by Kim Abbott

A Brief History of Italian Cuisine

You Say Tomato - I Say SuperfoodIt is no secret that Italian cuisine is beloved around the world. Yet most diners are not aware of the rich history behind these tasty dishes. The country’s ancient inhabitants, the Etruscans, originally subsisted on a diet of meat, soups and variations of cereal. They invented olive oil and a long line of other staples in traditional Italian cuisine.  These staples “set the table” (pun intended) for the culinary explosion that soon followed.

Greeks and Romans

Fast forward to the 8th century and the Greeks had colonized the southern portion of the country. Their primary foods included bread, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, corn-based cereal concoctions, lupines, dry figs and pickled olives. The Greeks consumed also their fair share of walnuts and almonds, both of which are still commonly used in contemporary Sicilian dishes. The Romans centered their meals on meat, fish, vegetables, bread, fruit and wine. No matter what, bread was consumed with each meal.

The Invasion

Once the Roman Empire reached the verge of collapse, imperialists from northern Europe traveled down the Italian peninsula, hoping to gain a larger portion of land. They brought along smoked meats, smoked fish, salted cod (baccala) and variations of casseroles. Arabs in the southern portion of Italy introduced coffee, artichokes, a wide range of spices and rice at the same time. Arabic coffee is an excellent representation of Italian espresso: strong, dark and prepared in a highly nuanced manner.

The French, Spanish and Austrians also had a considerable influence on Italian food. As an example, Spanish invaders introduced the tomato. This vegetable soon served as the foundation of Italy’s delicious cuisine. The Austrians introduced locals to Spritz, an aperitif that spread like wildfire throughout Italy. The Arabs introduced Sicilians to the dish that later evolved into marzipan. This tasty creation quickly became an uber-popular dessert. It is also thought that the Arabs introduced cassata as well. Cassata is a cake made with sugar, royal paste, sheep ricotta and candied fruit. The Arabs also introduced Sicilians to sugar cane, oranges, lemon and an array of other foods.

The Pizza Queen

Ask anyone about Italian food and most will quickly reference pizza. The original version of this scrumptious food was quite simple compared to today’s elaborate concoctions. Pizza’s origins date all the way back to 1889 when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita traveled to Naples. The country’s best pizzaiolo was asked to create pizza for these royal visitors. His best creation was rather basic, consisting of dough, mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil. He created this style of pizza in honor of Italy’s national colors. Queen Margherita enjoyed the pizza to the point that she wrote a letter of gratitude to the pizzaiolo, inspiring him to call the pie “pizza margherita”. This simple but delicious version of pizza is still consumed across the globe today and will likely continue to be cherished by the masses for years to come.

Come in today for a taste of Italy.

Filed Under: Food History

August 4, 2016 by Kim Abbott

The Health Benefits of Tomato Sauce

We all love tomato sauce. To the surprise of some, this delicious creation is one of those rare foods that actually tastes good and benefits the human body. Tomatoes and tomato sauce improve biological functions in countless ways.  Keep reading to find out how tomatoes work their magic.

Tomatoes Improve Heart Health

The consumption of tomatoes has long been tied to improved heart health. Tomatoes and extracts from tomatoes decrease total cholesterol, the LDL form of cholesterol and triglycerides. Tomato extracts also assist in the prevention of platelet cell clumping within the blood. The result is a reduced risk of heart health problems such as atherosclerosis. The phytonutrients within tomatoes are responsible for this heart health benefit along with numerous others. Tomatoes also regulate fats in the bloodstream to boost cardiovascular health.

Tomatoes Boost Bone Health And More

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment provides an array of health benefits. Medical studies have shown a connection between the consumption of tomatoes and improved bone health. This is likely due to the fat that there is an abundance of antioxidants and lycopene in tomatoes. Contrary to popular opinion, lycopene is found in tomatoes of all colors, not just those of the deep red variety.

Tomatoes are Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of vitamin C, beta-carotene, mineral manganese and vitamin E. Most of these vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants and/or provide numerous other health benefits. The presence of vitamin C is particularly strong in tomatoes. Those who cook tomatoes will be happy to know that the cooking process does not eliminate this vitally important nutrient. A whopping 18 milligrams of vitamin C are found in one cup of cooked tomatoes. Aside from warding off sickness, vitamin C also helps the body produce collagen and even improves brain functions.

Tomatoes Help in the Fight Against Cancer

Research has shown that tomatoes provide numerous anti-cancer benefits. Though studies have not been conducted to determine the impact of tomatoes on each type of cancer, it is clear that the antioxidants in tomatoes are critically important in the fight against cancer. A good portion of cancers begin to form as the result of chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of tomatoes go a long way to decrease the odds of cancer. In particular, the odds of prostate cancer are significantly reduced when one consumes tomatoes. It is likely that the link between tomato consumption and low incidences of cancer will continue to strengthen as more studies are conducted on specific types of cancer.

Other Tomato Health Benefits

Diets that are rich in tomatoes have also been proven to decrease the odds of certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple studies have also shown that tomato consumption is linked to a lower risk of obesity.

Filed Under: Healthy Food Tagged With: Healthy, tomatoes

July 12, 2016 by Kim Abbott

Fun and Interesting Facts About Italian Food That You Probably Didn’t Know

Italian food receives more fanfare than any other ethnic cuisine for good reason. From pizza to pasta, gelato and wine, Italian food simply can’t be beat. Let’s take a look at some facts about these popular culinary creations that most people are unaware of.

Real Italian Pasta is Cooked al Dente

Traditional Italian pasta is rather rigid compared to American versions. Italians cook pasta “al dente”, meaning that it is removed from the cooking pan and served once it has reached its ideal texture. Plenty of Italian chefs will throw a few pieces of cooked pasta against the wall to see if they stick. Once sticking occurs, the pasta is ready to eat. Aside from tasting better, al dente pasta is also significantly easier for the digestive system to process than the overcooked pasta that most amateur chefs make.

Traditional Italian Pizza Features Thin Crust

The average American thinks that authentic pizza has medium to thick crust. This is the result of American cooks manipulating the traditional pizza recipe into their own unique versions. The truth is that the vast majority of pizzas served in the United States are nowhere near authentic. Real Italian pizza is distinguished from most American versions by its comparatively thin crust.

Speaking of Pizza, Italians Like it Simple

Authentic Italian pizza is referred to as pizza margherita. It is quite basic, featuring dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil. Countries across the globe have altered this simple recipe into fancy versions that betray the food’s roots. Foodies will also find it interesting to know that pepperoni pizza is an American twist on traditional Italian pizza. In Italy, “peperoni” as they spell it, actually means bell pepper.

Fettuccine Alfredo is not Authentic Italian Fare

Contrary to popular opinion, Fettuccine Alfredo does not represent traditional Italian food. Legitimate examples of Italian pasta dishes are lasagna, ravioli and spaghetti with meatballs. Those creamy and cheesy Alfredo dishes certainly taste good yet they are primarily served in Italian restaurants in the United states rather than Italy. Few know that this dish debuted in 1914 when Alfredo di Lelio trademarked it. The dish exploded in popularity at his New York restaurant and was soon copied by chefs throughout the United States. Yet few Italian chefs in the homeland added it to their menus.

Italy’s Espresso is Quite Simple

A considerable percentage of Italy’s population consumes espresso. Many drink it for breakfast and after lunch/dinner. Yet true espresso does not contain flavor shots like those added to most American versions of the coffee. Real espresso does not contain milk either. If you order a latte version of anything in Italy, you would likely be served with a glass of plain milk.

Filed Under: Cooking Tips Tagged With: Pasta, Pizza

June 17, 2016 by Kim Abbott

How to Eat Italian Food With the Proper Etiquette

When it comes to chowing down on Italian food, plenty of people proceed with what is best described as reckless abandon. The truth is that there are a number of unwritten rules when it comes to consuming Italian food.

Real Italians Drink Cappuccino With Breakfast

Cappuccino and espresso are enormously popular amongst Italians. Yet cappuccino is not meant to be consumed beyond the breakfast hour. Native Italians will testify that cappuccino is strictly reserved for the morning. A true Italian will shudder at the thought of drinking cappuccino after lunch or dinner.

Italians Aren’t big on Breakfast

If you head on out to a legitimate Italian restaurant or cafe for breakfast, you will likely observe little eating and plenty of drinking. Devouring a breakfast plate full of eggs, bacon, toast and home fries is not something that real Italians do. Italians typically enjoy coffee, espresso or cappuccino in the morning. Some will pair one of these beverages with a cornetto (the Italian version of a croissant).

Dunking Bread Into Olive Oil is not a Common Practice Amongst Native Italians

Step foot in any one of Italy’s restaurants and you probably won’t see too many people dipping their bread into olive oil. Slathering olive oil onto bread products is a phenomenon that developed in the United States and other countries. Italians certainly love olive oil yet it is not meant to be a dunking sauce for bread.

Bread is Consumed With Your Meal

Few Italians eat bread before a meal. We all love bread yet it is meant to be enjoyed with the actual meal itself, not in advance of the main dish. Many Italians will intentionally save their bread to clean up leftover sauces that remain on the plate.

Coffee Should be Consumed After Your Meal

Italians typically view coffee as a digestive aid. Ordering coffee before a meal or alongside a meal rarely occurs.

Parmesan Cheese on Pizza is a No-No

Real Italians don’t put parmesan cheese on their pizza. Parmigiano, as the Italians call it, is meant for pasta dishes. Mozzarella cheese is meant for pizza. Some Italians will even frown upon adding parmesan cheese to dishes where it is not called for. The bottom line is that if parmesan cheese is not offered, it should not be added to the dish.

Eating on the Run is not Something Italians Do

Italians frown upon the activity of rushed eating. Food is meant to be savored in a patient manner. One who eats snacks or meals while multitasking or traveling is unable to truly enjoy flavors. Furthermore, such rushed eating is considered to be sloppy and a bit pathetic. Italians value food to the point that many meals last two to three hours in length. The only exception is gelato. Plenty of Italians will enjoy gelato during an evening stroll around the neighborhood.

Filed Under: Food History Tagged With: Cuisine, Etiquette, italian

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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

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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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