To a large extent, human beings are very similar to many other creatures of the world. We eat, we find mates, and we seek comfort. What makes humans special is our ability to take common biological functions, raise them to the level of art, to savor exquisite experiences, and to enshrine them in memory- making our lives so much richer. Interestingly, the act of eating engages more of the nervous centers of the brain than any other activity- meaning eating is the single most stimulating thing we do. So it’s easy to see that by raising food preparation to the level of an art form we can add a significant amount of value to the experience of living.

Resources

Naturally, not all people at all points in history have had nearly the amount of food resources available to us today in the Western world. However, this has not prevented many cultures from developing extremely rich, diverse, and creative culinary traditions. In fact, most of the ethnic food cultures of the world were developed as a response to meager access to resources. Arguably, most if not all of the global food cultures that we enjoy in America today were developed by ordinary people getting by on modest means who figured out creative ways to make their food last a long time, go a long way, and still taste great.

Italian food is no different. As rich and varied as the history of the country, with its origins running deep into Rome’s ancestral history, people, politics, culture and social power- Italy’s food culture is equally unique. Italian cuisine has evolved and changed along with the history of Italy itself through centuries of war, cultural change and imports. It is a history that is as rich, colorful, and captivating as its long list of amazing recipes.

Feasting

The Romans loved feasting. The banquet wasn’t just a time for social conviviality, but also an occasion where new dishes were debuted and enjoyed. The Empire embraced flavors and recipes from the many lands it conquered: spices from Mesopotamia, fish from the Mediterranean, and cereals from the plains of Africa. Imperial Rome was possibly one of the first true food-fusion hot spots in the world. The Romans, however, contrary to today, liked complex and intricate flavors. Their dishes required sophisticated preparation methods- and an equally sophisticated palate. Fish sauces, ostrich meat, and roasted game- all washed down with copious amounts of red wine, honey, and water- ever-present items on the table of Rome’s most affluent diners.

Today, this banquet food culture remains and is played out in the dining rooms and kitchens of every Italian family. No longer a preserve of the elites, fine and indulgent dining is a tradition that builds family bonds and serves as the foundation of a culture that continues to enchant the entire world.

There is a good chance you have never enjoyed genuine Italian dishes. Stop on in for dinner at L’amore Italian Restaurant to experience the taste of real Italian food.

Americans love Italian food, and with good reason. Italian cuisine is among the most inventive, most variable, rich, succulent, colorful, and vibrant of the world’s culinary traditions. It’s also the product of a very long and storied national history replete with immigrant contributions and imaginative solutions to the challenges of scarcity as well as artistic responses to plenty. As an American, you probably know quite a bit about Italian food- maybe even more than you realize. Nevertheless, here are 4 interesting facts about Italy’s wonderful menu that you probably didn’t know.

Do pasta shapes really matter?

Not many people understand that mixing the wrong pasta sauce with the wrong pasta shape is a big no no. Yes, it’s true that while different pasta shapes do taste more or less the same, as long as they are made from the same ingredients- not that they have to be. But different shapes of pasta go with different sauces. You don’t, for example, eat spaghetti with beans- or have short noodles with tomato sauce. But why? Well, tradition, for one thing. Also, the texture of a dish is as important as the flavor- and just as you wouldn’t want chicken gravy on waffles, you wouldn’t want couscous with Alfredo sauce.

Who is Alfredo?

Speaking of Alfredo, who is this saucy character? Well, it comes in a number of varieties like chicken and Fettuccine Alfredo. But as a matter of fact, Alfredo sauce is named after its inventor who owned a restaurant a little over a century ago. It was a very popular spot in Rome which was frequented by Hollywood celebrities who rapidly popularized it in the United States. That’s also why it’s a bit more common in the U.S. than it is in Italy. It is actually Italian, however, despite many claims of its being an apocryphal menu item.

What cheese really goes on pizza?

It’s a major topic of debate among Americans, who can’t get enough of the great round dish that carries. And of course, we wouldn’t want to disparage the creativity of American aficionados of this singularly morphophonemic entrée. To make a long story short, the answer is, mozzarella cheese is pizza’s natural topping.

While we’re on the topic of pizza, it’s interesting to note that the ‘pepp’ in pepperoni comes from peppers- as in bell peppers. Pepperoni is essentially a sausage made with bell peppers, giving its distinctive spicy kick.

Italians have a light breakfast

A lot of people are surprised to learn that while our friends across the pond enjoy famously huge meals, they tend to take very small breakfasts consisting of a strong caffeinated beverage and something akin to a scone. Why? Because they wouldn’t want to spoil their appetites, now would they?

There is a good chance you have never enjoyed genuine Italian dishes. Stop on in for dinner at L’amore Italian Restaurant to experience the taste of real Italian food.

For true Italians living in various regions of Italy, there’s not much that ranks above pizza. On every corner, you’ll find a great pizzeria with simple but absolutely delicious pizza. And unlike Americans, Italians would never order pizza that comes in a box. Oh, the horror! Instead, they must savor each fresh piece right as it comes out of the oven. Read on to learn more about the unique ways that authentic, traditional Italians enjoy their pizza.

True Italian traditions

Italian people are people of tradition. As such, they have a few traditions that have to do with their precious pizza. And these traditions aren’t made to be messed with! Here are just a few:

• In Italy, pizza is not meant to be shared. Each person orders their own pizza at a local pizzeria. That’s because each pizza in Italy is very thin and about the size of a dinner plate.
• To eat pizzas in Italy, sometimes Italians use a fork and knife. But more often than not, they fold their pizza into a libretto, which is like a little book that they can nibble on.
• The most common pizza toppings in Italy are grilled vegetables, mushrooms and prosciuto, but pizza margherita is always a fan favorite as well.
• For the truest of Italians, it’s all about the most basic pizza, which oftentimes is the most delicious too. This simply includes tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and some fresh basil. That’s it! Italians claim that the simplicity allows you to taste each fundamental ingredient and savor every amazing flavor.

Making the perfect Italian pizza

As you’ll see in any pizzeria in Italy, there are tried-and-true ways that Italians love to make their pizza. In case you want to make your own authentic Italian pizza in your kitchen, here are a few takeaways to keep in mind:

• In Italy, pizza crust is always thin, the sauce is simply pure tomatoes and the cheese — used sparingly — is super-gooey.
• True Italians would never dream of using pre-baked dough for their pizzas. Instead, they use only fresh yeast and ensure that the water used to make the dough is completely free of chemicals. Then, the pizza dough must be made and stretched entirely by hand… no rolling pins allowed! After the pizza’s all ready to go, it’s tossed into a woodfired oven so it can cook directly on the oven floor (which must be at least five inches thick).
• For Italians, a pizza isn’t done until it’s crispy on the bottom and slightly chewy on the top, showing just a hint of a blackened edge. The cheese should be blistering as it rises and falls on top of the pizza.

Ready to enjoy true Italian pizza?

If all of this talk about authentic Italian food is making your mouth water, but you can’t jet off to Italy just yet, stop in to L’amore Italian Restaurant. All of our dishes will fully satisfy all of your cravings for real Italian food. See you soon!

For true Italians living in various regions of Italy, there’s not much that ranks above pizza. On every corner, you’ll find a great pizzeria with simple but absolutely delicious pizza. And unlike Americans, Italians would never order pizza that comes in a box. Oh, the horror! Instead, they must savor each fresh piece right as it comes out of the oven. Read on to learn more about the unique ways that authentic, traditional Italians enjoy their pizza.

True Italian traditions

Italian people are people of tradition. As such, they have a few traditions that have to do with their precious pizza. And these traditions aren’t made to be messed with! Here are just a few:

• In Italy, pizza is not meant to be shared. Each person orders their own pizza at a local pizzeria. That’s because each pizza in Italy is very thin and about the size of a dinner plate.
• To eat pizzas in Italy, sometimes Italians use a fork and knife. But more often than not, they fold their pizza into a libretto, which is like a little book that they can nibble on.
• The most common pizza toppings in Italy are grilled vegetables, mushrooms and prosciuto, but pizza margherita is always a fan favorite as well.
• For the truest of Italians, it’s all about the most basic pizza, which oftentimes is the most delicious too. This simply includes tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and some fresh basil. That’s it! Italians claim that the simplicity allows you to taste each fundamental ingredient and savor every amazing flavor.

Making the perfect Italian pizza

As you’ll see in any pizzeria in Italy, there are tried-and-true ways that Italians love to make their pizza. In case you want to make your own authentic Italian pizza in your kitchen, here are a few takeaways to keep in mind:

• In Italy, pizza crust is always thin, the sauce is simply pure tomatoes and the cheese — used sparingly — is super-gooey.
• True Italians would never dream of using pre-baked dough for their pizzas. Instead, they use only fresh yeast and ensure that the water used to make the dough is completely free of chemicals. Then, the pizza dough must be made and stretched entirely by hand… no rolling pins allowed! After the pizza’s all ready to go, it’s tossed into a wood-fired oven so it can cook directly on the oven floor (which must be at least five inches thick).
• For Italians, a pizza isn’t done until it’s crispy on the bottom and slightly chewy on the top, showing just a hint of a blackened edge. The cheese should be blistering as it rises and falls on top of the pizza.

Ready to enjoy true Italian pizza?

If all of this talk about authentic Italian food is making your mouth water, but you can’t jet off to Italy just yet, stop in to L’amore Italian Restaurant. All of our dishes will fully satisfy all of your cravings for real Italian food. See you soon!

Creating soup is a work of art. Always start with fresh ingredients and never be afraid to get creative. The best soups are usually those with a touch of spontaneity added to the mix.  

When the cold winter months hit and you’re doing everything you can stay cozy and warm inside, add these five Italian soups to your meal plan that can be eaten for lunch or dinner and paired with crusty, Italian bread.  

1.Minestrone

This classic bean and vegetable soup is thick and hearty. Served piping hot with crumbled up crackers, this dish will warm your belly and leave you totally satisfied – Italian style. Use fresh ingredients for a healthy, flavorful soup.  

2.Italian Winter Soup

Break out the turkey substitute in place of red meat with this hearty winter soup.  Thick with turkey sausage, cannelloni beans and bow-tie pasta, this soup is as filling as it is healthy.  Tip:  Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes when making this soup.  It’s easy. Simply boil the tomatoes for about five minutes and then remove.  After they cool off, peel off the skins and mash the pulpy tomato and you’ve  just made your own freshly crushed tomatoes!

3.Italian Wedding Soup

A wonderful soup for any time of year, Italian Style Wedding Soup is a deliciously hot addition to your winter meal menu.  To get those little meatballs just right, use a combination of beef and pork along with parsley, onion and garlic.  Mmm!  In pace of spinach, add fresh escarole and don’t forget the tiny balls of perfect pastene that complete this dish.  

4.Italian Lentil Soup

In the spirit of tradition, the Italians never miss eating lentils at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good fortune the upcoming New Year.  The lentil is chosen as a good luck food because of its coin-like shape, which symbolizes prosperity. This soup can be made with or without meat and is tremendously filling and healthy.  

5.Prosciutto and Bean Soup

If it’s comfort food you’re looking for, then look to the Italians and their Prosciutto and Bean Soup.  This is a thick, hearty and delicious soup that tastes great with crusty bread to dunk into your bowl.  Use the freshest ingredients you can gather, including beans, fresh tomatoes, and herbs and spices.  Add some hot peppers to give the cold outside and extra kick.  

There is a good chance you have never enjoyed genuine Italian dishes. Stop on in for dinner at L’amore Italian Restaurant to experience the taste of real Italian food.