What Makes Good Italian Food and a Great Italian Restaurant

The idea that Italy consumes vast quantities of meat is another Italian food myth. There are a few exceptions, however most Italians do not enjoy a great deal of meat. Plain meats, such as a grilled steak, are rarely consumed. When meat dishes are prepared, they tend to combine lots of flavors and vegetables. Popular meat dishes include: Abbacchio al forno con patata, roast lamb with poatoes; grigliata mista, mixed grilled meats (such as pigeon, sausage, beef, or chicken); osso bucco, a braised stew dish with hearty vegetables.

For starters, look at pasta. There is much historical debate on its origins, but many historians point to Marco Polo's voyages to the Far East, from which he returned with all manner of foreign spices and foods, as the venue from which pasta came. The Chinese had cooked with noodles for centuries, and Marco Polo's men encountered the same on their travels.

If you plan on making your own pasta, you will need some semolina wheat. Fresh herbs are another must, so you might consider starting an herb garden with basil, oregano, and rosemary. And don't forget your favorite meats! For beverages you will need water, coffees, and of course a couple of different varieties of Italian wines.

Many people love Italian food, and Italian eateries have sprung up across the country. However, if you are looking for healthy Italian food, you may want to think twice about eating. While many people consider Italian food to be healthy, the dishes served at your favorite restaurant may not be.

When you look at the history of the country, we see that for the greater part of it the country was divided into separate regional states. Moreover, many parts of the country were inhibited by foreigners like the French. In 1861 the county was united and the Italian cuisine we know today was first formalized. So we see that it contains a lot of foreign influences in terms of ingredients that are used and the way food is prepared.

You can feel free to try different variations on this recipe. Italian food is full of a variety of pastas and recipes that can keep you satisfied and healthy as long as you stay away from the heavy sauces and creams.

But once you do find a place with a good menu the next step is to learn to understand it. You want to make a good impression on your date by ordering something on the menu and knowing what to expect before the food arrives at the table. You surely don't want to order octopus soup because you think it is going to be a roasted pork dish. The best thing to do is learn how to properly say what you want to eat in Italian.

The second aspect of a great Italian restaurant is the service. The service will be warm and professional, but not overly friendly. After the orders are taken and the meal gets rolling, the service should be nearly invisible. Run -- don't walk -- from any Italian restaurant where the waitperson address the table like this

Every town has their own Italian food restaurants that are popular. Some Italian establishments are owned by family and some are chains. Check them out and try the different types of Italian cuisine and you will soon find your favourite.