Buona domenica a tutti,

This week, I am pleased to share a recent video interview with Real Italian Restaurants where I discuss how Italian cuisine is often perceived and presented abroad, and why we Italians care so deeply about its authentic representation.

As an Italian living abroad for many years, the disconnect between true Italian culinary tradition and what is often offered can be a constant source of frustration.

It's about more than just slightly different recipes; it impacts our ability to enjoy our own food culture.

In our discussion, we explore:

• The real-life consequences for Italians abroad: the struggle to find proper, authentic ingredients; being invited to meals where we're served dishes we would never eat at home; and the disappointment of paying for expensive "Italian" restaurants only to find basic errors, like pasta cooked without salt.
• The surprising (and sometimes quite arrogant!) comments I receive on my posts, always from non-Italians who confidently assert their knowledge of "real" Italian dishes like gelato or lasagna – a clear sign of how deeply ingrained certain misconceptions can become.
• How the core principles of Italian cooking – simplicity, seasonality, and local produce – can be overshadowed by commercialization, sometimes even by Italian brands. For instance, what's labeled "balsamic vinegar" abroad can be vastly different from the traditional Italian product.
• We also touch upon the historical journey of Italian food and how modern media and search engines like Google purposefully promote less authentic versions of our cuisine, like Bon Appétit's infamous risotto recipe made with sushi rice!

This conversation looks at these practical challenges and aims to build a deeper appreciation for the true roots of Italian food and the diverse historical and regional influences that have shaped it.

If you are interested in these insights and wish to join the dialogue on the real Italian approach to food, I invite you to watch the full interview.

👉Pineapple on Pizza & Other "Italian" Food CRIMES: Tradition vs. Global Misinformation​

For those who wish to delve deeper into the fascinating evolution of our food, I also recommend my article:

👉A History of Italian Cuisine: Exploring Regional Food Traditions​

Buon appetito,

Laura
Your Angel in the Kitchen

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