An old Italian proverb claims “L'Appetito vien mangiando” - that appetite comes with eating - and I can vouch that it’s true. Just sit down for a meal in Italy and you’ll hardly be able to wait for the Italian dishes to come. The aromas seeping out of the kitchen, the fresh ingredients, the wonderful wines, and affable ambience call your hunger in.

I remember arriving home after a long day wandering the sights and museums of Rome to my Uncle Rickie’s apartment and finding him working away in the kitchen on some delectable Italian dishes. We ate fresh cheeses, unbelievable cured meats, and consumed a fair amount of red wine. Though the food was fantastic, the ambience and family made the experience one that I will never forget. We talked about art history, culture, language and design. I found that Italian meals have as much to do with Italian dishes as they do with the family and friends you eat with. Sitting down for a meal in Italy is not only about nourishing the body but also rejuvenating the soul. Another Italian saying declares, “A tavola non si invecchia,” meaning that at a table with friends and family, one doesn’t grow old. Remember that meals in Italy are about enjoyment; don’t worry about the calories or the next place you want to go!

Though each region has specific recipes, pizza and pasta remain the most famous of all Italian dishes. Italian pizza has a thin crust and a variety of toppings. Margherita Pizza, named in honor of the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, is a favorite among many Italians. The simple ingredients of basil, fresh tomato, garlic, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese leave a powerful impression. And one thing about pizza that’s important for every visitor to know: be careful what you order because if you order pepperoni pizza, you’ll get a cheese pizza with peppers on top since pepperoni in Italian means peppers. Instead, try ordering a pizza with salami.

Italian dishes vary from region to region, but one thing remains consistent: cooks use fresh ingredients. Most people go to the market each day to get supplies for dinner. Due in part to the fact that cooks look for local ingredients, each region’s cuisine is unique. Some areas have great seafood; other areas eat more beef. In olden times, the northern region tended to cook with butter instead of olive oil because the cold northern climate didn’t allow olive trees to grow; though each region now has access to olive oil, these century-long traditions remain.

Florence lies in the center of Tuscany, and its Italian dishes come from the Tuscan cooking tradition. At the heart of Florentine cuisine, you’ll find four main ingredients: bread, olive oil, meat, and wine. One of the most famous Italian dishes comes from Florence: la Fiorentina, a version of a grilled T-bone steak. If you’re visiting in November, try Fettunta, toasted bread with fresh, newly-pressed olive oil. This Italian dish sounds simple, but it is complex in favors and fantastic. Italians love olive oil and can recognize its distinctive tastes. The fresh pressed olive oil is some of the most coveted because of its pungent flavor.

Enjoy the local cuisine but remember, again, that the heart of Italian food is about enjoyment and company. Savor your Italian dishes and the friends you get to share them with!