| To Italians, food isn't simply nourishment for the | | | | that were influenced by not only the abundance |
| body, it's nourishment for the soul. It is a way of | | | | of local ingredients but from outside influences |
| life and the centerpiece of family and community. | | | | throughout history. Roman ships traveled the |
| With wholesome, fresh ingredients and vibrant, | | | | world, bringing back wines, fine spices, wheat, and |
| robust flavors, there is little wonder that Italian | | | | exotic ingredients that influenced the variety and |
| fare is so loved the world over. | | | | depth of Italian cooking. Coastal regions of the |
| Though the most popular Italian dishes include | | | | Mediterranean feature exquisite fish and seafood |
| heaping plates of comforting pasta and prized | | | | delights. Sicilian fare drew considerable influence |
| pizza, there is much more to Italian food as is | | | | from North African cooking with added Arab |
| readily apparent from viewing the diverse menu | | | | influence. The signature pizza was sold in Naples |
| selections at a fine Italian restaurant. A menu that | | | | by street vendors over two centuries ago as an |
| embraces the regional variations of Italy will | | | | example of the earliest fast food. |
| demonstrate the distinctive flavors, ingredients, | | | | The diversity of Italian cooking is still apparent |
| and cooking techniques singular to each region. | | | | today with distinctions between northern and |
| The common factor among them all is the belief | | | | southern Italian cuisine. Each region continues to |
| that superior cuisine is cooked fresh from | | | | feature its own traditions reflective of culture and |
| seasonal ingredients. | | | | history for the enchantment of both body and |
| Most of the traditional Italian dishes we love today | | | | soul. |
| had their humble beginnings in peasant kitchens | | | | |