EAT-aly (Eating in Italy!)

Italy is known for its cuisine. I knew that I would be fortunate enough to have authentic Italian classics while on the dialogue, and I was very much looking forward to it. For Italians, eating is a socializing time as well. Meals are very leisurely and I have found take twice as long as meals in America. At restaurants, it is very casual. It is also expected you order drinks, appetizers, and your meal all at the same time. Many places are more accommodating to the American style of drinks/apps first, then placing a meal order. Food is always (at least in my experiences) prepared to order, so you can expect to be waiting a while- but again, this fits in with the leisurely meals that Italians eat. The portions are generally smaller than American meals, but it is never not enough food. It also isn’t customary to take leftovers home, but many places- particularly in more tourist-y areas- are more than willing to give you a box. Some pizza places charge for a box to take home! In Rome, I ate most of my meals in different areas of the city. I had a friend who studied abroad for a year in Rome who gave me several great recommendations of hidden gems, and of course I was able to stumble upon even more throughout my time there. Rome is known for the food more so than Venice, so I planned to be eating out more while living there and buying food at the grocery store once getting to Venice. We are fortunate that the Don is nearby a large grocery store, the Conad. Food at the Conad is pretty inexpensive, and most of us buy sandwich fixings, salad mixes, fruit, and other snacks there. A lot of times I will make a sandwich for lunch at home and then go out for dinner. The Don has croissants (called brioche in Italy), cereal, and other pastries for breakfast as well, so I haven’t had to buy anything for breakfast. The best part of being able to eat in Italy is the gelato. Right around the corner from the Don along the Zattere is the best known gelateria in Venice, Gelati Nico. It is really my favorite place for gelato in Venice. There are also many little bakeries throughout the island that all have really great treats as well. My favorite meals so far have been the same thing, once in Rome and once in Venice- veal in lemon sauce! I had never tried veal in the U.S., but I decided on a whim to try it in Rome and I loved it. I have to admit it was better in Rome than in Venice, but both were quite delicious! And my favorite dessert has to be tiramisu- if a restaurant has it advertised, I usually can’t resist. (Unless I have plans to get gelato after dinner!) Overall, the food has been my favorite aspect of the cultural experience while on dialogue in Italy.