| One of the most famous areas of the world, as far as | | | | is where most people's knowledge of Italian food ends. |
| excellent dishes goes, is Italy. And if you want to get to | | | | Few people realize that there is much more to Italian |
| the heart of Italian food, it's best to go the source. For | | | | food than just this primo pasta. |
| an authentic Italian culinary experience you don't just | | | | The next part of the meal is the secondo or "second |
| need to get to Italy, you really need to go to an Italian | | | | course". This is the main course of the meal. |
| home where traditional Italian food is made in the most | | | | True enough, pasta was just served in the primo |
| perfect way possible, by people who love to cook and | | | | course, but even though that course can be quite filling, |
| share what they have made. | | | | it is not the main dish. The second course is where |
| There are some differences in an Italian home cooked | | | | you'll find the meat of the meal. In the northern part of |
| meal that are important to learn if you really want to | | | | Italy the meat course will most likely be veal, pork, or |
| embrace the culture of that country. The main | | | | chicken. In the South and along the coast you're more |
| difference is that real Italian food is not meant just to | | | | likely to be feasting on a fish dish. Along with this |
| provide nourishment, but to bring family and friends | | | | course, you will be served a contorno or "side dish". |
| together in a fun and loving atmosphere. An Italian | | | | Traditionally this will come in the form of a fresh salad. |
| meal is at least three or four courses and is not | | | | To finish off the meal, diners get not one, but two |
| something you want to rush through. Mealtimes in | | | | desserts. The first is a cheese and fruit course that will |
| general are longer in Italy because of the cultural view | | | | help prepare you for the dolce or main dessert. The |
| that meal times are not just about feeding the body, | | | | dolce will be the rich sweet dessert of the evening, |
| but about feeding the soul. | | | | such as cake. And like all good Italian meals, you will |
| One of the most surprising things to foreigners about | | | | end with coffee or espresso. Well, almost end with |
| an Italian meal is that the first course is typically the | | | | that. Actually, the real end of the meal consists of |
| most filling. There is an antipasti, which simply means | | | | liquors and is often referred to as the "coffee killer". |
| "before the pasta course", but there is no light salad or | | | | If all you've have ever experienced in your life is Italian |
| soup to ease your way into the meal. Right from the | | | | food from the mall food court, you will be in for a |
| antipasti diners jump right into the primo or "first | | | | delightful and fascinating treat if you have a traditional |
| course". | | | | meal in an Italian home. This is a culinary experience to |
| This is the part of the meal most familiar to non-Italians | | | | treasure for a lifetime and the truth is The Italians |
| because it consists of a pasta dish. This primo course | | | | understand that good food is meant to be good fun. |