| Everyone knows that Italians eat differently than | | | | followed by the third course (we often consider it the |
| Americans do. But what does that mean exactly? | | | | first course), of hot soup or pasta. |
| What is different about ‘eating Italian’? The | | | | Finally, the second dish, or main course is served. The |
| biggest difference is in how the two countries think of | | | | main course is traditionally a meat of some sort, |
| meals. Americans tend to think of meals as | | | | served with a side dish of cooked vegetables or a |
| something we need to do to survive, more and more | | | | salad. The meat that is served tends to vary |
| people are eating on the go, over sinks or not really | | | | depending upon the region or the time of year. Beef |
| eating at all. Italians, however, know the importance | | | | has not been a traditional meat in Italy, but is gaining |
| of setting down with family and friends to a good, | | | | popularity. |
| home cooked meal. These meals tend to turn into | | | | After the main course is finished, it is time to move on |
| events that can last several hours or more. | | | | to the third course. The third course, is in fact, the |
| There are several courses to an event meal in Italy, | | | | first dessert. This is a light serving of local cheeses |
| starting with appetizers and ending in dessert. While | | | | paired with in season fruits. It is kept intentionally light |
| an everyday meal usually consists of 1 or 2 courses, a | | | | to allow the body to digest the meal before moving on |
| holiday or special occasion meal often has 4 courses | | | | to the heavier dessert. |
| or more. | | | | The next part of the meal is the Dolce, the second |
| The first course is the aperitifs, which is an alcoholic | | | | dessert. This dessert portion of the meal is often |
| drink that is used to stimulate the appetite. The | | | | heavier, consisting of cakes, pies or puddings and |
| next part of the meal is the antipasto, or before the | | | | brings us to the closing of the meal. Italians like to end |
| meal, and is what we would call appetizers, this part of | | | | their meals with coffee and discussion. |
| the meal can be served either hot or cold. This is | | | | |