| If you are not from Italy, you can still love Italian food. | | | | about a cup, and is not designed to be a full meal. |
| But you may be surprised at the culture differences | | | | If it is a special occasion, there may be multiple first |
| between an Italian meal served in the United States | | | | courses; however the total amount will still equal about |
| and one served in Italy. So if you want to have your | | | | a cup. The following course is known as the secondo, |
| own authentic Italian dining experience, it is helpful to | | | | and it is usually a fish, meat, or egg based main course |
| have some pointers on the culture. One of the first | | | | with a side dish. The portions for this course are also |
| things to understand is when Italian meals are served. | | | | small, approximately a quarter of a pound for the main |
| Breakfast is generally eaten first thing in the morning | | | | dish. |
| and will consist of a coffee and a pastry. The main | | | | Bread may also be served. If it is a festive occasion, |
| meal is usually eaten about one in the afternoon, and a | | | | multiple secondo dishes may be served, but the total |
| light dinner is served about eight in the evening. But | | | | volume remains the same. The lunch is then usually |
| beyond that, you will find that there are other significant | | | | closed out with a serving of fresh fruit and a glass of |
| differences between Italian dishes and their American | | | | espresso. The total meal is very balanced, featuring |
| counterparts. | | | | foods from all the main food groups. |
| Different Portion Sizes | | | | A Festive Meal |
| The American versions of Italian meals tend to be | | | | An Italian meal on Sundays and holidays will be more |
| much larger. They also tend to be served all as one | | | | elaborate. There will usually be appetizers, known as |
| course with a side. This is much different than how | | | | antipasti, to start the meal. To go along with the fruit at |
| traditional meals are served. The actual dishes and | | | | the end of the meal there is often cheese and a form |
| ingredients will vary from region to region, but the main | | | | of dessert. |
| philosophy stays the same. An Italian meal is a chance | | | | Wine |
| for family and friends to gather around the table to | | | | Nearly all Italian meals will have wine. In the Italian |
| socialize and relax before jumping back into the | | | | household, the wine makes the meal, and the |
| everyday hustle and bustle. | | | | appetizers and main courses would not be the same |
| A Typical Meal | | | | without an accompanying class or two of a good |
| During the week meals are pretty predictable. The | | | | wine. The wines are usually chosen to compliment the |
| Italian meal starts out with a primo or first course. This | | | | flavors of the meal. At festive meals there may be |
| can include soup, risotto, or a pasta dish. While this | | | | several wines to choose from, and a glass of sweet |
| sounds like a lot of food, the first course only totals | | | | sparkling wine served at dessert. |