Subject: askanitalian
We often ask our friend Francesco to answer our reader's questions about Italy, because really when we have a question about Italy or Italians, he's our "go to guy." Have a question for Francesco? Contact him here.
Image: Agni dalle Bande Nere.
We recently received an email from Jan, who's a loving grandmother and was asked by her grandson to cook an authentic Italian dinner. Wanting to please her grandson, she asked for advice on what to prepare. Well, this is my answer.
In Italy, the meal cooked for the family by your grandmother is a big time. When you go to your grandparents house, or if they come over to your home, you always know it's going to be something that you will remember for a long time. In Italy, the women in the family pass down their cooking knowledge, from generation to generation. The meal that will be prepared at one of these events, will surely be the finest example of cooking that your family has to offer.:) A word of advice in preparing these recipes, even if you follow them word by word, in my opinion (and proven by experience), the perfect dish is not one where you follow it exactly, but when your own touch.
And, in honor of your request, I'm sharing with you what my grandmother would cook for our family, these being her very best dishes. ;)
Francesco Serra, our good friend and resident expert on all things Italian, provides us with valuable insights on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: sshingler.
Our question today for Francesco....why is it that Italians never seem to get in an orderly line, say like the British or Americans do? When I'm in Italy I never know what to do, and feel intimidated to tell someone, hey, I was here first. Can you give me some insight and some advice on how to survive waiting my turn around a bunch of Italians?
Have a question about Italy? Send us an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: FotoRita.
Our question today for Francesco....I am always curious what Italians actually eat for dinner. Is it the big spreads of food that we always see on TV or is that just for special occasions? What did you eat for dinner last night?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: volpe fatata.
Our question today for Francesco....I've heard Italians go on vacation for the entire month of August. What about you, where are you going? What will you be doing? Will you spend the whole month of August at the beach?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: Dystopos.
Our question today for Francesco....I'm planning a trip to the Veneto in a few months, do you have any advice for something unique and different to see? I'm already planning to check out the sites of Venice and Padova, but wondered what you would consider off the beaten path for a regular tourist?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: fabiola_de_blasco.
Our question today for Francesco....What do you do for fun on the weekends? What do you do on a typical Friday night?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: mulaohu.
Our question today for Francesco....When you are craving gelato, how do you know if a place is good? What are your favorite flavors? Do you think a cup or cone is better for enjoying gelato without making a mess? Do you have any other advice for gelato fans?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: lorenzocuppini.
Our question today for Francesco....Hi Francesco! Italian trains stress me out....I was wondering if you had any advice for taking the train while in Italy. How early do I need to arrive for the train? What's the easiest way to buy a ticket? And what is the whole deal between first and second class? Would appreciate any advice you could give on how Italians take the train.
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: antanask.
Our question today for Francesco....I've heard that Padova has one of the best open air markets in Italy. How often do you shop there? What do you buy? Guidebooks like to portray Italians as shopping for fresh food at the market every day, but is this reality? What are your suggestions for a tourist who wants to try shopping at a real Italian market?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: duegnazio
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