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                                 A GUIDE TO

               ITALIAN EATING ESTABLISHMENTS

 

 Pizzeria-    The fast food of Italy.  Pizzas are served quickly and                                      individual pizzas are large.  Pasta may be found here

                       as well.

 Osteria-    A simple establishment serving mainly pasta/spaghetti

                       dishes.  Fast service, but not as fast as a pizzeria.

Trattoria-   This is considered the mid-range choice for time and

                       ambiance.  Casual service that is less expensive than a                                  Ristorante, but more than an Osteria.

Ristorante-Usually more expensive and formal than other types, this

                       is the source of "slow food" with courses served over a                                  period of time. Reservations may be needed for high

                       season or weekend dining.

 

 

 

REGIONAL FOOD OF NORTHERN ITALY

        Although there aren't defined borders between the northern, central and southern regions of Italy,

differences do exist in the food and wines of these regions.  If experiencing nuances in Italian cuisine appeals to you, please use the chart on this page and the one on Central Italy to get an idea of what specialities these areas are known for.  There are eight administrative regions in the north, but only those on our tour are listed on the chart below:

 

REGION

FOOD

WINE

LOMBARDY

Varenna

 

VENETO

Verona

Venice

TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE

Bolzano

This area is known for its rice dishes such as Minestrone alla Milanese and  Risotto alla Milanese. Ravioli with pumpkin filling is also a favorite.

              RED

  Valtellina Superiore 

          SPARKLING

         Franciacorta 

Polenta and rice are incorporated into the dishes of this area along with wild fowl, mushrooms or seafood. Risi e Bisi and Fegato alla Veneziana (calf's liver with onions) are traditional as well as a white asparagus dish known as Asparagi di Bassano.

               RED

          Valpolicella 

           Bardolino 

               WHITE

                Soave

           Gambellara 

      Bianco di Custoza 

            Vigne Alte 

Germanic and Italian influences are found in this regions dishes. Canederli, (type of gnocci), polenta, river trout, Speck (a cured meat) and sauerkraut are popular dishes.

               RED

          Marzemino 

           Teroldego 

               WHITE

              Nosiola

          Pinot Blanc 

         Chardonnay 

 Vin Santo (dessert wine)

LIGURIA

Cinque Terre

Liguria is famous for its basil.  Basil pesto sauce served with Trofie (Ligurian gnocci) in Cinque Terre, fresh caught seafood (anchovies is a favorite), veal and rabbit are all part of this area's cuisine.

               RED

 Rossese di Dolceacqua 

            Ormeasco 

     Sciacchetra Rosso

               WHITE

          Cinque Terre 

     Colline di Levanto 

           Sciacchetra 

OF COURSE, ONE OF OUR FAVORITES, LIMENCELLO, IS SERVED EVERYWHERE!

A Tasteful Introduction To Italy...

                                Below is a chart listing the types of dining establishments in Italy.

 

                It is wise to keep the differences in mind when you have a restricted amount of time in which to                               dine. This was a lesson we quickly learned when we assumed Italian ristorantes were the same as                                                                                   restaurants here in the Unites States.

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