Italian Lunch: Family Style *FIRST BLOG CONTEST*

I have eaten out with my own family in Carmine's or Maggiano's several times to enjoy a lovely family style meal. Not going to lie, it led me to have some expectations on what it meant to eat "family style" like Italians do. Well, big surprise that I headed out to Nonna's with the family for the biggest home cooked meal I'd ever experienced. So, based on my expectations and what actually happened, I'd like to clarify what Italians consider family style:

1) You don't serve yourself if someone older than you wishes to serve you. When Nonna comes around with the pasta, you let her put it on your plate.

2) When you think the portion you want has been served to you and you say "basta, per favore!", you're too late. Start by asking for un po' and think ahead because after "stop" more ALWAYS comes.

3) If you finish something on your plate, it's license to get served more. If you're not that hungry, even if it's delicious, leave a little left on your plate.

4) Keep in mind food=love. If you don't usually like something but it was homemade or even purchased specially for the meal, at least take a little to show your appreciation.

5) Don't leave your seat to talk to someone at the other end of the table, rather shout above everyone else to get your point across.

6) Never drink your wine without a proper toast first.

7) Watch your feet under the table! You never know which little bambino is crawling around down there.

8) Most importantly, if the meal wasn't prepared with love, it's not family style at all.

These are just a few of the things I recommend and want to educate you on for family style dining in Italy. Now, DRUM ROLL PLEASE, I'd like to announce my first blog contest! WOOO

Below are some pictures of something Nonna brought out to the table this afternoon. The first person to comment correctly below what it is will be getting a very special surprise (and no I'm not saying that because I don't have a prize- I do but it's more fun to keep it secret and I promise it'll be worth the win!).




Speaking of surprises, I never go to Nonna's and not get one! While sitting at the table try to decipher some heated debates, Ele slipped away and I went to go find her, only to hear her calling to me from below ground. Underneath Nonna's house is an amazing cellar!!! It stores wine and homemade oilio, salsa, and succo. Italy's best supermarket, only for Nonna, just a few flights of stairs down!















Good luck with my contest! If nobody guesses correctly within a week, closest guess wins. In bocca al lupo!

Comments

  1. Jeff S.September 29, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    Garlic cristini?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren SarrettSeptember 30, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Umm salted cod?

    ReplyDelete
  3. JeffSeptember 30, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    I'm resisting the tempation to send the photos to Gary & Sal, so they can tell me what it is. :-) So let me guess....is it some sort of egg fritata?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JeffSeptember 30, 2013 at 9:46 AM

      Just realized I need to differentiate my account name from that other Jeff.
      I'm Jeff #1.

      Delete
    2. Corynne SarrettSeptember 30, 2013 at 10:23 AM

      They should enter! I'm curious what they'd guess! It's not frittata, sorry!

      Delete
    3. Jeff S.September 30, 2013 at 11:02 AM

      ummm - actually just to clarify - I am Jeff #1, but point taken.

      Delete
  4. JeffSeptember 30, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    White pizza?
    - Super Jeff

    ReplyDelete
  5. revis 101October 1, 2013 at 3:41 AM

    apple pastries

    ReplyDelete
  6. JeffOctober 1, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Homemade bread?
    - Jefftastic Kornett

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jeff S.October 2, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    Cinnamon Crisp?
    - The Jeff

    ReplyDelete

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