The International Language of Food

No matter what language we speak, what kind of clothes we wear, or kind of car we drive, all humans have one thing in common.  We have to eat to sustain life.  Traditionally what drives our food taste is a myriad of factors based upon our nationality, region, upbringing and lifestyle.  What makes people so attracted to Italian food?  Perhaps it's the plethora of fresh produce available daily in the mercato all'aperto (outdoor markets) or the risotto neatly arranged on the dish or maybe just the way the words panino al prosciutto (ham sandwich) rolls off the tongue.  Whatever it might be, I'm sold.  So are the many people that have traveled before and with me to this amazing country.   

I have been completely blown away at Italian hospitality.  I was apprehensive about my living conditions during my time in Florence, but I have been blessed to live with an amazing host mother. Margherita is a middle school technology teacher in her late 40's and lives in a posh apartment that looks straight out of an Ikea store display.  Margherita's casa is in the building with the green shudders above my head in the picture. 

Upon first meeting we both had a look of panic spread across our face when we realized the other did not speak our own language.  I came to Italy fully intending to learn Italian, but little did I know it would be as a result of full immersion.  To our benefit, I can understand Italian when it is spoken slowly and the same for her when I speak English.  The Italiano/Inglese Dizionario has become a standard dinner table accessory to supplement our conversation when we cannot recognize words.  One thing we seem to discuss without an issue is food.  Margherita is a very talented cook, so much that now she has ruined my appetite for mangiare fuori (eating out).  The few times I have eaten away from home I have conveniently chosen Pizza Margherita, a plain cheese pizza with basil.  It is typically one of the least expensive items on the menu, plus I know I be served much more avventuroso (adventurous) food at home for free.  Our dinner conversations range in topics from the differences in Italian vs American culture, traveling, shopping, and even politics.  But it always comes back to food.  I seem to understand when she is telling me how it is prepared although the names of certain foods still get lost in translation. I told her I want to try new things while I am here, but suggested she not tell me what I have eaten until after I take a bite.  For example Mucca lingua (Cow tongue) is not a common delicacy in the US, but apparently it's one of Margherita's favorites.  I'm often trying to think of new ways to compliment her dishes, but my lack of the language leaves me with molto (great), supremo (superb), buono (good), and  gusto (tasty).  Albeit I am afraid "cow tongue" might leave me speechless.