Originally Posted by
JBord
I'm surprised so many people have Italian on their list. I think of Italian as a cuisine that everyone likes, but I never go out of my way for an Italian restaurant (and we do have a few authentic ones here in Chicago), or crave Italian food. Other than Italian-American pizza, I can't think of an Italian food that I would order for takeout or delivery either.
For me it’s the range of food in Italian cuisine. From almost Germanic in the north down to North African influences in the south and Sicily. Tortellini in brodo, Fiorentina T-bone steak, risotto, great cured meats, fresh seafood, wonderful oils & vinegar, vibrant salads. My love of Italian food came solely from eating local food in Italy, I wouldn’t rate it so highly based on eating pasta and pizza, however good it’s made.