Italy: Where Every Bite Tells a Story

Ah, Italy – the land of Amore and pasta aplenty. If there's one thing Italians excel at (aside from fashion and romance), it's their undying love for good food made from quality ingredients. So, when I found myself wandering through the sun-kissed streets of this culinary haven, I knew I had to dive headfirst into the gastronomic adventure that awaited.

Picture this: it's late April, and dining al fresco is the order of the day. Crisp white tablecloths adorn the tables, and waiters donning aprons flit about, setting the scene for an unforgettable culinary journey. There's something magical about savouring Italian cuisine while watching the world go by – whether it's the bustling streets or the serene canals of Venice, every meal feels like a celebration of life itself, especially when paired with a glass of fine wine or a refreshing Aperol Spritz.

Pizza, everyone loves pizza

Let's start with the quintessential Italian classic: pizza. Now, we all know pizza, right? But trust me, Italy takes it to a whole new level. None of that pineapple debate here (though I'll sneakily admit pineapple on pizza is a guilty pleasure). Italian pizzas are a culinary masterpiece – think thin, soft crusts with toppings bursting with traditional flavours. I had a few during my time in Italy, and let me tell you, the buffalo mozzarella stole the show. Are they better than what I can get back in New Zealand? Well, that's a tough one, if they are the best there are definitely others that are coming close.

Pasta, food for the soul

Next up, pasta. Because let's face it, you can't visit Italy without indulging in a bowl of pasta. I opted for a classic Carbonara, eager to taste the difference between Italian fare and what I'm used to back home. And boy, was I in for a treat. The Italian Carbonara was a revelation – drier than its creamy New Zealand counterpart, yet bursting with subtle flavours that danced on my palate with each bite. Needless to say, it was love at first taste. (Sorry guys, I didn't get a picture of the carbonara)

Now, let's talk gnocchi. Admittedly, it's not my go-to pasta choice, but when in Italy, you go all in. Served in a mouthwatering tomato sauce with fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes, the gnocchi I had in Trieste was a revelation. Sure, the pieces were larger than what seemed usual, but every bite was a symphony of flavours that left me craving more, especially when paired with a good Cabernet Sauvignon.

Feeling a bit like Garfield on a culinary adventure, I couldn't resist trying lasagna in Venice. But wait – Italian lasagna looked nothing like the hearty dish I was used to back home. Less filling? Less sauce? Colour me sceptical. However, one bite was all it took to silence my doubts. Despite the sparse filling between the pasta sheets, each mouthful was bursting with flavour. Back home, lasagna was all about thick layers of meaty goodness drowned in tomato sauce and cheese. But here, it was a different story – minimalistic yet packed with taste. It's hard to say which version I prefer; after all, I'm so accustomed to one way, but I can't help but appreciate the Italian take on this classic dish.

Gelato, oh my god don't forget gelato!

And finally, the pièce de résistance: gelato. Ah, gelato – my true weakness. Italy's gelaterias are a dessert lover's paradise, with creamy, smooth textures and flavours that pop on the tongue. With temperatures already climbing in late April, every gelato stop felt like a sweet escape from the heat. Over six glorious nights, I made it my mission to try as many flavours as humanly possible – a challenge I embraced with gusto.

What are those?

Walking through the enchanting streets of Venice I found myself drawn to those mysterious tubes filled with creamy goodness. Yep, those are cannoli, fried pastries with a delightful sweet filling. They seemed to be everywhere, so naturally, I had to give them a try. Opting for pistachio and chocolate flavours, I dove in, expecting a taste sensation. But alas, the reality fell short of my expectations. The fried pastry was firm and would crack with enough pressure, leaving the creamy filling unsupported. The filling itself had a sugar-grained texture and lacked appeal. They weren't terrible, just not my cup of tea.

It's not just food, it's an experience

But beyond the incredible food, what truly sets Italy apart is the vibe – the mix of hustle and bustle with the laid-back, social way of life. It's a place where every meal feels like a celebration, where every bite tells a story. As I indulged in these culinary delights, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people, I couldn't help but fall in love with this enchanting country all over again.

Italy, ti amo.