When I saw bolognese on the menu, I knew that was what I wanted. My best friend ordered salmone con verdure, or pan-seared salmon with vegetables. You have to get your greens and protein in somehow!
When my pasta came out, I was shocked to see how different it looked from the huge plates of pasta I was served back in the states. The pasta was lightly covered in bolognese sauce, but you could smell it as soon as it was placed on the table. It was by far the best pasta I’ve had here. Just don’t tell my grandma.
One thing I’ve noticed in Italy is that pasta is usually cooked al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. Instead of being cooked until completely soft, the pasta is left slightly firm and chewy. It seems like such a small difference, but it completely changes the texture. Zaza also makes its pasta and sauces in-house, which made the meal feel even more special.
I left dinner extremely full, but I was also really happy and welcomed. Being in another country, especially in a city as popular with tourists as Florence, it can sometimes be difficult to feel like you are experiencing the city beyond the places made for visitors. Sitting around a table with my friends, sharing food and celebrating my birthday, made me feel a little more at home here.
One thing I love about Italy is that the meals here feel like more than just eating. People spend time sitting around the table, talking, sharing food and enjoying each other’s company. Food is also closely connected to where you are. Different regions of Italy have their own ingredients, recipes and traditions, so I’ve learned that there is a lot more to “Italian food” than just pizza and pasta!
