Vandyworld-wide took a different approach this spring break, taking on Columbia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, London, Jamaica, New York, and many more. Through this exploration, many embarked on a transformative journey, transcending geographical boundaries to immerse themselves in diverse cultures across the globe. Amidst the rigor of midterm week’s demanding workload, these students seized the opportunity to embark on a profound exploration, fostering meaningful connections with communities and traditions far from their academic milieu. This venture served as an enriching cultural odyssey and a much-needed reprieve, offering respite from the weight of academic responsibilities and providing invaluable opportunities for personal growth and rejuvenation.
For me, it marked not only a chance to escape the intense academic demands momentarily but also an opportunity to embark on a personal voyage to Italy. Alongside my peers, I delved into the rich history of Italian culture, transcending borders to immerse myself in its captivating allure. (AND I PUT EMPAZIZES ON ITS DAZZELING ALLURE). As we wandered through cobblestone streets and quaint piazzas, I savored the essence of Italy in every facet– its art, history, and perhaps most notably, its cuisine. Amidst the bustling trattorias and quaint cafes, I entered a culinary paradise. Below, I list my top favorite dishes in Italy.
5. Lasagne alla Bolognese
A dish is also known as “Lasagne al Ragu,” which translates to lasagna with meat sauce. The term “al ragu” indicates that the lasagna is made with a meat-based sauce, typically containing beef. Ah, behold! This quintessential Italian masterpiece is a special dish in every Italian’s heart except mine! While it may be a staple Italian cuisine, my taste buds missed the memo, leaving my heart and stomach in a comical disagreement. Don’t get me wrong, the dish was made of quality ingredients, stating that it’s one of my top 5 dishes. However, it lacked flavor, a lack of seasoning, and something about how authentic it tasted threw me off.
4. Pasta al Pomodoro
Coming in fourth is our beloved pasta with tomato sauce. It is an all-time favorite that satisfied me throughout my week in Italy. It is a classic Italian dish that celebrates the simplicity and vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes. It originated in Naples, where dried pasta was invented in the 19th century. It is an easy-to-make dish containing six ingredients: pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and Parmigiano cheese. You just can’t go wrong with pasta pomodoro.
3. Gelato al Pistacchio
Although not a dish, I typically like adding deserts to my top 5 dish series, and number 3 on my list is, drumroll, please…….. PISTACHIO ICECREAM. Gelato, a delightful frozen treat, weaves itself into the very fabric of Italian culture. From the bustling streets of Rome to the charming piazzas of Florence, gelaterias are an integral part of daily life. As an Italian local for a week, I got to experience the incredible culture. The up-and-coming flavor of pistachio is taking over the streets. Its rich and nutty flavor relies on pure pistachio paste, the creamy texture, and its subtle sweetness; I now know why it’s taking over the streets of Roma.
2. Pizza Margherita
The top two on my list is Margarita Pizza. I have to give it to the Italians: they make the best pizza on this planet, and there is no debate about it. I enjoyed every bit of all the margarita pizzas I ate, from Florence to Bologna; one couldn’t mess up the simple yet flavorful dish, which consists of three delicious ingredients: fresh tomato sauce, chewy mozzarella cheese, and a fragment of basil leaves.
1.Cacio e pepe
FIRST ON MY LIST ISSSSSS CACIO E PEPE. This right here stole my heart and will continue to steal my heart. Cacio e pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that exemplifies the beauty of simplicity. It translates to cheese and pepper in several central Italian dialects. In keeping with its name, the dish contains grated pecorino romano, black pepper, and spaghetti or spaghetti. I was able to taste this delicious meal in Rome, which is quite ironic, stating that cacio e pepe is a symbol of Rome, akin to the Colosseum. It represents the city’s culinary heritage and the art of turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
As I perused through today’s top 5, I couldn’t help but appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of traditional Italian dishes. It’s fascinating how a cuisine can speak so much about a country’s history and culture. I always find it exciting to explore and learn about different culinary traditions, and Italian cuisine never fails to impress me.