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The Basics Of Italian Dining Culture

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Nothing is better than a delicious authentic Italian dish. The only thing that comes close is the culture behind it all. Italian cuisine has earned the reputation of being a family favorite all around the world. What about it makes it so desirable? With a combination of culture, history, and fresh ingredients, dinner can't go wrong. When looking for Italian restaurants in Orlando , Mia’s Italian Kitchen will give you an authentic taste of Italy’s culture. The Vegetables One thing about Italian cuisine is that the vegetables are all seasonal vegetables. That means that they aren't the veggies that somehow stay available year-round. When it comes to Italian dining culture, each season has its array of earthy foods added to the menu. In the wintertime, Italians enjoy heartier vegetables such as cabbages, spinach, broccoli, turnips, artichokes, and Brussel sprouts. In the summertime, it's all about courgettes, radishes, peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and beans. A few ...

All About The Italian Happy Hour

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It’s been a long day at work, and it’s time to wind down with a cold drink. It’s time for aperitivo !... but, what is aperitivo ? It is an Italian happy hour! When looking to enjoy an aperitivo , places like Mia’s Italian Kitchen can offer an exciting, fulfilling and authentic experience for the best Italian happy hour, International Drive Orlando FL is the place to satisfy that craving! If you aren’t in Italy, but Italian catering Orlando, FL dreams of is what you need – come by Mia’s! What Is Aperitivo? The word aperitivo stems from the Latin word that means "to open." Italians believe that the appetite needs to be "opened" before a meal, so this can also be referred to in the sense of a small snack. Aperitivo is a before-dinner beverage and the post-work ritual of enjoying them. It is merely a pre-meal drink, snack, or both specifically meant to whet the appetite. This typically consists of wine, light cocktails, and finger foods. Unlike American c...

For Those Who Love Pasta

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When the cooler weather starts to roll in, there’s nothing better than a warm, home-cooked meal. Even better than that is warm pasta, smothered in your favorite pasta sauce. Whether you are making it at home, or going out for dinner and are craving Italian food, Orlando knows their pasta. At Mia’s Italian Kitchen, you can get anything from bottomless brunch Orlando craves, to catering services. Known for their authentic Italian menu and extensive knowledge of pasta, guests of Mia’s know that they are getting nothing but the best. Pasta, Pasta & More Pasta! There are approximately 350 different types of pasta around the world. With so many different types of pasta, there are also so many different pasta dishes. With a plethora of choices, how do you know when to use which kind? ●      Shells - Used in a variety of settings, and varying in size, you can do anything from stuff them, to using them in meat sauce, to using them in casseroles, and mor...

Traditions & Superstitions of an Italian Wedding

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Whether you are Italian, are marrying into an Italian family, or love the culture, Italian wedding traditions are unique and fun. The superstitions can also be just as cheeky. You can make your wedding complete with Mia's Italian Kitchen - the authentic Italian catering - Orlando, FL turns to, time and time again for their Italian style wedding. Superstitions There are many interesting wedding superstitions when it comes to Italian culture. In many Italian regions, the bride is not allowed to look at herself in a mirror - but if a glove or shoe is removed, she may take a quick peek. When it comes to good luck, both the bride and groom will do their own little things to bring as much as possible. The bride will make a small tear in her veil to welcome the good luck, and the groom will carry a small piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits. In some regions, the newlyweds would break a vase, and the number of broken fragments would symbolize how many ha...

Italian Cooking Tips for True Authenticity

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Arguably the most popular ethnic cuisines in the world, cooking authentic Italian food Orlando enjoys at fine dining establishments can be created in your own home if you use the right ingredients and follow some simple guidelines and tips. Fresh is Best for Italian Food Orlando Loves Italy’s finest food creations began by picking the freshest, seasonal produce from a local market. When it comes to getting the most flavors out of making the kinds of dishes you can order from the best Italian restaurants in Orlando , fresh is best. Farmer’s markets and local grocery stores typically have the freshest ingredients. Search for Fresh Bread Fresh bread is as important as fresh produce when it comes to authentic Italian food creations. Put in the work and find a local Italian bakery that bakes fresh bread every day. You will not be sorry. All Olive Oils are Not the Same Oil is an essential ingredient in Italian cooking. There is a seemingly unlimited supply of olive oils ...

You’ll Be Stunned to Learn that These Italian Dishes Were Made in America

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Who would have guessed that Spaghetti and Meatballs isn’t a traditional Italian dish or that “Italian” dressing was invented in Massachusetts? In fact, many of the foods considered to be Italian classics aren’t consumed in Italy at all. For example, Italians wouldn’t dream of adding chicken to their pasta (pasta courses are served without meat), and the very Italian-sounding Cioppino - or fish stew - was created in San Francisco by Italian-American fishermen. Italian Wedding Soup doesn’t include pasta, and there’s no such thing as “garlic bread” prepared by slathering garlic butter on a toasted baguette. Bruschetta , however, is served by the slice and made by brushing olive oil on toasted ciabatta. Here are some other “Italian” dishes that aren’t actually served in Italy: ●      Baked Ziti ●      Pasta with Vodka Sauce ●      Chicken Parmesan ●      Pizza topped with Pepperoni ● ...

The Three Meals of Italian Christmas

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Twas the week before Christmas and Italian families were preparing for their traditional Feasts of Natale (feasts of Christmas). In Italy, families plan for at least two dinners - one on Christmas Eve and the next on Christmas Day. Often, there’s a third lunch planned for the day after Christmas - the Day of Santo Stefano - which is really just a day of leftovers. More distant family members and friends gather on December 26th for a less formal, more relaxing meal. For those who choose not to cook over the Christmas holidays but who want to experience a delicious traditional Italian meal, Mia’s Italian Restaurant on International Drive provides authentic Italian catering Orlando FL raves about. Read ahead to learn more about the Feasts of Natale and how Mia’s is the Italian home away from home for the holidays. Christmas Eve - Feast of the Seven Fishes On the night before Christmas, Italians plan a ‘lean” meal of mostly fish and vegetables. Given that this dinner c...