Mia's Italian Kitchen

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 ● ...

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...