Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2315039)

? Have you traveled through Italy much? Some of the worst examples of Italian style along with some pretty good was my experience. Never had a good pizza there.
We all have our preferences and expectations Authentic, truly authentic food of any culture is going to vary greatly dictated by what was available. Peasant foods account for the most iconic dishes of most cultures.
I, for one, like Olive Garden. Great authentic Italian? No! (Thank God) But, I'm not native Italian, I'm American. So, for Italian inspired food, I like it.
Fredric, not Federico.

Originally Posted by xhippee (Post 2314727)

This was almost amusing. Went to Napolinos last night with another couple. I told the waitress I'd like chicken parm, with linguini and white clam sauce. She said it would be a $3 upcharge. I said ok. When it arrived 40 minutes later, the linguini was doused in a thick, white gravy...devoid of clams. When I pointed this out to the waitress, she said if I wanted clams in my clam sauce, I'd have to order it as a dinner. I actually laughed. First and last time for me there.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2315100)

Every country I've ever been in, from one region to the next, the folks from a different region will tell you, "oh, they don't make it properly here". All the great cuisines of the world started off as peasant food, with herbs, spices and sauces to make plain, or even lousy/questionable
food more palatable.
As for brick ovens and grilling over open flame, that is all Peasants had to cook on or in. Fresh fruits and veggies, often wild, were all that was available. Escargot, snails! Peasants so desperate for food tried to hide and flavor snails so they could swallow it. Amazing what butter and garlic can do. No kings chef would have dared serve the monarch snails. Heads would roll.
So, you can stop looking down your nose at those of us who like good food from all countries, regions, and all strata of society. 🤗

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2315102)

Did you have pizza in Naples? Some of the best in the world! Cities like Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan etc. are not known for pizza. Try their versions and you will be very disappointed.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2315100)

Every country I've ever been in, from one region to the next, the folks from a different region will tell you, "oh, they don't make it properly here". All the great cuisines of the world started off as peasant food, with herbs, spices and sauces to make plain, or even lousy/questionable
food more palatable.
As for brick ovens and grilling over open flame, that is all Peasants had to cook on or in. Fresh fruits and veggies, often wild, were all that was available. Escargot, snails! Peasants so desperate for food tried to hide and flavor snails so they could swallow it. Amazing what butter and garlic can do. No kings chef would have dared serve the monarch snails. Heads would roll.
So, you can stop looking down your nose at those of us who like good food from all countries, regions, and all strata of society. ������

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2315151)

Without question there is one food that burns into my mind and has left the lasting impression that not even good Italian can top, Schwenkbraten. The southern Hunsruck of Germany makes a pork steak on a spit like no other. Sitting on the Mosel while eating it, then topping it off with a good German beer and you will never forget the meal of all meals.

Sometimes a dinner doesn’t have to be costly, it’s all in the marinade.

Originally Posted by Vickim (Post 2315159)

I agree we don’t eat out much after living in a foodie city. The Villages leaves a lot to be desired. The quality of Anglers club is outstanding but you have to be a member . Gio’s deli in Oxford for good Italian 👍🏻

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston (Post 2315156)

Is that like a schnitzel or different altogether?

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2315171)

Pork steak marinated in onion paprika and garlic mixture

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston (Post 2315173)

Sounds amazing.
My two favorite German restaurants are now defunct. One was the Wursthaus in Harvard Square in Cambridge and the other was called Jacob Wirth in Boston’s theater district. Both were authentic and very popular in their day. German cuisine is definitely underrated imo

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2315081)

Preaching to the choir. We like a sweet white wine like moscato, irregardless of what we are eating.

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy (Post 2314878)

I think your complaint is unreasonable. Linguini with white clam sauce usually runs around $18.00 to $20.00 dollars and is an entree. If I were the waitress I don't think I would have understood that you wanted a $18.00 side with your entree either. $3.00 should have given you a clue that you weren't going to get an $18.00 Linguini with clam sauce. You ordered two entrees, not an entree with a side.

Originally Posted by xhippee (Post 2314727)

This was almost amusing. Went to Napolinos last night with another couple. I told the waitress I'd like chicken parm, with linguini and white clam sauce. She said it would be a $3 upcharge. I said ok. When it arrived 40 minutes later, the linguini was doused in a thick, white gravy...devoid of clams. When I pointed this out to the waitress, she said if I wanted clams in my clam sauce, I'd have to order it as a dinner. I actually laughed. First and last time for me there.