Italian v American cuisine and lifestyle

In Italy dining is an event. The day starts with a very light breakfast of a roll, some cheese, maybe a chocolate roll, some espresso, and fruit. There are no huge skillets to be found.

Lunch is a great break in the day and is usually the larger meal. It takes around 1.5 hours to dine on multiple, realistic sized portions. Wine is enjoyed at lunch and is a social event between friends and family. Many Italians go home for lunch, but in the larger cities many eat out at restaurants.

Dinner is really an epic event. Dining starts around 7 or 8 and lasts 2-3 hours.

It is hard to find candy bars, chips, and other junk food. I'm sad to write that it is becoming more available these days. A snack in italy is gelato, a slice of pizza, a light panini, or fresh fruit.

I rec'd the above email from a friend. I'm not sure where he found it, but the subject line read, "after two years Michelangelo's David returns from the U.S." I'm afraid to admit it, but it is true. Two years here eating McDonalds and other junk food this is what the result would be.