Do tourists (like me) make any big mistakes when they visit where YOU live? Let us know! Seriously, I don't want to mess up if I ever make it there... 😂

@Iconet

10 ай бұрын

I am Italian and was once on vacation in Trentino Alto Adige, an Italian region on the border with Austria where people speak German and typically Austrian customs. My family and I were sitting in a trattoria waiting for a "mouth-watering" portion of canederli, a local food preparation. After a while, tourists of Germanic origin, I don't know whether Austrian or German, sat down at the table beside us and asked to eat a dish that was not on the menu: spaghetti with clams. The waiter pointed out that spaghetti with clams was, in fact, not on the menu. At this response, the customers, annoyed, asked why such a typically Italian dish was not on the menu. Were they or were they not in Italy?

@lagringa7518

10 ай бұрын

😂Apparently there are ugly Americans even with German accents. @@Iconet

@jt.s.7418

9 ай бұрын

In Colorado, our specialty is Green Chili sauce. It has lots of green chilies, pork, onion, a little tomato, Cumin, garlic, Oregano and jalapeño to taste. We eat it as a soup, dip with Tortillas and smothered over our burrito. Don't order it anywhere else or it will be loaded with tomatoes, like a stew😳. Or in Nevada they simply put a green chili pepper on top of my burrito 😅. I hope you will have the opportunity to try this 😋 dish.

@LindaL0313

9 ай бұрын

I live in Florida, people come here and look for snow crab legs. Hello those are the same crab legs you can buy in Colorado or Alaska, they are not Floridian. Instead look for grouper, snapper, triple tail or trigger fish.

@timparetti1944

9 ай бұрын

In one of your videos about eating in Italy you mentioned a very memorable simple dish and just a picture flashed by. It looked like a plate of white beans. What was it exactly?

The opposite of a mistake, and something my mom taught me: wherever you are, when you're looking for a place to eat: 1. Go OFF the tourist center. 2. Look for a place that's full of costumers. 3. Look for a place that's full of LOCAL costumers - not tourists!

@riccardodotto84

10 ай бұрын

Mom always know how to do best!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

4. Follow the priests and apparenly (see below) the truck drivers.

@luckyDancer100

10 ай бұрын

How do you distinguish between locals and tourists though?

@HeyNonyNonymous

10 ай бұрын

@@luckyDancer100 individually? Impossible. But telling a crowd of tourists from a crowd of local people? In most countries you can tell them apart by language, clothing, general looks and behavior... might be harder in more cosmopolitan areas in western english speaking countries, like NYC or London, but usually works.

@nathcascen473

10 ай бұрын

thats super wise ,agree

I am a artisan gelato maker and I can absolutely confirm that the advice regarding gelato is 100% correct! 🍦👌

@aris1956

10 ай бұрын

È un po’ anche come con altre cose. Diciamo che spesso l’apparenza inganna. Anche quando si compra ad esempio la frutta al supermercato. Non è sempre quella che appare bella splendida ad essere di sapore e di buona qualità, ma spesso è proprio il contrario.

@jjroy3389

10 ай бұрын

They are right on about pistachio. Less green is the best!

@HopeLaFleur1975

10 ай бұрын

Eva is right it has to have dairy in it! Tried 'plant based'..it has a bad after taste!

@carpediem5232

10 ай бұрын

​@hopelafleur7621 it depends on the plant milk used. Legumes can have an unpleasant taste with ice cream. Nut milks, coconut milk or seed milks or a blend of different options can actually complement the flavour of the ice cream. Of course that requires more care by the maker to pick the right one. So just sticking with milk as the safe option.

@mattia_carciola

9 ай бұрын

@@HopeLaFleur1975 One of my usual spots has like 6-8 rice milk-based flavours and they're usually the best ones (some of them are as creamy as any other may be, some closer to smooth sorbets but still noticeably different from their water-based). Of course 99% of soy milk-based stuff will be awful, but that's because soy milk sucks.

As an Italian I can assure you this is probably the best advice you can get Also being from Venice, please, never order pizza in Venice 99% of the time is just horrible, and never go in a restaurant where there is the waiter outside just to call people in

@iafozzac

10 ай бұрын

Since you said what to avoid you should talk about what to get Like fegato alla veneziana (liver with onions, venetian style) Or polenta bianca con le seppie in nero di seppia (white polenta with squid ink and cuttlefish)

@Herr_Vorragender

10 ай бұрын

True! Been there, done that. Had the pizza and the other day went to the restaurant with a waiter outside. Both was - well, I made better food at home.

@madhavyu

10 ай бұрын

So true. Most of the pizza in Venice is mediocre or worse.

@MartinAhlman

10 ай бұрын

Who does that???

@gregmuon

10 ай бұрын

@@MartinAhlman Every other tourist...

Whenever we travel to Sicily, we get an apartment in a little or totally non-tourist place and after a week or so we are more or less accepted by the local community and slowly but surely we gain our neighbors' trust. I usually bring luggage filled with my favorite snacks from Poland and share them among my new neighbors. After a few more days and aperitivos with the neighbors done outside of the building we stay at, we usually get an invitation for a meal. And this is, my friends, the best food experience ever.

@laurapavone3513

10 ай бұрын

You are very organised, ready to conquer the world!!🧳🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🌮🥗🍱🍪🍩🍭🍰🍻🍷🍷🥂🍹🍹🍽️🍽️. Bravo

@PalmSpringsPatriot

10 ай бұрын

I have done the same for years and generally rent the same apartment in every city I visit.

@MummaQuan

10 ай бұрын

Food is an amazing way to bring people together. Nobody can turn down an amazing meal or a tasty new snack. That’s such a great idea to bring snacks to share!

@daniby9894

10 ай бұрын

You totaly nailed it! No restaurant beats good old fashion home cooking! 😂

@HopeLaFleur1975

10 ай бұрын

Care to share where is not tourist area in Sicily?

As an italian I give to all a great tip: Never, never, never eat in a restaurant that exposes photographies of food (they're the worst).

@iota-09

10 ай бұрын

this, unless they are world renowned then it's most likely that they could actually afford it(a bunch of pizzerie do that, but it's still pretty rare even in those cases)

@jetpoet

10 ай бұрын

Verissimo!

@carm9716

9 ай бұрын

Yes! This is so true.

@toriless

6 ай бұрын

Apparently true for Greece too??

An advice that I can give to all the people that decide to visit our country is to talk to the locals, don't be afraid to ask, we will gladly help you!

@aris1956

10 ай бұрын

Se sanno parlare italiano ! Perché non tutta la gente del posto conosce l’inglese per poter capire un turista americano.

@frafrafrafrafra

10 ай бұрын

@@aris1956 ovviamente, ci mancherebbe, ma l'uso della lingua inglese è ormai abbastanza comune tra i più giovani

@GianniPT

10 ай бұрын

Sì, chiedo sempre alla gente al bar o in albergo. Non uso “ trip advisor “.

@nicdstef

10 ай бұрын

Sì, però può anche capitare che chiedendo in albergo ti mandano da un locale gestito da un loro "amico".

@jogadorjnc

9 ай бұрын

Except most don't speak english

It would be very beneficial for us tourist if you could make a video dedicated to the signature dishes of different regions in Italy.

@bellissima78

10 ай бұрын

This would be a fantastic series!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

And wines!

@moemanda5020

10 ай бұрын

This is what I came to the comments to see if anyone asked for! Hopefully they will see it and make something to help people who are visiting more than one region or town.

@cofoothills

10 ай бұрын

I think Eva discusses the specialties in a region every time she cooks something from that region. Obviously, she specializes in her local cuisine, but she often does dishes from other areas and says that the region is known for that dish.

@jpp7783

10 ай бұрын

I think that’s probably half or more of the channel’s content.

I'm Italian and let me tell you that If you want to eat home cooking in Italy you should not go at a restaurant! You have to go to the taverne, eat good and spend little. Then if you can find a taverna where the truckers stop rest assured you will eat very well, the truckers are very demanding and on a budget! They will not accept food that is not great quality and local and not expencive . This is what me and my friends do when traveling and on a budget!😂😂😂

@aris1956

10 ай бұрын

In other words, never stop in front of any place where you don't see a truck ! 😉

@HopeLaFleur1975

10 ай бұрын

Great advise! Can you list some in Calabria!

@SgtStinger

10 ай бұрын

This is quite funny as in many countries, most people AVOID places that truckers go to.

@giraffesinc.2193

10 ай бұрын

@@SgtStinger True, but what is funny is that the food at truck stops (or restaurants near truck stops) the food can be amazing. Case in point, I was starving after night shift and got breakfast at an unappealing-looking restaurant next to a truck stop. Best huevos rancheros ever!

@vinceblasco

10 ай бұрын

If you see a bunch of police officers, firefighters, or paramedics eating somewhere you can be pretty sure that the food is decent and the cost in reasonable.

Was stationed in Germany and traveled all over Europe, the best advice my landlord gave me was always look for the unusual place with light traffic and you will find where the locals eat. Had wonderful food in many countries around the world using her advice.

@sk-sm9sh

10 ай бұрын

I live in Berlin and honestly many restaurants here where locals eat are just rubbish and they often bring big menu book. And these menu books are so big that if you have few people sitting by table often the menu books don't even fit on table. I can never understand who the hell invented this nonsense and why is it so common in Europe? In fact the best ones are the ones where you see biggest number of expats frequenting as expects typically had seen more of the world and know how to pick good food better. Not to say that there are no locals that understand a thing or two about food but I'd say there are way more who understand nothing about eating.

A "rule" that I've taught my children is that the longer the menu, the worse the food. If a place has a menu that is pages long with a million different options, skip it. It's usually pre-made/ frozen and chances are good it will taste like it. Yes, chain restaurants are guilty of this so I avoid them, but it's not just chains that do this. The smaller the menu, the better the food. It's a world wide thing and luckily my kiddos learned this early. (15 & 20)

@iota-09

10 ай бұрын

the one exception i've found to this is a sushi restaurant managed by actual japanese people.... adn yet while salmon was top of the line, the shrimps were only ok. it's obvious where the focus goes, and for good reason.

@toriless

6 ай бұрын

It should fit on 1 page, period.

As a real Taorminese I’m very sorry to hear your ferragosto experience in my lovely town. Unfortunately this is the worst month in terms of chaos and confusion (..you should know!😅) That’s why I don’t touch my car and I don’t go out around the centre during all August long. Come back in October or May, those are for sure more suitable months for experienced tourists like you!😉

@cofoothills

10 ай бұрын

I think all of Germany goes on vacation (to Italy) in the month of August, no?

@luceinbattaglia9425

10 ай бұрын

@@cofoothills Yes partly, but the real problem it’s us Italians!🤣 .. Is also true that Taormina it’s such a small town with tiny roads that gives a good dose of panic to most of the daily visitors!😅✌️

@ninadukette3340

10 ай бұрын

I was there in February. It was like a ghost town. We loved it.

I learnt as much italian as one can in 2 days before my trip. It actually was very helpful because I was able to reserve a table at a restaurant where the waitress only spoke italian. The restaurant was full of locals, the menu, like you said, didn't have too many options. The prices were very good and we got very good food. It motivated me to learn more italian and now I'm looking forward to go on another trip with better italian speaking skills!

@JLilliquist

7 ай бұрын

Take 2 months, I did but then my trip got cancelled.

I fell in love with limoncello on my visit to Firenze in 2009 with my husband. Even in the pizza places, after the meal, we were offered limoncello in unmarked bottles - think they were home-made. When we got home, I learned how to make it. Then I started experimenting. When I tried orange peel, that was it. arancello! the best! and when mixed with a little milk, it tastes just like an orange creamcicle. Before I left Firenze to return to Texas, I made arancello as a gift to my Italian teachers. It was a huge hit with them! I've been asked to make more when I come back again (my current plan is my birthday in December!). One friend offered me oranges from his family's trees to make it. December is perfect for that! I can't wait to see what it will be like with his home-grown, fresh oranges.

@rb2807

9 ай бұрын

Arancello is the best! I suggest you to try meloncello too if you have the opportunity.

@eredgorgoroth

16 күн бұрын

I recommend you try the recipe "crema di limoncello" (limoncello cream), which includes fresh cream and milk instead of the usual syrup

That’s funny. I lived in Sicily three years. What I learned rather quickly is lunch isn’t just lunch. It also “expands” into an event that is truly enviable to me now. I did not understand that when they close up shop to go home for lunch……. more often than not they didn’t make it back until 7pm. Just an entirely different agenda. Loved it! Such gracious neighbors bringing food, wine and welcoming us. There was a language barrier initially, but being kind and caring surpasses that. I moved a few years ago to the home I’m in now. Not one person came. Rather sad really. Even though two massive hurricanes in six weeks, every one except me had a generator and not once did a neighbor offer a coffee or anything. It’s sad. I honestly thought back to Sicily and the people and it’s just indescribable. 🌍

@skadelizi

8 ай бұрын

I so sorry you must be in the US now😢 some parts are better than others. Mountain folk are usually helpful.

@MCP920

8 ай бұрын

@@skadelizi sadly by chance and fate, I’m as far southern Louisiana. I had good times and great food in the land I was born in. Variety of cultures, religions were so very good for me. I’m grateful to be welcomed into these families. That said, now I’m surrounded by very angry mob like people. I’d like to be able to move.

@JLilliquist

7 ай бұрын

Just enjoying the chef's cut, need to taste it since every day it is different.

Here in Genoa two of the top mistakes that tourists make are: 1) Eat "focaccia al formaggio tipo recco". Just take a train/bus and go to Recco (which is about 20/25 km away) to eat a proper one. 2) Pick a restaurant in "porto antico". Just dive into the vicoli in the historical center and search for some very small and hidden trattoria, you'll be amazed! Cheers from your n°1 fans from Genoa ❤🎉

When I went to the overseas school of Rome. I just looked where all the locals went to eat and also looked for the most small overlooked places. I Loved the food and All of my Experiences ❣️I was fortunate and will never forget my time there. Love this channel and Thank You for sharing all your yummy recipes and experiences ❤

@diegodessy9700

10 ай бұрын

wow you went to school right beside my home in Via Cassia

@mapiasal

10 ай бұрын

hopefully mr ceen was teaching while you were there :D

I owe you guys big. On my recent Sicily trip, I took the advice of googling in Italian for best restaurants. It was an absolute game changer. We also started making Limoncello at home. Unbelievable results and I wish I'd learned this sooner. You guys saved me hundreds of bucks. A hearty thank you and please keep up the good work. Italy is full of wonders, but mainstream media is so full of misinformation, people like you are needed to set the record straight. Bravo.

I made a proper panna cotta, including real vanilla bean. my friend fell in love with it, and when he tried it in italian restaurants, thinking of mine, he was badly disappointed! The only panna cotta to have is home-made! absolutely true!

As Italian: dear tourists, do not expect that every pizzeria makes a good pizza for the same reasons already explained in the video

We live in Maryland and we love our Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. The mistake tourists make is ordering fried crab cakes. Broiled is the way to go. Lump crab meat with almost no filler is the only crab cake you want to eat. It would be a good idea to ask any resident for the best place to get a crabcake. They’ll steer you in the right direction.

Eva's face when Harper said he booked the trip without checking with her! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I think we've all learned something here today!

If it was just Italy on vacation it wouldn’t be so bad but most all of Europe is on vacation too and they seem to want to go to Italy!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Do you blame them? :) It's quite simple really - those of us from the north want some heat and good food. Very generally speaking, folk head due south. Brits, Dutch etc. -> mostly to Spain and Portugal. Germans, Austrians, Swiss etc. -> Italy. I've heard Italians talk about the Germans 'raining down on Italy' or something like that and there's a few towns in the Venice area that get flooded by Viennese. Sure, that part of Italy used to be part of the Austro-Hungaran Empire but if you find the nearest beaches on the Med to Vienna... LOL In Vienna itself town like Bibione are known as 'Hausmeister strand' = 'building superintendent beach.' LOL Oh and pretty much everyone goes to Greece at some point. LOL

When I visit Italy, I like to hire a car and drive to the Apennines. There are hundreds of hilltop villages there with few if any tourists. It's almost impossible to have a bad meal in a village in Abruzzo. I especially recommend my ancestral village, Petorano sul Gizio, which is three kilometers south of Sulmona. In addition, all of these villages have medieval churches, castles, and museums that have low or no entrance fees, and certainly no queues of tourists.

Thank you guys for v the tips! We were in Italy for 9 nights. We only had 2 meals that were tourist traps! I told my little brother that I wanted to eat local. So, I asked locals!!!! That was the best food we’ve EVER had! We drove from Austria to Florence, and we visited Cinque Terre where we also asked locals for good food. That was not as easy as Florence, but we still found some great calamari!

@toriless

6 ай бұрын

9 days?, Italy takes 9 weeks

Some tips if you come to Australia (but quite a few of these are really universal for tourists): 1. The biggest mistake would be to not plan your meals with as much care as you would give to, say, booking your accommodation, arranging airport transfers, hiring a car... if you make your decisions at the last moment based on what seems convenient (like, close to your hotel), you'll miss out on the best we have to offer. 2. Eat where the locals eat. Beware of restaurants/vendors close to major tourist attractions, they are _always_ over-priced for what they offer, and you will often get re-heated factory food (food at theme-parks, zoos and the like are universally disappointing). 3. On a related note, just because you're staying near the seaside doesn't mean you'll find a good Fish & Chip shop nearby - check the online reviews first. Actually, one of the best Fish & Chip shops I've ever been to was far inland and far from the tourist trail (shout-out to Solar Seafoods in Shepparton, Victoria). But unless you have a seafood allergy, definitely go to a Fish & Chip shop at least _once_ while you're here for an authentically local experience. They're more than just fish, you need to try an Aussie "hamburger with the lot" at least once. 4. Kangaroo - is similar to venison in texture and flavour, but you will _very rarely_ see it in restaurants. If you book accommodation with a kitchen (like, apartment-style), you can usually find decent cuts of kangaroo at the major supermarkets (the pre-marinated steaks are best IMO). 5. Another distinctively Australian food, the Lamington sponge cake, should never be bought from a supermarket, only a good bakery... if you don't know someone who makes them at home. 6. Australians may not eat on the same schedule as you are used to. Late night dining options are limited, especially far from the biggest capital cities... for someone from a Spanish-speaking culture (for example), the fact that you probably won't get a decent restaurant meal after 9pm will come as a culture shock.

@nogingerfool1

10 ай бұрын

"Some tips if you come to Australia " if coming from europe or the uk please note there is nothing there nothing - a harbour , some sand and lots of machismo racists , the most pointless country in the world , you spend 24hrs flying and there is some bits o sand and banal cities .Sydney gimmie a break its utter pony

@AinaBB

9 ай бұрын

@@nogingerfool1I agree completely. I’ve been several times and really it’s just hot. The Aussies really don’t have any culture to explore. And if you live in Europe already you hit the jackpot. Australia has nothing on European small island beaches, culture and food.

@JLilliquist

7 ай бұрын

One of the best cooked deals in Maui is NOT at a restaurant

@woolaboola7381

7 ай бұрын

@@nogingerfool1 Really depends on what you look for in a country. If you like living in large metro areas it might not be your place but if you like the outdoors, it's bloody great. We also have a very diverse cultural mix of ethnicities from all over the world who bring their cultures with them. Tourist traps exist everywhere and the further you venture out of these areas the more authentic your experiences will be. Sydney is the last place I would visit in Australia as a tourist.

Check the schedule. If the restaurant is open for dinner much before 8PM, avoid it. The food on the board outside the restaurant should generally be written on a blackboard with chalk, not printed.

@bellissima78

10 ай бұрын

Depends. In Veneto it's not uncommon that people will eat at 7:30pm. You find most locals (in this case) earlier, actually

@kibaanazuka332

10 ай бұрын

Depends, ive seen 7 PM being common in some Florence restaurants when living there.

@mattia_carciola

9 ай бұрын

Chalk menu only applies to very small places that changes it often, printed is the standard, what's important is the content

Ciao Eva and Harper! As always, fantastic tips 👏🏼. 100% correct: If you take into consideration the region and the season you are in, it would help you avoid tourist traps. Don’t be afraid to ask the local people “Are you from here? where do you eat when you go out?” Many times they will recommend fantastic “hidden gems”, small restaurants, with very few tables, very fresh food, with dishes prepared with ingredients from around that area. Read the menu. If it is short (few dishes of the day) and (many times) only in Italian, there is a good chance that the food will be really good and authentic. Believe or not, there are still many of those little places, that only take cash, so be prepared. Obviously, it helps a lot to know/learn as much Italian as you can before visiting, but also about the culture and traditions (including their typical food) of the regions / towns / cities you will visit, before you travel. Yes, it takes time, but it is totally worth it and would make your visit more amazing.

Thank you so much Harper and Eva for these great tips. My son is leaving for Italy next week and I have forwarded him this video!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Invaluable advice I reckon.

Tourist mistake: In Florence, my wife and I shopped at an outdoor fruit stand. She made the mistake of trying to pick the fruit herself. We were scolded in Italian. It was explained to us that the vendor picks the fruit for you. Part of the service is the vendor tries to ensure you get a ripe fruit. At least that is what we were told, 27 years ago.

@laurapavone3513

10 ай бұрын

Italians love igiene, you can't peak the fruit up because if everyone did that you would end up having fruit ripped by the customers.

@PalmSpringsPatriot

10 ай бұрын

I had that experience in Venice at the Rialto Market when one of my friends picked up a tomato and had her hand slapped!

@alicetwain

10 ай бұрын

It's also an hygienic measure. in groceries, where you can pick the vegetables yourself, you are supposed to don a disposable plastic glove.

@mattia_carciola

9 ай бұрын

@@alicetwain Erasmus in the Netherlands: my first time doing groceries I spent like 20 minutes looking for the gloves wondering if I could be so dumb. It's not a thing there, now I'm used but it was weird at the beginning!

I’m over the moon for your situation. Its wonderful that you’re found each other, that you’re learning so much and you were welcomed into an enriching extended family.

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

I feel the same. They're so cute together and come over so well. And Harper is doing wonders to dispel 'arrogant and parochial American' stereotypes. While Eva is, to a degree, enforcing them. Or, perhaps I should say, reminding me of my ex. She used to go into hillarious patriotic rants often at the expense of the French. 'Francia?! Pfft! We have BETTER food! BETTER wine! BETTER fashion! BETTER cars! AND MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN! LOLOLOLOL

@JLilliquist

7 ай бұрын

@@fokkerfilms560 Guanciale is not exactly cheap either

My first holiday ever to Italy was a tour organised by "specialists" in August! it was the most miserable holiday and twice I tried to organise flights home. Everywhere was rammed with people but hardly anything was open - museums, attractions, restaurants , shop etc. It was twenty years before I could be persuaded to go back.

@aris1956

10 ай бұрын

Unfortunately this happens when, as explained here in the video, the customs of the country where one wants to go on holiday are not known. The “fault”, so to speak, in these cases does not lie with the country where one wants to go on vacation, but is simply due to the fact of not knowing certain customs, of not knowing certain things in order to then be able to avoid them.

@cjay2

10 ай бұрын

Living here in Italy, I strongly suggest the months of May, June, September and October. Avoid mid-July through August here everywhere.

@linpulver2106

10 ай бұрын

A couple of years ago I was persuaded to try italy again and went to Puglia end of May/beg of June. One of the best holidays I've ever had. @@cjay2

As a Neapolitan I couldnt agree more with you, all great tips. You are doing a great job showing people around our culture from the inside, teaching em how we look at things e come si campa insomma. Thank you for what you do!

@bobleponge6293

9 ай бұрын

Hello, my sister and I are coming to your beautiful city of Naples next week. As French, we love to eat and we are very very impatient to discover and taste all the traditional neapolitan dishes. We will aply all the tips in this video and if you have some recommendations, as a local Neapolitan yourself, to give us about some good ristorante, pizzeria, pescheria, pasticceria, gelateria that we should try, I will welcome your recommendations warmheartedly. Ciao

Very true about the menus! We had a 'good' meal at a restaurant in Rome, but their menu was a mile long! We had our BEST meal at another restaurant that had (what we would typically think) a limited menu. Best food ever! We went there 3 times! Great tips! 🍽🇮🇹😋

Just got back from north Italy. I noticed that the best Gelato is not in open containers, in huge mounds, but in lidded containers. And yes, limited variety of flavors. The pistachio is in fact brownish-green.

It's great advice to ask the locals! Italians are very friendly and full of great advice. Try your best to learn enough Italian to have a simple conversation - it is very much appreciated. Also, ask the chefs and restaurant staff where they eat on their days off...

and now people know why a lot of Italians are good cooks. we don't go out to eat because of things being skimped on for cost saving in the restaurants. Le auguro una splendita giornata. Stai al sicuro in questo pazzo mondo.

I make tiramisu all of the time and I make my own Mascarpone it’s very easy. Why Moscarpone is so pricey in the grocery store is beyond me.

Thank you for the great video guys! As a Greek, I agree that August is not ideal for vacation for the exact same reasons that Eva pointed 😊 Also, unfortunately all traditional greek dishes you find at restaurants, have nothing to do with the real thing.. so i would suggest you to enjoy fresh seafood next to the sea and stay away from moussaka, pastitsio etc ❤

@toriless

6 ай бұрын

You can probably get better moussaka in the US that in a "Greek" restaurant.

My husband and I are meeting up with friends in Tuscany this fall, so I’ve been reading up on Tuscan cuisine and learning what to expect from the area. You two are such an inspiration. Thanks for all your hard work. Grazie mille!

@laurapavone3513

10 ай бұрын

I hope you eat and like meat, you will find a great deal of traditional meat dishes there.

@AmandainGeorgia

10 ай бұрын

@@laurapavone3513 My husband will love it. I’m sure I’ll survive… 😉

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Don't miss the cinghiale (wild boar) and olive sauce! Or the Tuscan bean soup (should be veggie or even vegan? better ask though) - super thick and super warming for the fall. Cecina (Pisa)/Cinque e Cinque (Livorno) - cickpea flat bread (should be vegan but do check) street food similar to the Sicillian one Eva showed us but baked, not fried. Anyway, it's very good. Oh and if you get sick of tourists (fall is a good time to visit in that regard though 👍) head for Livorno - a slightly rough around the edges port with a fish and sea food soup to DIE for (cacciucco). As for wine (I can hear Eva scoffing): You'll no doubt know all about the famous (and excellent but often pricey) Brunello and Vino Nobile. (Chianti too of course.) However, the best wine I ever tried... EVER!... was Sassicaia. It's very pricey but if your budget can stretch and you're into wine do give it a go. Like I said, the one time I tried it (it was a special occasion) it blew me away. Finally, if you're in Pisa see the tower if you must but do not eat anywhere near it! (Penty of places further into the town.) So, see the tower if you must but if you want something equally good (or better?!) go out to a (large) village called Calci which has a fantastic baroque Cistercian monestary (Certosa) that's well worth a visit yet 99% of tourists don't bother. Hey, Eva, how about doing a Tuscan bean soup for the fall? :)

@kibaanazuka332

10 ай бұрын

From my time living there I recommend trying Acquacotta (Tuscan farm soup), Peposo (Tuscan Pepper Stew), Persimmons, black truffles (they'll likely be in season), Zuppa alla Livornese (Fishermen's stew), Chicken Liver Crustini, and their wild boar ragu. Also in Florence try the street food Lampredotto (tripe sandwich), Sergio Pollini Lampredotto makes a good one near Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

I never had the guts (boom, boom!) to try the tripe. Do you like tripe in general, or just the Lampredotto?@@kibaanazuka332

The comment about regional food I think can be made even stronger. It is not just about avoiding taking non regional food from the restaurant menu: the _presence_ of non regional food in the menu is good enough reason to skip the restaurant altogether if you do not have other info. If a restaurant in Taormina serves Carbonara and Pasta Bolognese, it caters _only_ to tourists - no Italian would go there.

I’m obsessed with you guys. NOT “restraining order” obsessed 🤪 - I mean, crazy about how you communicate with your subscribers, the amazing food that Eva cooks, and your fun attitude about life. I need to get on the tour waiting lists, because I know that it would be an incredible experience! Thanks for the recipes and the love. 🥰

@PastaGrammar

10 ай бұрын

Grazie mille, we're so glad to hear you're enjoying the videos!

august vacation in italy is so bad, it made me never want to go there again 😂

Tip for finding a great restaurant I got from my mum: look through the windows of the establishments and figure out which one has the most elderly people. For obvious reasons, older people are more likely to know their area the best and to be eating at a place that has the best value for money.

@PalmSpringsPatriot

10 ай бұрын

Haha, unless they just came off a cruise ship!

@abou8963

10 ай бұрын

Elderly locals

It is not only in Italy that there are ‘set’ holiday times. Here in South Wales the last week of July and the first week of August are still known as either factory or miner’s fortnight. These are the weeks traditionally when the factories and mines closed down and everyone had a holiday. In Scotland they have tradesmen fortnight. You can tell when these are happening because the streets around my home are very quiet. 😊😊 When in Italy, or any where I have visited, I never go to the tourist areas for a meal. The best meal ever eaten in Venice we had in a small cafe down a side alley. Go where the locals eat, they know what is the best food to be had. At home tourists want the usual MacDonalds or KFC. But we have plenty of small cafes and restaurants making home cooked foods. Or our local public houses, (bars), make the best cooked from fresh on the premises Sunday roast dinners. If you are looking for something more spicy the Indian restaurants can not be beaten. Curry is fast out stripping fish and chips as our national dish. 😂😂

I love to travel, and I walk around without maps to get a better feel of the place. This allows me to see where the locals go and what types of food (or other) they prefer. I often end up in smaller places instead of fancy restaurants, and I love it. Other great tips are to travel and meet someone local, and check the markets, where you'll easily see what's in season (while preparing your appetite).

We have a soup here in Scotland called Cullen Skink. (Eva would love it). It's incredibly, incredibly simple: undyed smoked haddock, potatoes, milk, and onion. You can tell which restaurants and cafes are making inferior versions of what was a working-class food if they list cream, chives, garlic (no garlic!) or anything *other* than the four ingredients. It's bizarre seeing people rave about some restaurant serving up a Cullen Skink with peas or other vegetables added. You *can* add other vegetables, you can even make it vegan with jackfruit: but it's no longer Cullen Skink. If you come to Scotland remember that we have some of the finest seafood, game, beef and fruit to be found anywhere in Europe - you just need to search for it. (And not in McDisneyland, aka Edinburgh. Edinburgh's a theme-park for tourists. It's not the real Scotland. Neither are the Highlands)

@AndreasLindholm

10 ай бұрын

One of my bucketlist foods.

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Where do you recommend for Cullen Skink? (I'm in Glasgow.) Have to disagree with you about Edinburgh. Sure, it's also a bit nightmarish in August but the Fringe can be great. But I think the best time to visit is the winter - only the hardiest tourists go then and the atmosphere is at its best IMO. Look, the tourists go for a reason - is there anywhere else quite like the Old Town and its Escher like ambiance? No. Also disagree about the Highlands. Although I would say you don't need to travel as far as a lot of tourists go. The Cowal Peninsula for example is stunning in places. Finally, you trashed our capital and most of the scenic hilly bits instead urging vistors go to the 'real Scotland' care to specify where you mean? re Scottsh food: Charles MacLeod Stornoway black pudding is a must as are oatcakes. And curry! Don't forget the curry! LOL

@mirandolina46

10 ай бұрын

We love cullen skink. The first time I had it they gave it as a "starter" and I was really annoyed that it was so small. We had a really good one a few years ago in Perth, a nice big helping!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Most soups usually are starters though, no? Or, is that not the case with Cullen Skink?@@mirandolina46

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Where in Perth?@@mirandolina46

I live by the sea in Terracina and during Summer it's full of tourists (the population almost doubles). So in recent years many tourists' traps appeared, especially places to eat deep fried fish just by the docks (assuming fish couldn't be more fresh). Tourists wait in never-ending lines, even italians especially from Naples, but you can tell the food is not good or healty knowing that the locals never go to eat there and so those places stay almost empty during the rest of the year.

@thetemptedvida8650

10 ай бұрын

Diciamo che in tutta Italia la quasi totalità dei locali vicinissimi al mare andrebbe evitata come la peste. In pratica mangi la location e, come hai detto tu, l'idea che essendo vicino al mare allora il pesce è di qualità

My advice for Italy is to simply avoid restaurants in any of the large cities. Head into the country and look for agriturismo. I have yet to have a bad experience. The menus are very limited as most of their ingredients are grown on site, but for genuine and regional dishes... you can't go wrong. And if you see a lemon tree on the property, go ahead and get the limoncello. I guarantee they made it themselves.

Went to Italy first in 1984, no internet, but there were guide books. I let our instincts guide us for restaurants. Did not go to get any specific foods, just looked for smaller places without menus in English, German, etc. No printed menu best, just chalk board. Went off-season in May. More recent trip to Sicily was in October, great choice. Only mistake was pizza in Catania at a very small local place, microwaved! One "tourist trap" that was totally worth the long line was Caseificio Borderi in Siracusa’s Ortigia market. Here on California coast, lots of seafood restaurants. Most is not local and arrives frozen. Go to a fish market/restaurant and ask what is fresh and local. If you get to Hawaii, same advice, but even better seafood choices.

Bad food happens to even the best food countries 😂 Love your videos, y’all are the best!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Yeah but one massive thing in Italy's favour is despite spending a fair amount of time in the country I never got food poisoning. First time I went to Spain (or, rather Barcelona, Catalonia) I was sick as a dog after bad sangria. Went to a highly recommended place too. Hmm, mind you, it was recommended by the English Rough Guide. Anyway, as I was throwing my guts up a thought went through my head: 'This would never happen in Italy. They might rob you blind but they'd never reduce you to this!' Travel tip for Spain: Bad wine disposed of by chucking loads of sugar and fruit in it and then flogging it to naive tourists?

I love Eva's reaction, subtle winks and raised eyebrows. 🤣

Some additional tips from an Italian who has travelled a fair bunch for work: - stay absolutely clear of places with red checkered tablecloths. Most of them are tourist traps - stay absolutely clear of Italian cousine places with pictures of food as advertisement outside of the restaurant - stay absolutely clear of places where there is a waiter outside trying to lure you in their restaurant (for these 3 categories there obviously are exceptions, but they're not worth the risk) - if you're looking for very cheap places with a hefty serving size, local "trattoria"s or "osteria"s with a lot of truckers will be your best bet (but don't expect them to be accessible via public transportation) - if you're looking for fine dining, on top of the good advice you give in the video, make sure the menu is relatively small (5-6 dishes to choose from for each section) and the complexity of the dishes seems coherent (no 7Eur Carbonara alongside a 20Eur Tagliolini with lobster tail). This does not apply to restaurants with very specific cousine (a-la carte Japanese restaurants or steakhouses with a lot of different beef types are obvious exceptions) - stay away from places that do not take reservations and have a huge queue of people waiting for a seat. While some might even be exceptional, the servers will try to make sure you eat quickly for the huge turnover of customers they have, you're probably better of reserving a spot elsewhere - do not rule out a restaurant just because it's very close to a tourist attraction. While most restaurants near tourist attractions are traps, I can name a very good restaurant (that meets all previous criteria) that is nearby each of the most famous tourist attractions in Rome. Just make sure you've done your due diligence researching it and you'll be fine

One other point, as I have traveled to many countries and cities around the world, I have found that asking locals where or what to eat is not always the best idea. You need to ask a local who appreciates good food with the best products, not ever local is good at that. Many times locals will direct one to the best bargain priced food , they may not be that interested in the better option in town or sometimes they have a vested interest in one place. I have found that it pays to use all the resources available, to find the best places. One of the best sources for me is if you find a place that is very good, ask them where else they recommend. I must admit the very few times I have had a not so good meal in Italy is when I was too lazy to put in the effort.

My wife and I are retired in Sicila, and we go to church in Taormina, so I feel your pain. I've also noticed that otherwise good little restaurants seem to cut corners in August because they are so busy. It does help when you are a regular during the off season and they recognize you. For some reason, when it's really busy and they're pretty sure that they will never see you again, some places don't put in their best work. One big clue I've found in places like Taormina is whether the outside seems designed to attract tourists. Oh, and the Bam Bar? Yeah, it was packed solid this morning too. Just getting past there on the street was a challenge this morning. But we will have to try it when everything calms down a bit. In October.

@aris1956

10 ай бұрын

Ciao ! The “attraction” of tourists in many parts of Italy, but also trying to “cheat” the tourist when it comes to paying the bill, knowing that maybe they won't see him afterwards. This is another thing that unfortunately often happens by us in Italy. Which we say in Italian….”cercare di fregare i turisti”.

@cjay2

10 ай бұрын

I live here in Firenze, up north-central. It's the same here in August. I spent a week this last June in Taormina (I go there yearly to eat!). Try eating at ristorante Niclodi out in their garden. After August! They're moderately expensive 50+ a head, but the food and the service are really really good and really italian.

I totally agree and now I know why. I was stationed in the 80's in Italy and lived in Livorno. My wife and I took a few days and visited Venice, and it was soo crowded, hot and well, I do recall, around the canals, didn't smell too good! I really would love to go back, and its on my bucket list to vacation in Italy again, but would go in the spring for sure!

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

Camp Darby? Livorno's cool. Esp. Cacciucco!!!!! Pisa merda?! LOL

@mirandolina46

10 ай бұрын

don't go at Easter, it's nearly as crowded as summer, but not so hot.

To havr been a fly on the wall when Eva realized when he scheduled these things. There is something magical about old world women raising hell.

my top three rules for Italy: - don't eat in restaurants that have pictures of the dishes outside (which is totally fine e.g. in Asia) - don't eat in restaurants that have someone standing outside asking you to come in (true for most countries) - don't eat in regular restaurants that also have pizza on the menu, and only eat pizza in a pizzeria (unless you know they can do both good and don't just do it for tourists)

I heard you should never go to a restaurant that displays photos of their food. That has served me well throughout Europe. Also - when can we expect an episode on homemade Limoncello, etc.? VERY interested!

@PastaGrammar

10 ай бұрын

We really need to make limoncello in a video! Stay tuned…

@thestickerfarm1254

10 ай бұрын

@@PastaGrammarI make limoncello, it’s good but I bet Eva will make an excellent brew. Can’t wait to see if I am doing it right, if not I will learn to make it better. Yes, yes make a limoncello video

I love Eva's accent getting thicker and thicker the longer you stay in Italy.

Her looks say everything she cracks me up…and really good info…love all your videos🫶💜😊

100% agree with you on all of these. I've tried to give many of the same tips to some of my international colleagues, but they don't always listen. Last colleague that went to Florence came back telling me that they ate a lot of pizza... Such a waste of great local food they could have tried! Also, tiramisù is my favourite dessert as well, and I very seldom order it at restaurants because I'm very often disappointed. But strangely enough, I found an exception in a small trattoria in Tuscany where they served an amazing "Birramisù"

@IriAntler

10 ай бұрын

Was the "birramisu" made with beer? 🤯

@marcomaiozzi6707

9 ай бұрын

@@IriAntler yes, it wasn't very boozy though! I don't remember what they used, but I reckon a stout would work well. Obviously some of my fellow italians would burn me for endorsing this kind of variation 😅

Wow, this video is GOLD! Probably the best food advice for anyone thinking of going to Italy.

Mistake: not pre-booking a traditional restaurant. It was so packed they turned us away. Next free tables were not until after we left. Also, I need to learn to book a table over the phone because I was afraid of making myself understood over the phone! Mistake, but it worked: buying gelato from a big gelateria near the Trevi fountain. BUT the extra-dark chocolate one was absolutely divine and we went back several times. I know, I know...but it was so good.

I think you pointed out very good examples which are actually universal:) I wanted to add one more thing from my experience of my honeymoon in Italy (3 wonderfull weeks)- ask local people (if you can) about local shops/supermarkets, restaurants and attractions. We had the most amazing host in Florence (small hostel 15 min from downtown) and he gave us a map of Florence and for the next hour was talking and drawing EVERYTHING worth mentioning on this map. We had an amazing time there as well as the food he recommended:) 8 years later I still have that map and I want to frame it:) Greetings from Poland! :)

This was another very helpful video from you both. Thank you for taking the trouble to show us how to make the best use of our time in trying to find the really excellent authentic dishes that Italy has to offer. As Eva probably knows August is also a very bad time to visit France and for exactly the same reason.

A friend travelled in Italy and said the same thing - one of the worst looking tiramisù he ever had seen was the best one he ever had tased.

I absolutely TOTALLY agree with every syllable

We generally followed Rick Steve's gelato advice which is similar and did well. All natural is the way to go. Strawberry Gelato tastes so much better in Italy because the strawberries are better. We stuck to fruit, almond, chocolate, hazelnut, and pistachio mostly.

Tip 1# if there are a few places to eat in one place do not go to the empty one because you feel sorry for them. Each time I have done this it was a mistake. The locals know where to go so follow them :) Tip 2: everywhere you are and want the most authetic homemade food move as far, far away from touristy city centres (in capital cities in Europe) where there is more of a chance they don't serve the best food and it will be also overpriced. Tip 3: make friends with waiters. TIP 4: the best service and meals I have come across come from family owned restaurants especially in south of Europe. Tip5: this applies to Paris. Do not touch any cheese in cheese shops. It may seem touchable placed all over the beautiful shops with beautiful packaged cheese on shelves but whenever you pick one up someone comes running and yelling instructions not to touch the cheese and that they are the only ones who can touch the cheese😅❤ Tip 6: prpbably nothing new: Whenever you go eating out it's hood to take a view of how the kicthen looks like and basic tidiness of the tables Tip 7: drink local wines etc they for some unknown reason to me taste the best in countries they are made in (they don't taste as well when they are a travel souvenir back home)

the best advice is, as Eva said, to eat regional and seasonal dishes like mushrooms. There are certainly restaurants where you eat well, but in a small trattoria that also has a menu of the day or a menu with a few dishes to choose from, the food is often good. I've learned that if you go to eat at a trattoria where truck drivers go, don't worry because the food is good there. the problem for a tourist is that the trattorias are outside the city center and tourist places. Then get informed via the internet as we Italians do, or ask.

We were in Taormina a month ago and it was a challenge to find good food. I agree with all the tips - will forward to everyone I know traveling to Italy! Thank you Eva & Harper

Best tip I got, when I was in the military stationed in Germany, is to ask the locals where they like to eat and what is so good about the place they recommend. Taxi drivers are always a great source if you are looking for something quick as they don't have a lot of time to waste like having a whole "lunch hour". They also know the city very well and can give you recommendations based on a specific preference if you are looking for something in particular. I think these tips are universal regardless of where you travel to.

Excellent advice. Although you briefly showed an image of a menu with pictures of the food items, you failed to mention that, you should avoid any restuarant that show pictures of their food. I avoid these places because it is obviously meant to attract tourists. When I visit Italy, or any other country, I want the native experience. I've made only 2 food mistakes when I visited Italy. The first was ordering pizza in Pisa and ordering one espresso and getting 2. I held up my index finger to indicate one but my thumb was slightly extended which to the barista meant 2. I would also give this important advice. As a tourist in a foreign country, remember that you are a visitor and as such, respect that country's customs. I enjoy your videos and love to see Ava make authentic Italian dishes. Thank you both.

Last time I visited Rome I was really prepared: Avoided restaurants that tried to call you in, where it was only tourists and places with loads of dishes on the menu. Looked in TripAdvisor and where Italians where eating. That helped a lot! But one night we decided to ta chance on a very beautiful little restaurant in central Rome. Bad move... we had to pay for the table, the bread and water we never asked for. I ordered a fresh tomato salad, it was a unripe tomato in 4 slices and the pasta tasted like canned food. Wine was ok but it was terrible sample of what food can be in Italy. The rest of the trip we sticked to the advised places and where the guests was Italian and we had amazing food. Rome is a horrible place for Italian food if you are not very careful.

I must say that Rome is empty around Ferragosto. I love it! However, you have to make sure that what you want to see is open before you go (especially shops). Also, in addition, it can be _horribly_ hot.

Glad to get all your tips about Italy. I also love watching Ava cook such wonderful dishes.

Hi guys! Avoid Greece in August, avoid moussaka and baklava in touristic taverns and most of all ask for olive oil for your Greek salad 😊

@aris1956

10 ай бұрын

In fact, certain rules apply not only to Italy, but also to other countries.

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

What?! They're skimping on the olive oil now?! Jeez... I went 4 or 5 times to Greece back in the late 80s/early 90s with my parents. Loved it! It wasn't a very touritsy place (Valimitika - only one hotel and it was destroyed in an earthquake with ~10 French tourists killed 😥) Anyway, back then there were no menus in English (only Greek alphabet) and they just took you into the kitchen and you pointed at whatever big pot took your fancy. LOL I still dream about the lamb in tomato sauce and the okra in tomato sauce. I think I only had mousaka once for it never seemed to be available. Oh and the meatballs... oh God... those meatballs! And souvlaki! #NeedToGoBackToGreece

@rb2807

9 ай бұрын

I love baklava what can I do 😭😭😭

I used to all way ask my grandma for watermelon when in Italy. It was always so good but when time she told me off saying it's not in season and refused to get. I begged and she managed to find one but it was so bad. That's when i found out food in Italy is very seasonial.

@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele

10 ай бұрын

Food is seasonal everywhere... Only artificial industrial "food" is not seasonal.

@AstralHealthGuy

10 ай бұрын

@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele yes everywhere is seasonal but when you live in places like the UK then most stuff is imported, so everything is generally under ripe or grown in greenhouses all year round except for things like strawberry season and apple. However you can find tomatoes all year round. But in Italy they rely much on locally grown foods. So you normally can't find them if not in season and if you it's probably old.

These tips are _absolutely invaluable_ 🤩 thanks again so much, Eva and Harper 😘

Casseoula is a pork stew typical of Lombardia and the Milano area in particular. Made with fifth choice cuts (ears, nose, tail, hooves) it was once the poor farmer's winter only dish (like litterally a pot for 20 stewing in the fireplace for the whole week after the pigs slaughter, continously adding cabbage); then it became a seasonal comfort food; now some restaurants have started to offer it as a high end snobbery with polenta flakes and such, but for the very way it is made there's very little chance to find a good casseoula served in restaurants: make your own.

An experience for me when living in Florence (Firenze). Friend came to visit while living there and wanted to try the classic Florentine dish Bistecca alla Fiorentina. I went with him to a restaurant he found off the internet that was considered one of the "best" in Firenze from a travel website. And the steak was very meh and not that good for the price, and we were both in agreement about how bad the experience was. He left for a few days to visit other parts of Tuscany and came back. I got a recommendation to a local place from Italian colleagues that does Bistecca near my apartment, Acquacotta Trattoria (highly recommend if you ever visit Florence). Took my friend there and we had an amazing time and a really good Florentine steak with a simple side of potatoes and nothing more. My best advice is ask locals where the best places to eat if you can either before or during your travels.

The time I realized traveling to Italy in August was a big mistake, was when I had a project in Rome in August, I said going in when would not be any different from other times. Well my issue was that all my favorite places were closed, like my favorite cheese / deli shop and some of the my favorite restaurants were closed, or worse the real chefs was on vacation. It seemed like every body in Rome was on vacation, horrible trip. The project was fine but I would never go back in August. Funny thing is we have been to Tokyo twice during "Golden Week" which is in May, a time where a third of Tokyo leaves town, there is almost no better time to visit there, less people and everything is still open.

I love to travel in the "shoulder seasons", fall and spring, but I will never again travel in a strongly Catholic country during Easter weekend. I was very excited to see some processions in Portugal but what I got was endless lines of fellow vacationers in the town of Sintra as half of Portugal was there. And so many things are just closed. Maybe just stay away from the famous sites during that time...

I'm really happy that you guys made this video because it shows that even someone that know Italy well has slipups. And as always, Eva is the guide to end all guides

Some friends went to Italy in late June. They said they were so disappointed in the food that they started ordering from the "American" menus. American menus? They said at each restaurant they were offered the Italian menu or the American menu. OBVIOUSLY they were going to the wrong restaurants!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️

The first thing you need to do when you get to any small town here in Italy is find the oldest, smiliest couple around and ask them: "where should I go to have lunch\dinner\icecream\local specialty" and don't worry about language, just learn the hand signals 😜

Thanks! I have been loving your channel for a while, have shared it with friends.

When I was stationed in Virginia, there was a Mexican restaurant right outside of the base. Being from Texas, my husband and I were excited to try it. We were shocked that the tamales were out of a can. We were talking to the owner and he said he tried to sell homemade tamales, but was losing customers, because they preferred the taste of the canned.

@toscadonna

10 ай бұрын

I’m from Texas, and most of the Mexican food in Virginia was awful.😂 There was one good Salvadoran restaurant in the Crystal City metro underground shops that had some pretty good Tex Mex dishes, and I’d go there, because they actually tried to make good Mexican and Salvadoran food.

@HittokiriBatosai

10 ай бұрын

That might be the saddest story ever told.

@tamardevane6635

10 ай бұрын

I don't believe him.

@workinprogress3609

10 ай бұрын

@@tamardevane6635 He did show us some tamale making contraption that he said he bought just to make fresh tamales.

@Cmallon81

10 ай бұрын

@@toscadonnathe food in general in NoVa is not great. There are a few good places but they are the exception.

The worst meal I ever had in Italy was on the Grand canal in Venice, because my kids and grandkids wanted the stupid view, when I knew of real authentic trattorias on the back alleys where the tourists never venture. 😖 Good rule of thumb, if you're driving around on well trafficked road (not freeways) and see lots of trucks parked, know that the food's ample, reasonable and good. Just a hint. If you're in a small town just ask any guy walking down the street and ask him for a good trattoria, you probably won't go wrong. Basically just getting out of tourist cities will improve the quality. 😉

@nathcascen473

10 ай бұрын

well depende not always cos trucks driver mostly looks for super cheap menu ,i will say it depends but yeah betetr to follow driver than a tourists for sure.

@lagringa7518

10 ай бұрын

Guarda, non si può rovinare una pasta con pomodoro, nemmeno dove fermano i camionisti 😄...roba semplice ma almeno dicente e senza pretesi.@@nathcascen473

Love this topic for a video! Informed travelers are good travelers ❤

Thanks for all those wonderful tips!

I watch all your videos. I cook almost all our meals at home from scratch. I noticed that even your more “complicated” dishes use only a few simple seasonal ingredients. I would be very interested to see how you stock your pantry. What are your staples? What seasonings are on hand all the time?What is canned or dried? What summer vegetables are stored for use during winter? Do you shop daily? I am sure it is very different than in the USA. Thank you

@alicetwain

10 ай бұрын

I can answer you one one item: "What summer vegetables are stored for use during winter?" the answer is NONE! Mind you, my granny has a medical condition for which the number of vegetables she can eat is also limited: she can't have green leaves, cabbages, many root vegetables and most salads. So we basically buy fresh bell peppers and courgettes through the winter (because they are on sale, imported from North Africa or grown in greenhouses). But usually we eat the seasonal vegetables. You eat cabbages in Winter and aubergines in Summer. The main exception is tomatoes, and canned tomatoes (as passata, peeled toms, or tomato paste) are available year-round. But overall we eat seasonally, and that's it. The only canned vegetables that most people have in their pantries are tomatoes and beans and chickpeas, and the latter often just because in Summer a canned bean or chickpea salad (with onion and tuna or semi-soft boiled eggs) is a must. Also, most people will have a main shopping once or twice a week, but you will always top up through the week. Bread is bought more or less daily, and if you needs something you just pop into a grocery to pick up the slack. And that's because we have mixed zoning. I live in what you may consider a suburb, and I have at least 5 major groceries that I can walk to in 10-15 minutes, the major one being exactly 300 meters from home.

@thestickerfarm1254

10 ай бұрын

@@alicetwain thank you for that wonderful explanation. I try to cook seasonally but we are so used to just buying anything we desire anytime of year. I am always amazed how people stayed fed thru the winter before modern supermarkets and global commerce. Blessings to you and your granny.

@alicetwain

10 ай бұрын

@@thestickerfarm1254 people just ate more variety too. Lots of foods are just unsuitable for distribution.

This is hopefully out of date but when I was dating an Italian in London I met a lot of other Italians through her (as you do). It always baffled my how they would complain about how bad the British food was and I would ask them, 'What did you eat?' and they'd reply, 'Pasta.' Well, d'uh! (That said, we did find a great Sicilian sandwich place run by actual Sicilians.) When in Rome - carbonara ec.; when in London - Indian curry; fish and chips; Sunday roast etc. etc. But, better yet, get OUT of London then eat 'cos it will be cheaper and probably better. Trip Advisor (in English) is your friend. ;)

Amazing content. Maybe the best video I've ever encountered about food sold in Italy for tourists. I've heard about Rome, but this was very comprehensive and knowledgeable.

Aw, I love this! Ava your hair looks amazing! You two are wonderful.

Never ask the concierge of your hotel for advice on the best restaurants. Ask the maids as they usually are not paid by the local restaurants to mention them. Your BamBar experience is the same as mine when I went to Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano. I stuck it out though and got my gelato.

I think the biggest mistakes tourists make in italy is going for Pizza. Yes Pizza is amazing but most of the times only specific Pizzerias offer really good Pizza. They all kinda are decent probably but I often encountered people who ate Pizza in for example Milan and find the Pizza at their home better. In Naples its probably another story but in the rest of italy i recommend to try other food instead of Pizza all the time.

@fokkerfilms560

10 ай бұрын

I have weird one on pizza. In my experience (Tusany, Liguria & Piedmont) the best pizzas I've had have been in places wth the worst/weirdest decor. Muted lighting; wooden chairs; red and white checked table cloths etc. - NO! Bright (as in hurts your eyes!) strip lighting; plastic chairs and painfully white walls - YES! In other words, joints that more resemble nail parlours or some kind of medical facility than somewhere you'd think to eat food. Oh and some bad muzak playing quietly (or even loudly) in the background. LOL

As a North American who married a gal born in the northwest corner of Campania, near the border of Puglia and Molise, and who visits often, I think your advice is sound, but I would go even further: * The August holiday not only means crowds but also many of the best, reasonably-priced restaurants are close all or most of August, and those places tend to be owned and run by families who vacation themselves in August. This is especially true if you enjoy walking off the beaten track. On the other hand, if you have family in Italy, then in August everyone in the extended family will be coming home, which makes for large, festive get-togethers with family. * Know local foods are hyper regional. Ask someone honest in Parma where to buy culatello, which is cured, boneless ham cut from the leg and hung to dry in nets, they will tell you to leave Parma and go to small, nearby villages along the River Po, where culatello was perfected because the humid weather did not allow families to cure a whole, bone-in Prosciutto. * Research before you go, but also explore on your own, looking for places that are off the main tourist streets, that have no English (and god-forbid photos) on the menu, and places in which the main language of customers is the Italian dialect for that town or city and not English. Massive menus are always a no-go, as Ava says, and not just in Italy. Know too market hours -- the fish market in Venice is closed Sundays and Monday -- so the best days to seek fish at restaurants that is fresh are Tuesday to Saturday.

I love Ava! I understand completely why she loves her home country's food and takes it seriously. I appreciate that about her and understand what y'all are trying to communicate with things like the "Dominos pizza episode" ( duhduhduduhhhh). Keep it up guys!