Another great place to pick up some traditional Italian food is a deli. There are no special rules here (although you might have to "take a number" or wait in line). Pick up delicious marinated meats, prepared olives, artichoke salads, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and everything else you might find at a full-service American deli-- only better!

Here's a list of some delicious common foods in Italy:

- Pane (bread: get it fresh in the morning!) - Aceto (vinegar: balsamic or wine) - Aglio (garlic) - Basilico (basil) - Olio di Uliva (olive oil) - Limoni (lemons) - Pomodori (tomatoes) - Capperi (capers) - Porcini (mushrooms) - Other vegetables: potatoes, onions, carrots, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and everything else! - Tonno (canned tuna) - Uova (eggs) - Frutta (fruit) - Pollo (chicken) - Vino (wine)

Italian Cooking - Recipes
What could be better than cooking in Italy with all those delicious fresh ingredients? Here are a few simple Italian food recipes you can make at your rental. If these tried-and-true favorites get old, eat out and then experiment to see if you can duplicate the recipe.

1. Tortellini in Brodo con Petti di Pollo: Make a broth using bullion and add tortellini, chopped chicken, and veggies. Serve with local parmigiano cheese, mixed salad, and local bread.
2. Pasta al Pomodor: Otherwise known as spaghetti, this is delicious with fresh Italian ingredients! Buy fresh pasta at the market, heat sauce (or make your own), mix in garlic and basil, and add: a can of drained tuna, olives, or artichoke hearts. Serve with parmesan, insalata mista (mixed salad), and bread.
3. Minestrone: Saute onions and garlic in oil. Add broth, bring to a boil, and add vegetables (carrots, zucchini, peppers, etc.). Just before the vegetables are cooked, add pasta and spinach. Season with your herbs of choice.

Italian Dining Customs
When you go dining in Italy, remember this: Italy is a food culture! If you're looking for fine Italian foods, it's not going to be fast. Meals are a social event to be enjoyed, one delicious course at a time. Let's begin with the courses, in order: