Sunday, April 21, 2013

Finding The Best Italian Food In Tempe

By Alyssa Riggs


Any night of the week is a good time to enjoy some Italian food in Tempe. There are a number of excellent restaurants in the city that cater to families and romantic young couples. The lunches or dinners are filling and made with plenty of fresh ingredients.

Italy has long been famous for their culinary delights. This southern European country is perfectly located to grow a host of healthy and nutritious produce that is used to make some of the worlds most loved dishes. The Mediterranean diet is high in healthy fats such as olive oil and has long been recognized for its delicious taste, variety and health benefits.

The olive groves of southern Italy are world famous. They produce thousands of gallons of high quality olive oil every year. This olive oil is used in many of the dishes and particularly on the salads. A light balsamic vinaigrette dressing is typically served over a bed of fresh greens. Extra items such as locally made cheese and prosciutto, the Italian ham, can make the salad into a meal all by itself.

Pasta dishes are also very popular. There are many different styles, shapes and colors to the pasta. The most commonly known ones are probably spaghetti, linguine and penne. But in some areas of Italy gnocchi are more commonly served. These are potato filled pasta dumplings that are simple but delicious. They can be added to any dish and guest may want to ask their server if gnocchi are available for them to try.

Most restaurants are owned and run by families from Italy. This helps to add an authentic feel to the decor, food and service. Many owners like to decorate in a way that is reminiscent of the old country and to give their guests a true feel of Italy. The welcome is warm and diners really do feel like family. Children are always welcome and most establishments offer a good kids menu with smaller portions of all the regular menu items.

Parmigiana is one of the most popular dishes. This wholesome and filling dish is usually available with chicken, veal or shrimp. Great vegetarian options such as eggplant parmigiana are always popular. The dish is topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese which is melted under the broiler. It is served with a choice of pasta and a homemade tomato sauce. Although simple it has long been a favorite and is often considered a classic dish.

Coffee is another great tradition from Italy. The espresso was invented there many years ago. This rich coffee is served in a small cup and should be sipped slowly. Cappuccino is also a delicious way to end the meal. The milk is steamed and frothed to make a delicious alternative to regular coffee.

There are some excellent choices for anyone looking for Italian food in Tempe. Most people can make a suggestion or two and trying out new restaurants is always fun.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment