As Foodie Guy so eloquently explained, Italians really do have it good. Here's another reason why:
 
Every meal in Italy is one of the freshest meals you'll have in your life.

No exceptions. Whether dining at a tourist-thronged pizzeria, a hole in the wall gelateria or a hidden gem ristaurante, you will find a fabulous, fresh meal or snack.

Yes, even fresh snacks. Italians love that word. Waiters will stand outside their restaurant door, sometimes beside a food display, and try to coerce you to come in for "snack!" They use the word like it's going to make you say, "Oooooh, a snack! Now THAT'S what I'm craving!" If you're lucky, you may even get a side of "college football!"  

But I digress. Here is some of our hard-sought research to explain why I think Italians have it so good.

1. The pastas dishes are fresh, saucey, savory and the perfect al dente. (See picture from Ristorante La Scalinata in Rome -- a place we thought we were "settling" on to subside our hunger that is now one of my favorite spots on the planet.)

2. The pizza slices are melt-in-your-mouth, close-your-eyes kind of good. (Remind me to show you the fun slice holders, too!)

3. The tomatoes are ripe, juicy and worthy of eating like you would an apple.

4. The bread is the precise balance of soft dough and flaky crust.

5. The grilled meats are au naturale, flavored only with hints of olive oil, pepper and salt.

After eight days of eating multiple courses of such fresh foods, two to three times a day, I returned happier, heavier and still healthier than I can remember in years.

Unfortunately, I can't afford the flight back to Florence or Rome for more tonight. Instead, I'll be at Biagio Ristorante & Bar in Waltham. After just recalling all of the fine, fresh foods in Italy, Biagio will have a lot to live up to.

Until next time...

Happy dining!

FC