I am Italian, ask me anything

[Lilylo]

Following the recent "ask me anything" thread frenzy, I thought I'd put this out there

Thank you for answering it's great to get an insight into Italian life.

Another few actually, sorry!
Why do you think more and more Italians are leaving Italy and heading to places such as the uk? Is it due to the economy (in Italy)?
Another - does it annoy you when people ruin authentic recipes? Ie use dolmio for a bolgneise, or add pineapple to pizza etc etc

Please could you give a simple recipe? I have allergies and can't eat dairy or wheat but have recently been making pan fried tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, fresh basil and oregano, throwing in spinach and rice pasta. So simple and delicious m.
Are there any other simple but full of taste recipes I could try? (I am aware you said you're Italian and not a chef! 🤪 but the best food I've eaten has been in Italy and as you mentioned the socialising with food and learning about foods through grandparents, I thought this would be okay to ask!

As a northern Italian do you think there is a north/south divide?

Do the northern Italians feel or think differently about the Italians who live or originate from the south like from Basilicata and Apulia?

Can you tell which area other Italians come from by their accent or their appearance?

Sprinkle this is one of my favourite summer recipes: www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Sicilian-Fennel-Salad-with-Oranges-Arugula-and-Black-Olives

Otherwise I love a peperonata as well, both warm and cold! www.google.ch/amp/s/www.seriouseats.com/amp/recipes/2015/08/peperonata-bell-pepper-italian-recipe.html

Why do you think more and more Italians are leaving Italy and heading to places such as the uk? Is it due to the economy (in Italy)?
Mostly due to the economy, yes. The job market in Italy is shockingly bad. Nearly impossible to get a proper job with a decent wage for young (and not so young!) people.

Another - does it annoy you when people ruin authentic recipes? Ie use dolmio for a bolgneise, or add pineapple to pizza etc etc
I know I should judge, but it does annoy me a bit I feel like in Italy we are quite rigid about how to cook and consume food (certain things only at certain times of the day and so on). Living abroad for a long time has helped with becoming less rigid, but when I first moved abroad I was at the way Italian recipes were butchered!!

As a northern Italian do you think there is a north/south divide?
BIG TIME!

Do the northern Italians feel or think differently about the Italians who live or originate from the south like from Basilicata and Apulia?
Yes. My experience is that people from Northern IT are more similar to the people from the rest of Europe in terms of mindset. (WARNING: gross generalization ahead!) They are less warm, sociable, passionate and loud than people from Southern Italy. Generally more stuck up, and more money/ career oriented. People from the South are more colorful, but more "stereotypically Italian" IYSWIM.

Can you tell which area other Italians come from by their accent or their appearance?
From their accent - you can usually tell where someone is from within 3 words. From their appearance - usually not so much. Although some regions do have a "look", for example people from Sardinia tend to be really dark and short-ish. But it is usually hard to guess.

Do you find British men more reserved and difficult to read than Italian men when it comes to whether they’re pursuing you romantically? If so, are you better at “reading” British men now?

Thanks, I have more!

Is it true what they say about Italian men and their mums? Is it just a stereotype or are they usually very close?
On the whole, how do Italian men view women? Are they sexist? And would you say they are more sexist/mysogonist than that of British men?

Thanks again for answering!

Love all things Italian!

Can you explain to me the different meanings of Prego (it seems to be used for next, thank you, you’re welcome ...)

Also, is risotto and bruchetta not traditional dishes in Veneto? I’ve been to lake Garda a lot and have very rarely seen those on menus in any of the villages, towns and cities that I’ve visited.

Love that region though, it’s my absolute dream to have a small modest house there if I win the lottery!

"Are they sexist? And would you say they are more sexist/mysogonist than that of British men"

you didnt pose this question to me but i would say...............yes they are.

Ciao Lilylo!

Nella prossima vita voglio essere Italiana. Sono un'entusiasta della lingua italiana...è la lingua più bella del mondo, ma purtroppo non ho avuto l'opportunità di praticare..potrei chiacchierare con te?

E hai bambini bilingue?

@Tidythatmess per che non puoi essere italiana in questa vita?

OP, c’è un forum equivalente di Mumsnet in Italia?

What do Italians think of British Neapolitan ice cream

Ooh oooh, when Joey says “vafanapoli!” In Friends is he making sense or is it just made up rubbish?

What to you think if Brexit?

What is happening with the Italian government? Am I correct in saying they have just elected a far right president?
Do you think things will improve in terms of their economy?

Have you ever eaten pisarei e faso?

Do you find British men more reserved and difficult to read than Italian men when it comes to whether they’re pursuing you romantically? If so, are you better at “reading” British men now?

Initially yes, I found British men rather reserved and "cold". In general I had the impression that British people felt a bit overwhelmed at times by my exuberance. Overtime I learned how to adjust my behavior to blend in.

To be honest, most of my dating experience in the UK has been with non-British (but non-Italian either!) men, so I am not sure I am qualified to talk about British men and dating. I only dated two Brits and both were pretty socially awkward, but then again I am sure there are many British men who aren't!

Is it true what they say about Italian men and their mums? Is it just a stereotype or are they usually very close?
While there are obviously plenty of mature, independent Italian men, I am inclined to say that the incidence of "mama boys" is higher in Italy than it is elsewhere. In general family is really important in Italy and people remain a lot closer during adulthood to their families and parents (compared to the UK). I find the "your kid is 18 so he is an adult and it is time to kick him out" attitude really shocking, it would never happen in Italy

On the whole, how do Italian men view women? Are they sexist? And would you say they are more sexist/mysogonist than that of British men?
Again, I am sure there are a lot of feminist Italian men, but I am inclined to say that Italy as a country is still quite behind around issues like gender equality and sexism. Everyday sexism is really prevalent unfortunately, even in the workplace.

Can you explain to me the different meanings of Prego (it seems to be used for next, thank you, you’re welcome ...)
Prego usually means You are welcome, but it can be used also in a "Please go ahead" type of situation. Never heard it being used as a Thank you (which is Grazie).

Also, is risotto and bruchetta not traditional dishes in Veneto? I’ve been to lake Garda a lot and have very rarely seen those on menus in any of the villages, towns and cities that I’ve visited.
Risotto is typical of the North, so yes it is traditionally eaten in Veneto as well. Bruschetta is from the South I believe, so not typically eaten on the North.

E hai bambini bilingue?
No DC yet

OP, c’è un forum equivalente di Mumsnet in Italia?

Non that I am aware! Maybe AlFemminile but I find it rather cheesy..

Friends is he making sense or is it just made up rubbish?

It doesn't mean anything but it sounds funny. It essentially translates to "go do one Naples"

What to you think if Brexit?
I think it is an absolute disgrace and that the UK will pay a high price for it. I am seriously considering moving to Switzerland as a result.

What way is parenting different between the Britain and Italy? I know Italian people in general just adore babies/children. Are parents quite strict with rules/routines?