Follow the Food

As a college student, I've always thought the Olive Garden was about as Italian as I'd find on this continent, but the Orlando, Florida-based Olive Garden restaurant has more authentically Italian roots than I had previously thought. The chain recently opened an establishment in Tuscany, along with a culinary academy, to which the company will send teams of chefs for training. In addition, Olive Garden has partnered with a Tuscan winery to produce wines especially for the American restaurant. Even though I wouldn't trade a trip to Italy for a drive to the Olive Garden, the restaurant at least provides some good training grounds for the Italian cuisine experience.

To stay up with the current Italian coffee drink trend, I'm building up my tolerance for lattes, espressos and cappuccinos. A soda doesn't quite seem to fit in with the image of a relaxing afternoon at a street-side cafè.

While it is not safe to drink the water in many mediterranean countries, the same is not true of Italy. Since the Ancient times, Rome has benefited from a series of aqueducts that carry water through an elaborate system from the hills to the city. Highly styled fountains throughout the city cycle water that is fine for practical use as well as delicious to drink. But, note any signs that say acqua non potabile -- that means the water is not safe to drink.

Visiting another country isn't just about seeing the sights...it's about experiencing the food - the smells of the spices, the textures of the entrees. A trip to Italy is no exception.

For Starters

In America, they are appetizers...but in Italy, it's antipasto. To start a meal right, you have to start with an antipasto. Generally, these portions of the meal are comprised of fresh, grilled or preserved vegetables, based on what is in season. The antipasto is generally light, allowing room for the following courses.

If you visit Rome in the approaching spring months, try a dish of batter-fried artichoke hearts and zucchini flowers.

A Recipe A Day...

For those serious about experiencing Italian food before experiencing Italy, try the Italian Food web site. You can check out daily recipes for foods like spaghetti alla carbonara, as well as gaining some valuable insight into Italian food.

If you want your kitchen to look like an Italian cucina, some basic ingredients include pasta noodles (of course!), olive oil and tomatoes. Of course, where you visit in Italy should determine what type of cuisine you practice preparing.

It Depends on Where You Go

Just as food specialties are diverse in the United States -like getting a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich in Philadelphia compared to snatching a Dodger Dog in Los Angeles, Italian cuisine varies from region to region as well.

Northwestern Italian areas like Genoa and Milan feature entrees that are hearty. These specialties include foods that are rich in butter and oil. Rice grows abundantly in this region so you can count on risotto to show up in many dishes. Also, the Alpine meadows provide a perfect place for cheeses to be produced. Some of these cheeses - like Gorgonzola, Fontina and Taleggio -- are three of the best-known cheeses from the region.

Olive oil, beans and meats like salami and ham are the main ingredients in food from central Italy. The Tuscany region boasts heavy meat dishes. Mushrooms are considered delicacies in this part of Italy, so expect them to be used in cooking of almost everything from the antipasto to the main course.

Kitchens in the Roman area tend to be stocked with seasonal produce. Authentic Roman dishes are generally spiced with seasonings like garlic, onions and rosemary.

Regardless of where you plan to visit in Italy, you can recreate a bit of the taste back home in the United States with some basic ingredients. Despite being separated by an ocean, you can replicate the taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

And, if you decide you don't have the time to cook the dishes for yourself, the Olive Garden's cucina stays open late.