Traditional Foods of Italy

People always ask me what are traditional foods of Italy. There are regional differences in what Italians eat but having lived and visited various parts of Italy, I can say that there are staples and ingredients that have become known as the traditional foods of Italy.
Throughout the peninsula of Italy you will find that Italians eat pasta in all shapes and sizes. Pasta is either homemade "fatto a mano" or machine made and is either with or without eggs. Everyone has their favorite manufacturer of pasta and they range in quality and also in price. Pasta is a staple and often eaten everyday at least once a day.
Other traditional foods of Italy include tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. Tomatoes are both used as an important ingredient or eaten alone. Tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, ripe tomatoes, tomatoes for salads. There are a multitude of different types and uses. This is an essential vegetable in the Italian diet. Olive oil is also very important and is used at every meal both to cook with and to dress your favorite dish. One should not forget that garlic should always be present in every kitchen. Put the three together with the other essential staple, bread, and you have got a great "bruschetta".
In the bread category, pizza is up there on the list of traditional foods of Italy. Pizza originated in Naples and is eaten all over Italy with great enthusiasm. Again we have all types of pizza: "la margherita " cheese and tomato sauce, "caprese" white pizza with cherry tomatoes, "quattro stagione" pizza with four different toppings and so forth.
The lunch meats and cheeses are very important traditional foods of Italy and include prosciutto, salami, coppa, mortadella, etc. Finally the cheeses are made up of mozzarella, pecorino, and parmigiano to name only a few.
These are the staples that are never lacking in an Italian household. Of course Italians love meat, fish and vegetables but they are secondary to the aformentioned. No wonder they call them "i secondi" seconds and "i contorni" side dishes!

Where to Eat in Chiusi and Cetona When You Travel to Italy

It has taken awhile to know the best places to eat in and around my town of Chiusi (Siena) Italy. One of the advantages of being married with a Chiusino is knowing the ins and outs of the best eateries. Keep these places in mind should you visit the Valdichiana area.

Chiusi (Lake)
The Restaurant "Da Gino" is literally one minute from the lake. Don't be put off by the look of this restaurant as it looks more like a big cafeteria than a quaint Italian restaurant. The owners Claudio and his sister Manuela have been running this place with their family for over 30 years. This place is a favorite among locals. The pici pasta are extraordinary and made by hand and the grilled persico is a lake fish favorite. I suggest both. The meat is also very very good. Don't forget cantucci and order the house red wine which is usually very good.

Chiusi (lake) Directions:from freeway offramp go right toward Chiusi. You will see a sign on the left with Lago written on it before getting to old town. Turn left and follow all the curves and signs until you reach the lake. You cannot miss it. They are open for lunch and do make reservations for dinner as it is always crammed with people.

Chiusi (near freeway offramp)adjacent to Il Patriarca Hotel
The locanda "La Taverna del Patriarca" is about five years old and has become a favorite of locals. The environment is quite nice, intimate and the owners have paid close attention to every rustic detail. My favorite dish here is Pasta con i Ceci, a garbanzo bean soup with homemade noodles. Very good.
Directions: from freeway offramp turn left. You will immediately see the Hotel Il Patriarca to the left. Turn into their parking area and the locanda will be to the right of the hotel.

Chiusi Scalo

There are two places that make a good pizza. Il Punto and Lo Scalo. I suggest either.
Directions: both are walking distance from the train station. Il Punto is directly perpendicular to the train station. Just walk straight and you will hit before reaching the Church. Lo Scalo is to the left of the train station.

Cetona
The restaurant "Da Nilo" is a must if you visit this area. The owners and cooks just know what they are doing and this place has been a favorite with the locals for many many years. The environment is nice, but loud. Be sure to order "pici a ragu" which is homemade pasta with a meaty tomato sauce.
Directions: once you have reached the cental piazza of Cetona on foot, on the left you will see a sign with the restaurant name. The restaurant is one minute by foot up the road on the left.