I love bread! I don’t care if it is sticks, loaves, flat, round, topped, drizzled or plain. I love bread. And while I never need permission to treat myself, I have learned that eating bread in Italy comes with rules or bread etiquette. So in an effort to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, listen and learn.
“Madam take a slice of bread to wipe away the sauce, so I might bring you the next course.”
The words were whispered to me by Chef Mattissee’s assistant, his wife. My eyes got big, not because U.S. culture considers it bad manners, but instead because I was allowed to get every last drop of the delicious sauce without my conscience scolding me.
Take note:
- Bread is not an appetizer in Italy. Even if it is on the table, it is meant to be eaten with the meal.
2. If it is prepared as bruschetta, it is considered the first course and can be eaten right away. (FYI perfect bruschetta is made with day old bread). 
3. Olive oil is the only true condiment.
4. And finally, bread is used to mop up the remaining sauces from your plate. In fact, it is a ritual known as fare la scarpetta. Alleluia!
Enjoy.
Wind Kisses, Donna
The greatest treat? The presence of Gourmet Chef Mattisse, who prepared and taught us about the culinary arts of Italy.
Inspired by Frank Jensen’s photo challenge – Treat
Wind Kisses 
The closest I have bread and olive oil in Olive Garden
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that is just as good. For you maybe just a little or it might effect your running.
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fresh bread and olive oil, yum … what a treat 🙂
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I love bread…fresh crusty bread…but it doesn’t love me…😣😥
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hahaha yes, I think that is true for all of us, but I believe everything in moderation.
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My motto too, including moderation in moderation!
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lol. I have missed you.
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That’s so sweet Donna, thank you! I didn’t realise I’d been missing…must be my fibro, I’m like my internet signal I fade in and out depending on how strong I feel!! Please feel free to nudge/reboot me occasionally with a message!!
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hahaha. No, I think you were fine. I just find it hard to catch up sometimes when I have been busy, and I always enjoy communicating with you. I will always nudge… hugs.
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Yum. Wonderful photos. I bet they didn’t serve you olive oil to dip your bread into, or has that American food tradition finally arrived it Italy. :0
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lol. A weakness no matter where I find it…. No calories if we get up and walk around after…I think…
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yummy! I love bread too.
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Goes with everything thats for sure… Hmmm. a study of the worlds bread.. That would be a nice project. lol.
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YES! Donna, I so relate to this post. 🙂 I spent a decent amount of time in Italy. I remember one night, my (now ex-) husband and I were out to dinner. He asked the waiter for butter for the bread. The waiter looked at him like he was nuts! He took the bread from my ex-husband and illustrated how to eat it with olive oil and a pinch of salt. It was so funny and endearing.
Many blessings to you, Donna. Great to connect with you.
Love,
Debbie
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hahaha, yes. I love that they are not afraid to share what is “their” way. Endearing…YES,
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Oh, my…looks delicious. I’m not a huge fan of bread here in the US – but, if I ever go to Italy, I’m sure I’d join in on the rituals and traditions of enjoying it with every meal! Great photos! xx
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You would fit right in. Love of life…laughter, curious spirit…all of it.
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As a child and teen I used to get into trouble at times for having the “wrong” manners, because I didn’t switch out my hands to use my fork or wiped / didn’t wipe my plate with the bread. In the end I just decided that my table manners are the combination of all the places I’ve lived in. Having said that, I really miss croissants and baguettes. Not Italian, I know, but still. 😀
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You ARE right. A mix of all the cultures. When we moved to Spain we were given a class on cultural appropriateness if we wanted it. It was very interesting .
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More companies and institutions do this. I’m trying to convince people here to let me teach and run workshops on cultural integration for the locals. Many don’t realize how their normal is something we need to unravel and untangle for ourselves.
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