Authenticity is central to Collette's cuisine itineraries in Italy. What this means is real Italian dishes will be served at these restaurants - something that might cause some culture shock for those expecting spaghetti and meatballs or pepperoni pizza. As Collette says, "some foods (especially Italian-American) make Italians want to cry. They take their food very seriously and it hurts them to see what others have done with their great, great, great grandmother's recipes."
So embrace the multifaceted deliciousness of real Italian food and don't believe the myths.
Marinara sauce
The only time this shows up in Italy is in a dish with shellfish or olives.
Pepperoni pizza
Pepperoni is nowhere to be found on the Italian thin-crust creations. However, one will find thinly sliced potato, anchovies, sausages, prosciutto, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, broccoli rabe and mozzarella.
Garlic bread
Plain bread with olive oil is the most prevalent in Italy. Bruschetta is actually the closest thing to garlic bread - an able substitute.
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Spaghetti and meatballs
These iconic cuisine items belong in two different courses, so they aren't served together. Sorry.
Italian salad dressing
This does not exist in Italy, salads are dressed simply with olive oil, vinegar (balsamic sometimes), salt and sometimes pepper.
Chicken Parmesan
Eggplant is the only food item that is prepared parm-style, nothing else.
Fettuccini Alfredo
Fettuccine al burro (made with butter and cheese) is the closest dish to Fettucine Alfredo in Italy and it is far lighter than the heavily-dressed American cousin.
No chicken on pasta
Another case of combining two food items that are separate in traditional Italian cuisine. Chunks of fish over pasta is common, however.
Rainbow cookies
Created by immigrants to look like the Italian flag. Not found in Italy.
Cheesecake
Too decadent for Italian palates and not authentic. Go for cannoli, fruit tarts or pineapple to finish the meal.
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