Mini-packets of condiments conveniently placed on top of tables in restaurants usually contain salt, and pepper. You know you’re in Italy when the condiments are olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead of Heinz ketchup and Hellman’s mayonnaise.
These were in the restaurant Tavola Calda in Fiumicino Airport when we ate there for lunch during our layover on Saturday. It was my first time seeing these packets of oil and vinegar. It’s quite surprising really, because Italians take their olive oil and balsamic vinegar quite seriously. I can’t imagine Italian foodies (aren’t they all?) using ones that come in tear-open packets, where they can’t see the color and consistency, and from which they can NOT ceremoniously pour!
Another observation I made is that some places now allow espresso to-go. I wonder if this and the oil and vinegar packets are signs that the MickeyD’s culture may slowly be penetrating the seams of this Slow Food Nation’s eating culture. I hope not. This is where the Slow Food Movement started after all. This is a place where meals and coffee are always reasons to pause, linger and socialize, never gobble, gulp and go! That’s a great thing, and I hope it doesn’t ever change.
