University of Wisconsin–Madison

Italy: Elliana King (Food in Florence)

There are many differences between the food in Madison and the food in Florence. Right away I realized the locals eat more fresh foods. Going into the grocery store for the first time, there were a lot less options of processed foods such as chips or packaged sweet treats. At the grocery store, there are few options of other cultures’ food; it is mostly Italian food like fresh pasta and meats. Another observation I have made revolving around their food is the way they enjoy their dinners.

A bowl of long, thin pasta noodles cast in a reddish light.
A traditional first course meal of spaghetti carbonara

In Florence, they begin eating dinner between 7:30 and 9 and enjoy an array of courses. These courses include an appetizer, first course, second course, side dish, cheeses, fruits, dessert, coffee and then a digestive such as limoncello to settle their stomachs. Florentines take the time to really appreciate the food and company by spending hours surrounding the one meal. Within their common dishes, I have realized they do not usually mix flavors. For example, you wouldn’t find an item that is sweet and sour or salty and sweet which explains their numerous courses to get many different flavors into a single meal. Something I tried in Florence right away was Tiramisu since it is the most famous Italian dessert. Tiramisu is made of layers of biscuits called ladyfingers dipped in coffee with cream filling. It was amazing and I will without a doubt continue to get it and many other new foods while I am here!

Elliana poses in front of sailboats sitting in a harbor at sunset.

Elliana King 

Hometown: Neenah, Wisconsin

Major: Nutritional Sciences

Program: UW in Florence

When I visited Italy in 2018, I fell in love with the way people lived. They spend quality time with the people they love and never take mealtimes for granted. Living in Florence would immerse me in the lifestyle of natives to acquire lessons on how to loosen up, be present in the moment, and not always be in such a rush. This program will allow me to become more culturally sensitive and specifically help me to learn the dietary differences between cultures in Italy and the United States.