the salad at Paris Boheme
Here in Italy, the answer to that question is invariably going to be – No.
I was at Paris Boheme in Puccini’s piazza, one of my favourite restaurants in Lucca, when I heard a woman in a group of Americans ask this of the delightful Luis. (Click here to read about the lovely Luis.) His answer, which was given dramatically with a flourish of arm waving, was. “No ranch dressing signora, you are in Italia, you will have Italian dressing on your insalata, it will be so much better.”
The visitors then asked for a pizza. Again, Luis had to say no, for Paris Boheme is not a pizza restaurant. The Americans said “But all Italian restaurants sell pizza.” Luis replied “Not in Italia.”
The point here is, when visitors come to Italy, or any other foreign country they should not expect it to be just like home or they will be in for serious disappointment. It may not be better or worse, just different. Embrace the differences and try something new. That is part of the fun of coming to another country.
The Americans ordered lasagna, and insalata with olive oil and vinegar and announced that it was delicious.
By the way, I am Australian, what is ranch dressing?
Paris Boheme Lucca
Paris Boheme – www.parisbohemelucca.com