Obsession of Italians to keep "Italian" food authentic

[Anonymous]

I'm French.

You wouldn't believe, OP, how important French-origin food and dishes are to French culture. Every day on the news, there is a dedicated food segment about authentic regional food, how lovingly it's produced using centuries old recipes or methods, how it's labeled and marketed so that consumers can distinguish it from fakes from God Knows Where (like lowly Italy or Spain, the horror!!!!!!!), how it's produced lovingly, how Chinese and/or Arab or American clients are interested, etc.

I mean, my father and his colleagues had two hour lunches where they talked about nothing but food, back in the day. My private high school had red and white wine in little individual carafes for the teachers at lunch time.

We are a food obsessed nation, but differently obsessed than the USA.

[Anonymous]

Read the comments on every single Tasty video ever and you will see millions of “That’s not authentic!” for every type of cuisine. This is certainly not specific to Italians. Everyone thinks their way is the only way. I think it’s sad as hell that people can’t even try other versions. Things change over time and distance. Doesn’t make it bad.

FWIW, I’m 2nd gen Italian American and love me some bastardized Italian American food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think most cultures would be annoyed if you vulgarize their dishes, and particularly if you mistreat the ingredients, though I agree that the Italians are prouder than most.

If, for example, you put coke in a single malt, or mustard with jamon bellota, or curry inside a pierogi, the natives of these countries would have something to say. And ask Chinese-born people what they make of Chinese-American cuisine.

I disagree. You say Vulgarize, but I see it as Evolution. All cuisines have to evolve or die out.
For example, I prefer the California Sushi Rolls instead of the funky raw fish sushi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think most cultures would be annoyed if you vulgarize their dishes, and particularly if you mistreat the ingredients, though I agree that the Italians are prouder than most.

If, for example, you put coke in a single malt, or mustard with jamon bellota, or curry inside a pierogi, the natives of these countries would have something to say. And ask Chinese-born people what they make of Chinese-American cuisine.

Chinese American food does not equal Chinese food. It’s almost like it’s own sub “cuisine”
Like Tex-Mex vs Mexican.

Italian American food is also a separate cuisine. I love Italian food, but I also love spaghetti and meatballs.

[Anonymous]

Gosh, too funny! "If I gave this to my dog, e would throw it back at me!"

[Anonymous]

Don’t get me started on Indian “curry”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm French.

You wouldn't believe, OP, how important French-origin food and dishes are to French culture. Every day on the news, there is a dedicated food segment about authentic regional food, how lovingly it's produced using centuries old recipes or methods, how it's labeled and marketed so that consumers can distinguish it from fakes from God Knows Where (like lowly Italy or Spain, the horror!!!!!!!), how it's produced lovingly, how Chinese and/or Arab or American clients are interested, etc.

I mean, my father and his colleagues had two hour lunches where they talked about nothing but food, back in the day. My private high school had red and white wine in little individual carafes for the teachers at lunch time.

We are a food obsessed nation, but differently obsessed than the USA.

Preservation of traditional dishes is important. But so is the American tendency for fusion and change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Read the comments on every single Tasty video ever and you will see millions of “That’s not authentic!” for every type of cuisine. This is certainly not specific to Italians. Everyone thinks their way is the only way. I think it’s sad as hell that people can’t even try other versions. Things change over time and distance. Doesn’t make it bad.

FWIW, I’m 2nd gen Italian American and love me some bastardized Italian American food.

Of course it is not just Italians, but somehow my Netflix and YouTube feed brings me constant Italian food content!

[Anonymous]

I'm also 3rd generation Italian and food was such a big part of growing up and my family in general. Food was love. My grandmother would get extremely upset if someone didn't like food that she prepared and she would get mad and say "doesn't anyone eat at home anymore" any time we went to a restaurant. In fact restaurants with her were terrifying. We'd all hold our breath while she took her first bite because 90% of the time she'd say that it wasn't as good as something she made.
So yeah, the food thing was complicated. And yeah, any kind of pasta, other than semolina is gross.

[Anonymous]

Italian food is overrated, Italians are overrated, Italy is overrated. Other than that, it's all good.

[Anonymous]

That video is kind of like when my dad came to the U.S. for the first time and ordered ribs.
Then he was "What the hell is this on it!" Did they cover it in sugar and ketchup?
He was all "Why, why, meat is so good on its own, no need to gross ketchup on it."
He did not eat it.
From former Yugoslavia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t get me started on Indian “curry”.

Oh, come on, do get us started!
Give us some videos of Indian's reacting to curry in the U.S. or somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Italian food is overrated, Italians are overrated, Italy is overrated. Other than that, it's all good.

I kind of meant for this to be a light hearted thread. On a bit of a rainy day...

[Anonymous]

The Chinese feel this way, but American Chinese don't tend to like to stand out and make waves as much. So they keep it within the community. American Chinese all value where the most authentic food is and talk disparagingly about "Americanized" Chinese food. But they do it in Chinese to other Chinese, infrequently to non-Chinese.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm French.

You wouldn't believe, OP, how important French-origin food and dishes are to French culture. Every day on the news, there is a dedicated food segment about authentic regional food, how lovingly it's produced using centuries old recipes or methods, how it's labeled and marketed so that consumers can distinguish it from fakes from God Knows Where (like lowly Italy or Spain, the horror!!!!!!!), how it's produced lovingly, how Chinese and/or Arab or American clients are interested, etc.

I mean, my father and his colleagues had two hour lunches where they talked about nothing but food, back in the day. My private high school had red and white wine in little individual carafes for the teachers at lunch time.

We are a food obsessed nation, but differently obsessed than the USA.

That all sounds fascinating and kind of lovely. I did not mean to have a ripping apart conversation. I was hoping for a light hearted debate!
Give us some videos of French react to "French" food. I speak and understand some French.