A trip to Italy isn’t the only place to enjoy high-quality meals

Often spaghetti and pasta come to mind when someone thinks of food that tastes like Italy. In reality, there is much more to discover in the culinary experience. Yes, great pasta dishes are an important part of it, but that’s far from all an authentic Italian restaurant has to offer its customers.

Pasta dishes seem to bring out Italy in any establishment that has it on the menu. Italians are known for making the best marinara and cheese sauces. What better way to smother those sauces than a big bowl of perfectly cooked pasta? Don’t forget the parmesan and garlic bread to enhance the flavors. Breadsticks are a popular choice with all types of pasta and salads.

When trying foods of all types, try pairing them with wine or another drink to bring out the flavors of not just the dinner, but the drink as well. Plenty of waiters and bartenders can help you with wine selections that will go perfectly with your chosen dish. For example, white wine can pair well with a marinara while a dark wine enhances the flavor of cheesy pasta.

Not only will the restaurants offer pasta dishes with an Italian touch, but some will continue the celebration of flavors with desserts commonly eaten in the country. Flaky pastries and delicate chocolates are favorites of those who like to please their palate. Gelato and cannoli are also a very popular choice among many dessert-loving customers.

There is another way to get the dose of spicy food that so many people crave. With the reach of the internet, online stores now specialize in bringing what you crave right to your doorstep. Authentic products that help prepare meals can be ordered and shipped to your door. Chances are these sites offer cookbooks to explain how to get the most out of each product.

Some of these online stores ship everything from olive oils and other cooking oils, to pasta and bread, and side dishes and drinks that you might find interesting and delicious. A few also offer gluten-free and vegetarian versions of their products. Giving a little flavor to anyone craving pasta.

Having a cookbook that covers Italian cuisine and procedures will help decide what to order from an online store. Certain techniques and products may require special attention as to when and how to add them to the recipe. Some doughs and pastries need to be prepared in a certain way to taste good.

These Italian grocery stores are not very hard to find, just do a search online. Some are even based in Italy, which will ensure you receive authentic products. It can be a bit daunting trying to choose the right product for you, but most online stores are happy to answer any questions you have about a particular product or procedure.