I Can't Get Enough Italian Food

[Mangia! Mangia! Mangia!](#) [Take Five]( Musings, ramblings, and candid commentary from an always-hungry New Yorker. [Joey Skladany]( [Managing Editor]( Buongiorno! I spent last weekend in Italy (thanks to the fine folks at [Parmigiano Reggiano]( and came back with three key takeaways: 1) I look like everyone. Seriously. Having a well-groomed beard and coiffed hair means I’m deceptively more attractive in America. In Italy, I’m just pumpkin spice levels of basic. 2) No matter how many times or ways I say “grazie,” I don’t sound like I’m from Italy. My great grandmother Vincenza Albanese is probably rolling in her grave. 3) Our stateside interpretations of Italian food are abysmal at best. You can keep your unlimited breadsticks, Olive Garden. Fresh-baked focaccia or bust. While the only remedy to #3 may be a permanent move to The Boot (and believe me, I’ve thought about this plenty of times since my return), there are quite a few tips, tricks, recipes, and guides that have earned nonna’s stateside seal of approval. So gather the garlic and start talking with your hands, because this week we’re delving into all things Italian. [The Ultimate Guide to Pasta and Sauce]( October is National Pasta Month, but you don’t have to use your noodle when picking a noodle that suits your sauce and appetite. Though I’m always partial to a tagliatelle bolognese, this helpful guide has opened my eyes to other flavor combos. I mean, who can say no to a gnocchi? [Read more]( [How to Throw an Italian Aperitivo]( We’ll take any excuse to gather friends for an afternoon of wine drinking and cheese eating. Chef Boyardee didn't make the invite list, but I send him my regards. [Read more]( [Lidia Bastianich Takes Us Through the History of Cacio e Pepe]( If there’s one pasta that’s really having a moment, it’s cacio e pepe. So delicious, so simple, so easy to make, and discussed in detail by one of the most prominent Italian chefs and restaurateurs in America: Lidia Bastianich. Perfetto! [Read more]( [What Is the Difference Between Bacon and Pancetta?]( Needless to say, the latter should and will become a permanent fixture in your weekly pork routine. Just be sure to consume with caution. I once housed a half pound of this stuff with all too impeccable ease. [Read more]( [7 Easy Risotto Recipes]( Rice is nice, but rice with butter is better. To achieve the latter, risotto will be your new BFF. And guess what? Some of these recipes are actually healthy. "I can't believe it IS butter," - you while eating healthy risotto. You're welcome. [Read more]( [What I'm Making This Weekend: Pumpkin Tortellini with Sage and Pumpkin Seeds]( Because fall has fallen and my willpower against pumpkin pasta can’t get up. [What I'm Sipping This Weekend: Little Italy]( Because it’s thematic and delicious: always a winning combo. Let's Stay Connected! [View online]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your Subscriptions]( | [Give Us Feedback]( CBS Interactive - [235 2nd St., San Francisco, CA 94105](#) ©2018 Chowhound.com | All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions](