Italy is culturally and artistically a major tourist attraction. Food is one main reason why many Americans travel to Italy. There is worldwide interest in the exquisite yet simple Italian cuisine and the Italian food culture. Fascination of Italian cuisine is not health or taste, there is more to it, it's perceived to be a whole life style. Eating and drinking leisurely with family and friends takes precedence over everything else in Italy. To date it is considered something very important that binds and unites communities. The reality of Italian society can be viewed through their food culture, as it offers regional specialties.

Located in Northern Italy, Lombardy, the industrial capital of Italy is known for its culinary contributions by way of Mnestrone alla Milanese and Rosotta alla Milanese. Brianza is well known for the choice of beef cattle and dairy herds and is considered as one of the best produced in Italy. The latter contributes to the making of Gorgonzola and Bel Paese cheeses. Cheese is one of the main ingredients in Italian food.

Trentino Alto Adige has traditions inherited from the Austro Hungarians which has influenced their food such as soups flavored with caraway seeds, strudels, spec and the use of vinegar and sauerkraut in their cooking. Yugoslavia in the east border and Austria on the northern border has influenced the food culture but it is difficult to pin point one specific dish or ingredient, as there were many other cultures which also influenced the Italian cuisine in that area. Paprika, cinnamon, poppy seeds, cumin and horseradish are used as flavorings. Sausage making is a specialty of this area, and so is Goulash.

Venice, the beautiful city built on water offers simple, almost country food. The more popular dishes are Risi e Bisi - a porridge like soup consisting of fresh peas, rice and Parmesan cheese, Pasta e Fagioli - a stew made of tomatoes, tiny pasta and beans and a myriad of sea food dishes which reflects Veneto's proximity to the Adriatic.

Central Italy is mostly country and reflects a simpler approach to cooking and relies heavily on the produce and livestock common to that area. Lamb, beef, kid and game in the form of stew, grilled or roasted are favorite dishes served with pasta and vegetables, particularly with mushrooms and truffles.

Tuscan food is full of local produce such as grilled meats, mellow cheeses and beans. Their delicious breads are baked without salt. Popular dishes are Beef Steak Florentine, different versions of roasted or wine-braised game such as boar, deer and rabbit and thick and hearty soups.

Umbria is known for its wheat fields and black truffles. Umbria's specialty is Porchetta or suckling pig which is prepared in herbs and pit roasted. Their rich version of lasagna is called Vincisgrassi, which includes cinnamon scented chicken gizzards and sauted chicken livers. Brodetto, another well known sea soup incorporates all kinds of fish in a saffron infused broth.

Rome, a traveler's delight is well known for Abbacchino (suckling lamb seasoned with fresh rosemary), Saltimbocca (marsala braised thin slices of veal topped with ham) Spaghetti alla Carbonara (bacon, egg and cheese sauced pasta) and Suppli al Telefono (addictive deep fried rice balls filled with mozzarella).

Food in the north is a contrast. Pasta, for instance, is purchased in its dry form, rather than making it at home. Olive oil, especially extra virgin is used instead of butter. The cuisines in the south are healthier and more pleasant and bolder in their combinations of ingredients as well as the flavors, which reflect the outgoing nature of the people of the area.

Invasion of Greeks, Arabs and Normans are evident among the Sicilians. They eat lots of seafood and rich pasta dishes which are seasoned with strong black or green olives. Sweet desserts are a part of everyday life in Sicily. The most well known is Cassata which is a layered frozen cake. There is so much more Italy offers in terms of their cuisine which goes way beyond what is written here.

Summery: This article attempts to describe the various recipes that are unique to Italy, a nation that is well know for their love of food, which is evident in their vast range of mouth watering dishes, so very popular all over the world.