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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | MARCH 2023 19 By Theresa Rossetti, Resident If you've paid attention to Parts One and Two, you have the sauce explanations. But aside from pasta, what else are we eating? As seniors we know we need protein to keep us going not just carbs! Meat, poultry, and seafood are prevalent on most Italian restaurant menus as well. I'm confident you all understand what meatballs are and the basics of anything served Parmigiana. Either of these two are the Hubs go-to order whenever we try a new Italian restaurant. After those, things can get confusing since recipes tend to be region of Italy specific. I checked the menus from a few fairly local places (not pizzerias, we'll discuss pizza another time), so I'll just give you some common choices. (I'm a bit of a restaurant snob, especially when it comes to Italian food. All the menus I checked are from independent, primarily family owned, restaurants, not chains.) Cioppino/Fisherman's Stew/Seafood Fra Diavolo (all variations on a theme) – a mixture of clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, and fish in a red sauce, sometimes served with spaghetti, sometimes not. Fair warning – while delicious this can get VERY messy. Expect to treat your clothes with a stain remover as soon as you get home. Chicken Piccata – chicken in a white wine, lemon caper sauce, usually mushrooms, not always served with pasta. This is one of my favorites. Chicken Marsala – a mushroom and marsala wine sauce, again not always served with pasta. Be prepared, the sauce is brown not red. Linguini with Clams (white or red sauce) – I mentioned this before. While delicious at most places, my in-laws make it better! Baked Ziti/Lasagna/Manicotti/Tortellini – all can be done either with or without meat so check the menu. These dishes are very heavy, with layers of sauce, pasta, and cheese, not to be taken lightly. All this too much for you? Just about every restaurant offers fresh fish, or a light sauce made with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Remember, the staff know what's on the menu and what's in the menu. If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask. Can't possibly finish your order in one sitting? Leftovers! Most, if not all, of the items on the menu will taste great the next day or will be fine for a while in your freezer. Italian Food Explained (Sort Of), Part TRE