Italian Culinary Culture

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Taiwanese people show a strong affinity towards Italian culture, and above all towards Italian culinary culture. There are restaurants called “Little Italy” and “Florence Coffee Shop” which convey an atmosphere that can be classified as more or less authentic. The pizzas you can get there are nearly as good as in genuine Italian restaurants, and the music they play is mostly Italian and represents the popular hits of the past four decades. At times, the visitor has the impression that these restaurants even want to be more Italian than what is genuine. You are seated there talking to your friends and listening the the music, and suddenly you stop and think, “Wait a moment. Am I in Italy, or am I still in Taiwan?” Then you feel a short moment of confusion, and by and by the penny drops and you think,” Ah, actually, it’s Taiwan”. Such a mental event is the best compliment which can be given to restaurant owners. This is the best proof of the special character of these restaurants.

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However, there is just one tiny aspect which finally reminds you of the geographic location of these restaurants: Waiters and waitresses don’t speak a single word of Italian… .

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