The other day, Lisa and I went out to eat at yet another ‘great’ Italian restaurant. And yet again, we walked away completely unsatisfied and revolted at what we paid for. Maybe there are other factors at work, or maybe I’m just insane, but I have yet to have any type of Italian food that even comes close to what I can make out of a can at home.
From previous posts, most know that I am a decent amateur cook, but I don’t claim I’m the best. I can make some spaghetti that people absolutely love, sure, but I’ve always figured everyone could. Lisa and I watch Master Chef, and Lisa thinks I could be on that show, but I’m blown away by what those people can cook. But in the end, there’s the premise. Have amateur cooks make restaurant quality food.
The problem goes back to the ‘great’ Italian restaurants. I’ve been told by numerous people that certain places are “so good,” and then I go, and I eat at these places, and each time I honestly consider throwing up before I leave just so I can have some good food.
I’ve never had Fettuccini Alfredo better than a mix out of a bag I can get a the cheap grocery store for less than fifty cents.... This last restaurant I went to, I ordered Manicotti, and the sauce was SO over salted and runny. Lisa had the Alfredo and I wouldn’t touch it as it was so nasty.
So here’s my question, am I cooking Italian wrong? Am I wrong for wanting thick sauce, robust flavors that explode on my pallette, and food that just begs me to eat it because its so damn good? Is ‘great’ Italian food supposed to be runny, over salted, and taste like it was warmed in a microwave?
In the end, I have to think the answer to all the above is yes. Why? Because if the answer is no, then I have to ask these questions: Have I hit EVERY Italian restaurant I’ve ever ate at when the ‘lazy’ cook is up? Has EVERY Italian restaurant I’ve ate at just had an off day every time that -=I=- am there? Do you realize what the odds of that happening even is, considering I’ve been to quite a few Italian Restaurants?
The sad fact of the matter is, I know for a fact there is good Italian food out there, because I’ve had some Pizza in my life that I simply cannot replicate at home. Pizza that is so good it compares to chocolate and orgasms. You might have just laughed, but I’m serious, there is some amazing pizza to be had out there. But why not Spaghetti? Its practically the same sauce, same spices, and same style of food....
Last night, I perfected making great spaghetti sauce using tomato sauce out of a can. Its robust, amazing, and a wonderful treat. I’m going to have some in just a bit again. Its not the best I’ve ever had, but it blows away ANYTHING I’ve EVER had at a restaurant. And that, my friends, is f’n sad. Because I pay less than a dollar a plate for my spaghetti...where I’ve probably spent hundreds of dollars paying for crap I eventually threw up or at least got sick off of....
powered by
Bumpin
Bumpin
