There is nothing strange in the fact that Bologna is often referred to as the “gastronomic capital of Italy”. This city is home to many popular national dishes. Many years ago, local chefs invented the legendary Bolognese sauce that is popular around the world these days. Moreover, Bologna is the birthplace of a special pasta type – Tagliatelle. This pasta is first mentioned yet during the Middle Ages. There is an interesting legend about this popular food type. Once, local chefs were ordered to invent a special dish for the feast organized in honor of Lucrezia Borgia. The chefs decided to make a special type of pasta, the shape of which would be reminiscent of the gorgeous locks that the blonde beauty was famous for. This is how the new type of pasta appeared. Nowadays, Tagliatelle is present in the menus of the best restaurants around the world.
Bologna is also internationally famous for its unique meat delicacies. This region is famous for a special type of large sausage, Mortadella. Balsamic vinegar is one more famous culinary invention of Bologna. Nowadays, this vinegar is an essential ingredient of many national dishes. Gastronomic traditions of Bologna have changed much over the centuries. National cuisine restaurants still offer simple and nutritious food, and owners of these restaurants cook many dishes in accordance with old family recipes.
Travelers will be thrilled to see the choice of pasta in local restaurants. Gorgeous locally produced cheese is the most widespread product served together with pasta. Prosciutto ham is another traditional ingredient that is frequently added not only to pasta but also to various salads. Fans of meat dishes will be pleased with the selection of pork in local restaurants. This meat remains the most widespread and popular in the local cuisine.
Read further...