When I said I would try and write more, I meant it. So here we go another post, before next year. Impressive Mackenzie. I thought for this post I would write about something different. I often talk about my life here in Italy and everything I love and don’t quite understand here but there are some things I miss about the U.S. Obliviously besides my family because that would be the number one thing I miss. So here are 10 things (mostly food related) that I miss about the United States.
1. Breakfast Food
Starting off the list with the number one thing I tell people I miss and can’t wait to eat when I get back. Breakfast food. I really mean all breakfast food. In Italy, breakfast is not considered an important meal of the day. In fact a typical breakfast is a croissant and cappuccino, plus a cigarette. I don’t mind having my croissant (usually chocolate) and cappuccino during the week, but where are my bacon and eggs on the weekend?! I need pancakes, eggs benedict or French toast to celebrate making it through another week. Brunch is slowly becoming a thing here in Italy, but until they add bottomless mimosas it’s just not the same.
2. Sub Sandwiches
Guys like I said before this list is mostly food related. I know I live in one of the best culinary places on Earth but sometimes you just want your comfort food. Sub sandwiches are basically that for me. I miss you dearly Port of Subs (a better version of Subway). Yes Italy has sandwiches, and Florence is known for All'Antico Vinaio which has the most famous sandwiches in the world, but sometimes I just want some mayo and mustard on a classic turkey sub!
3. Chicken Wings
I am not talking about any old wings, I am talking about sports bar wings smothered in sauce. I can go to the grocery store here and buy chicken wings and we can add a little barbeque to them. Ok, but where is my garlic parmesan sauce or my buffalo?! Add 20 TV screens playing and and every sport and I will be happy. When I visit home I really look forward to going to our nearest Buffalo Wild Wings or Wingstop because it’s just something I can get here in Italy.
4. Organization
Wow finally something not food related. Incredible. Something about Italy that I will not understand is their organization. Appointment times? Irrelevant. Show up early and they might get to you before or you end up waiting hours after your said appointment time. There is no in between. Websites for places could say opening and closing times, arrive at said place, there are different opening and closing times posted. I know the United States has it’s own problems and everything doesn’t run exactly on time but at there’s some rhyme or reason to it. No two places in Italy will tell you the same thing, let alone 2 people in the same building. In the United States you generally can do most things online now, awesome. Italy picks and chooses what can be done online, and with COVID cases going down less things are online again. Why?! Grocery shopping online? Lucky to get a day this month. Instacart? Doesn’t exist. The list could go on for this one.
5. Places being open 24 hours (Nevada specifically)
Sometimes your girl just wants to get an ice cream at 12am on a Saturday. Although it was college and my work schedule was weird I really enjoyed going grocery shopping at 12am when the store was empty. Italy has a few things that are open 24 hours but even then it’s not really 24 hours they just mean a little past midnight or that it will open at 6am. If something says 24 hours here I never assume a full 24 hours, because that would be too simple.
6. Donuts & Cakes
Don't worry, we’re back to food. Italy has its own desserts and of course they are delicious. Tiramisu, zeppole, cannoli and of course the list goes one. However, cakes and donuts are just not the same here. Cakes for Italians are what we consider pies or more of like an ice cream cake. There will be a small layer of cake with layers of mouse, ice cream or chocolate. In my book I would not call it a cake. I need frosting and at least 2 layers of actual cake. As for the donuts here they are always cake donuts (ironic). I have yet to find a fried dough donut with glaze on it. Krispy Kreme, don’t you think it’s time to franchise in Florence?
7. Gyms
This last September Pasquale joined a gym that is really close to our house. The first time I have joined a gym here in Italy and let me tell you why. Gyms here are freaking expensive. Italy is tight on space and well gyms here are not exactly large. My gym is 3 rooms, weights, machines, and cardio. Some gyms here that I have seen are just 1 room. So for a tiny gym you can end up paying quite a bit for just a little. I only joined our gym because comparing it to other gyms around town it was a steal, it also open 24 hours, well sometimes depending on the season and COVID. Also you need a health certificate to join a gym in Italy. Meaning after you have paid quite a bit of money you need to go find a place to give you a physical, which of course can’t be your general doctor because too easy, and pay more money. I thought that’s why I signed a contract but hey take more of my money. Gyms in the United States are often massive and of course it can be an expense but it is considerably cheap when you look at gyms here in Italy. Also more gym options in the U.S. In general I think there are a lot more gyms available, probably due to space, whereas in Italy you're lucky if you have one on your side of town.
8. Grabbing things on the way
This is going to make me sound like the basic white woman that I am but I miss being able to get an iced coffee to go and having it with me for basic errands. Or getting anything portable really to take with me on errands. Sure I can get a to-go coffee here but it’s an espresso. How is that going to last me my whole 1 hour grocery store run? I just need something to sip on. A comfort drink if you will. It doesn’t have to be coffee. A slurpee, smoothie, or even a milkshake will suffice.
9. Smoothies from smoothie places
Speaking of on the go drinks. I miss smoothie places. There are a few places here that offer smoothies but like I’ve said for most things on this list, it’s not the same. A lot of smoothies here have a watery consistency, and I prefer them to be thickkkkk. I think this has something to do with Europeans and ice but that’s a topic for another day. Also I want some funky flavors. Give me an Oreo Speedwagon or peanut butter chocolate, and let’s go run some errands.
10. Over the Top Food
I know Italians love to talk crap about the insane over the top food, but I miss it! Mac and cheese on a burger? Yes please! Nachos as tall as me? Give me two please. Small rack of ribs with mac and cheese and French fries? All day. I’m sure after reading this list you're wondering if I even like the food here in Italy. I do, I freaking love it, but I eat it every day. Once in awhile I would love to switch it up a bit. Go a little crazy. Add layers to cheese to something that is not pasta or pizza. Could I eat over the top greasy food every day? Probably not because my body would hate me, but to switch up the routine a bit I think my body would welcome it.
I am looking forward to another trip the United States and you better believe I will take advantage of everything on this list. Hopefully not all in one day.
Did anything on this list surprise you? Did I leave something off? Let me know. Leave a comment or send me an email. Until next time.
Awe, I wish I could make you my Mac & cheese! It's a heart attack waiting to happen 🤣 🤗💜✌️😎