Mangia: How to Eat Your Way Through Italy, written by Maria Pasquale, burst onto the culinary scene in March 2025, showcasing the author’s most ambitious project to date. With its unique blend of Italian heritage and international perspective, Mangia offers a distinctive voice that sets it apart from other Italian cookbooks.
Distinguishing Features
- Author’s insider-outsider perspective, blending Italian-Australian heritage and Rome residency
- Formal education in politics and history, adding academic rigor to culinary observations
- Extensive journalistic background, including contributions to top publications
Pasquale’s extensive research and dedication to uncovering the nuances of Italian cuisine have resulted in a comprehensive guide that goes beyond the realm of popular dishes. The book meticulously documents over 600 dishes across Italy’s 20 regions, each with its distinct culinary identity. This regional diversity is evident in the varied food traditions, signature dishes, drink pairings, and local festivals celebrated throughout the country.
Beyond Popular Dishes
- Risotto tastes better in the north due to local ingredients and production methods
- Italians never serve authentic Bolognese sauce with spaghetti, as it’s typically paired with rigatoni or other pasta shapes
- Couscous became a typical dish in parts of Sicily due to Arab influence
The book delves into the history of each region’s cuisine, providing insight into the cultural and environmental factors that shape the local food landscape. By exploring these differences, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Italy’s rich culinary heritage and appreciate the diversity of its food traditions.
The Feast of Festivals
- Pasquale documents over 200 local food festivals, including sagre and other celebrations
- These events offer a unique glimpse into authentic Italian food culture
- The book provides a year-round itinerary for culinary travelers, highlighting lesser-known festivals and events
The concept of sagre, or local food festivals, is central to Italian food culture. Pasquale’s meticulous documentation of over 200 events provides readers with access to authentic experiences that go beyond the typical tourist itinerary. By exploring these festivals, readers can immerse themselves in local traditions and develop a deeper appreciation for Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
Experiences Beyond Eating
- Foraging and forest bathing in Umbria, Italy
- Liquorice and bergamot tasting in Calabria, Italy
- Glamping in an ancient Sardinian olive grove
The book offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with Italian culture beyond the realm of food and drink. Pasquale’s carefully curated selection of culinary experiences ranges from foraging and forest bathing to liquorice and bergamot tasting, glamping, and cocktail masterclasses. These experiences provide readers with a deeper connection to Italy’s rich cultural heritage and a unique understanding of the country’s culinary traditions.
Recognition and Authority
- La Repubblica newspaper named Pasquale one of Rome’s most influential travel experts in 2021
- Corriere della Sera selected Pasquale to speak at one of their conventions in 2023
Pasquale’s recognition as a trusted authority on Italian food and culture is a testament to her unique perspective as both an insider and an outsider. Her Italian heritage provides cultural fluency, while her international background allows her to interpret Italian traditions for a global audience. This dual perspective distinguishes her work from competitors like The Pasta Queen and Pasta Grannies, who focus on narrower aspects of Italian cuisine.
A Lifetime at the Table
The book’s foundation in personal experience is evident in Pasquale’s dedication to uncovering the nuances of Italian cuisine. She describes the book as “a 40-year journey” and “a distillation of a lifetime’s worth of meals and conversations with chefs, vintners, olive growers, cheesemakers, restaurateurs, culinary journalists, and many others who work with food, or who just love it.”
“It’s not just about the food, it’s about the people, the places, and the traditions that come together to create a sense of community and connection.”
— Maria Pasquale
This quote encapsulates Pasquale’s vision for Mangia, a book that not only provides readers with a comprehensive guide to Italian cuisine but also invites them to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. By embracing the complexities and nuances of Italian food culture, readers can develop a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culinary heritage and forge meaningful connections with the people and places that make Italy so unique.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mangia: The Unconventional Italian Food Guide is a masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of Italian cuisine. With its unique blend of Italian heritage and international perspective, this book offers readers a comprehensive and immersive experience that goes beyond the realm of popular dishes and culinary traditions.
