Slow Food began in Italy with the founding of its forerunner organization, Arcigola, in 1986 to resist the opening of a McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps in Rome. This was done not so much as a protest against the restaurant chain as a protest against big international business interests. What is most interesting is that this movement in Italy was to stop the erosion of a culture they already had, while in the US it is a movement that seeks to define a culture that is not yet fully developed.  I am amazed at the freshness that is displayed as I walk by tables as people dine on the streets.

For my first dinner in Italy (Da Maruzzella, Milano Italy) I proudly ordered a salad with rocket (Arugula) and tomatoes knowing to expect freshness and I was not disappointed.  I also ordered a margherita Pizza (7 Euro :$9) with Buffalo mozzarella (a 2 Euro $2.75 surcharge).  The reasonable price of the pizza allowed me to order individual pizzas and roughage (spinach and an arugula salad) to round out the meal.  This is something I would really like to accomplish when the restaurant opens. Great pizza and healthy sides that do not break the bank.  The spinach was freshly seasoned with lemon juice and the slightest smoke flavor from being cooked in the pizza oven.