While Italy may be a small country (think the size of California) but its northern and southern regions offer very different cuisine from each other. Italians from the northern part of the country love rich cream sauces, stuffed meats, and savory polenta, Italians from the south prefer light olive oils, fresh steamed seafood and of course tangy tomato sauce. While these regions differ from each other significantly, they have both contributed equally to what Americans know as ‘Classic Italian Food‘.
Southern Italian Food
The Mediterranean Sea plays an important part in Southern Italian cooking – from fresh seafood to the warm climate that is great for growing fresh herbs and vegetables, including peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes.
The abundance of tomatoes in Southern Italy lead to the invention of the most popular Italian dish – Pizza! Other popular dishes that come from Southern Italy include eggplant marinara, tangy marinara sauce, and an abundance of olive oils.
Neapolitan pizza takes many of the foods Southern Italy is known for (fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet basil) and turns it into a simple yet delicious pie. Visitors looking to order pizza in Southern Italy can expect to find other popular toppings including sweet sausage, anchovies, diced peppers, and onions.
Northern Italian Food
While Southern Italian food is driven by the sea, Northern Italian food embraces the land. The Lombardia and Piemonte regions of Northern Italy are ideal for raising cattle, and their cuisine reflects as such. The tomato sauces are replaced with creamy alfredos and butter takes the place of olive oil. Beef and veal are both abundant in Northern Italy, unsurprisingly the popular veal Saltimbocca hails from this region as well.
While Southern Italy may hold the claim on pizza, Northern Italy has contributed an Italian cooking staple that is just as important, Parmesan cheese. The mountain terrain at the foot of the alps is perfect grazing land for sheep, goats, and cows that produce Parmigiano-Reggiano, asiago, gorgonzola, and pecorino cheeses. With their diversity in flavor and texture these cheeses have been adopted in both Northern and Southern Italy – and around the world.
Understanding the geographic makeup of Italy makes it easier to understand the different culinary styles of each region. While the Sardella family originally hailed from Southern Italy, at Sardella’s Pizza and Wings we take a sampling from the culinary masterpieces of both regions to bring our customers the best pasta, wings and of course pizza in Phoenix.
Whether you prefer a veggie topped pizza and pasta smothered in a tangy marinara or chicken parmesan with a rich buttery flavor we have the Italian cuisine for you! The gourmet pizza makers in Peoria have designed a well balanced menu full of family favorites to ensure every customer leaves happy and full. Our family recipes and commitment to our customers have put us among the top Arizona pizza places for over 25 years. For the full Sardella’s menu and to order the best pizza in Phoenix, visit www.sardellaspizza.com.
I've delved into Italian cuisine for years, exploring its regional nuances, ingredients, and cooking techniques. The article touches upon the culinary distinctions between Northern and Southern Italian cuisines. Let's break it down:
Northern Italian Food:
- Cuisine Embracing the Land: Northern Italy, like Lombardia and Piemonte, leans towards land-based ingredients.
- Creamy Sauces: Creamy alfredos and butter are favored over tomato sauces in dishes.
- Abundance of Cattle: Regions are ideal for raising cattle, leading to dishes like veal Saltimbocca.
- Cheese Contribution: Northern Italy gave us Parmesan cheese and other varieties like asiago, gorgonzola, and pecorino. The alpine terrain aids in producing these cheeses.
Southern Italian Food:
- Influence of the Mediterranean: Southern Italian cuisine heavily involves the Mediterranean Sea and its bounty.
- Fresh Seafood and Climate for Growth: Fresh seafood and ideal climates for herbs and vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers dominate.
- Pizza Origin: Southern Italy birthed the world-famous dish, leveraging fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil.
- Olive Oils and Tangy Flavors: Light olive oils, tangy tomato-based marinara sauces, and an abundance of olive oils characterize this region's cuisine.
Sardella’s Pizza and Wings:
- Blending Regional Masterpieces: The restaurant merges elements from both Northern and Southern Italian cuisines.
- Menu Variety: Offers a diverse menu with pizzas, pastas, and wings, appealing to various taste preferences.
- Family Recipes and Commitment: Boasts a heritage of family recipes and a dedication to customer satisfaction, established over 25 years.
- Phoenix's Best Pizza: Positions itself as among the top Arizona pizza places, emphasizing quality and customer loyalty.
Understanding Italy's geography helps appreciate the stark differences in culinary styles. Sardella’s Pizza and Wings aim to bring the best of both worlds, offering a balanced menu that caters to varied tastes. Whether one craves the creamy richness of Northern Italian dishes or the tangy, seafood-infused delights of the South, Sardella’s promises a flavorful experience that keeps customers coming back.
