Over the last few years the distances that once hindered the possibility of exchange between different peoples have been much reduced and the opportunities for communication have been greatly developed so that once distant corners of the world are now easily accessible even during short holidays, giving access to traditions, customs and mentalities different from our own.

Furthermore, migratory movements from countries in the southern hemisphere have increased so that proximity of people and cultures from different origins is no longer a rare occurrence.

Thus, it is now completely normal in our cities, as it is in cities in many other countries which have learned to live alongside other cultures long before we have, to find Chinese, Indian, Mexican, etc. restaurants.

This is an unstoppable trend which offers the opportunity of discovering the many facets of world cuisine and of learning to appreciate diversity while recognising one’s own uniqueness in the encounter with other customs and traditions.

Until a few decades ago in our country, ordinary people’s dining tables, although not richly laid were however very varied due to the indulgence of local creativity.

Nonetheless the rhythm of the seasons imposed very strict rules. Now these rules have been overturned and well-being means that all varieties of food are available regardless of the season.

But all this has brought with it a loss of authenticity and identity: industrialized, pre-packaged, very long-lasting food has become widespread, as has American-imported fast-food; many traditions have been lost.

And this phenomenon hasn’t always contributed to better quality.

However, it must be recognised that today we have the opportunity to use the best our era has to offer much more easily and, thanks to the encounter with other cuisines, also to rediscover our very valid gastronomic traditions.

This is the reason behind the ethnic cuisine and the Mediterranean cuisine.