How to recognize a fake Italian product.

“Made in Italy” is well trust in all over the world, but in the market there are a lot of fakes. The consumer costumers if not well informed trust what is write on labels, so they really think to buy “Made in Italy” products.

One of the most common example is the Parmesan (or better Parmigiano). In the market is full of fakes, to avoid them we have to know how the original package looks like and also approved marks should be put on the product. Now better than in the past the net is very helpful, so before buying something search online all the information you need.

Food and beverage is not the only filed that is attack from the huge amount of false and copies. One more business is the Italian fashion, and in that case there are few think to know about fakes. Sometimes is very hard to find a real Made in Italy producer, because due to the low costs of other countries labor force, some companies prefer to produce their products there. Sure quality and material are well controlled, but is not real Made in Italy, we can say is only Design in Italy.

In Italy there are few brands really produced in the territory, and they are excellence in the market due to the high quality result product. The production in Italy is not easy for companies, due to high taxation and high cost of labor.

But what distinguish our territory is that the real Made in Italy producers love what they do and do it for passion with high quality raw materials. Is for this reason that real Italian products are an exclusive item, something that you could recognize from others.

So if you like and love real Made in Italy products use always the the right strategy to buy them, otherwise, you will have a fake, but also you could not enjoy what Italian taste can offer you.

Write us if you need other information or tips while you’re in Italy!

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Grazie e buona giornata!

Thank you and have a nice day!

Giulia

I’m Giulia from San Marco Italian Furniture. I take care of all the steps of the relationship with the customer, from accurate understanding of the initial needs, to the final installation and customer care service.

Giulia

When you’re in Italy you should eat typical.

Eat typical!

One of the unique things you will notice if you go in a not-tourist restaurant is that they offer food typical in their region. In Rome, it is nearly impossible to go out to eat without seeing “cacio e pepe” (aggiungi virgolette) or pasta with “amatriciana” sauce. In Florence, it is hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t have “ribollita” or “Fiorentina” on the menu. So I suggest: don’t order a Carbonara in Milan, opt for a “Risotto alla Milanese” instead, don’t miss the “tortellini” and “lasagna” in Bologna and make sure to try the real pesto in Genova. Of course most of these things along with pizza and tiramisu are easily found all over Italy, but don’t miss out on something truly linked to the place you are visiting!

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Grazie e buona giornata!

Thank you and have a nice day!

Giulia

Summer’s accessory in Italy.

Summer’s accessory.

One thing you will notice right away when traveling in Italy is the sun is very piercing and seems very close. If you really want to look like a True Italian, you must wear sunglasses at all times – yes, also indoors.

It’s important that you wear sunglasses. This is even truer in the South of Italy and in the summer months, where you will find it very bright during the day. And during the summer, you should also pack sunscreen to protect your skin, especially if you get sun burn burn easily. A straw hat with a brim is a great way to protect your skin and eyes and also look chic to Italians, whether you’re dressed for a formal or informal occasion.

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Grazie e buona giornata!

Thank you and have a nice day!

Giulia

The Italian Dresscode

The Italian Dresscode.

First of all, don’t worry, not everyone dresses the same way or expects you to have a particular style. This is a general guide that gives you guidance on the Italian style.

Choose light, natural, black and white colors instead of very bright and showy colors. Focus on shades that are not too excessive if you want to dress like Italians. Use pastel colors only in summer, although beige, gray, cream and white can be fine all year.

Choose a more formal look if you’re not sure what to wear. Opt for quality materials, good brands and complete and matched outfits. In Italy tie is not usually used on short-sleeved shirts, summer fabrics and jeans. Furthermore, a shirt that is not well-ironed is not suitable for an elegant suit. However, jeans can be good even in a formal situation, as long as they are fashionable, they dress well and are accompanied by a suitable jacket.

Long socks are not used with short shorts. And most important: don’t wear socks with sandals. Italians rarely wear socks with sandals or white socks beneath trousers. On the other hand, they typically wear socks with closed shoes. They always match the color of the sock to the color of the shoe. Wear nice shoes. Italians study shoes, and they like a classy shoe without too much fake bling. I suggest to leave the flip flops, gaudy sandals and Crocs at home.

Wear a scarf and carry a great handbag. These two items will go a long way to getting rid of the tourist feel and upping your elegance and class appeal. Avoid wide pants, shirts and t-shirts, especially those with large and showy prints.

Change your dress for the evening. Italians dress differently for the time of day. You’ll want to consider changing your dress when day turns to night. Try to bring a pair of long pants with lighter fabric for hotter months. Bring a jacket or sweater even in summer. You may need these items when dressing at night, when it can get colder and also when dining in a nice outdoor restaurant.

Write us if you need other information or tips while you’re in Italy!

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Grazie e buona giornata!

Thank you and have a nice day!

Giulia

How much do you know about Italian pizza?

Italians eat different pizzas to the ones you have seen around the world. Let’s start with the most famous: the pizza with salami is largely known as Diavola and not Pepperoni, because peperoni (with one P) means peppers for us. Then, if you find a restaurant that offers pizza with chicken or beef, I suggest you to not eat there because it’s a restaurant for tourists. Italians put deli cuts on pizza, like prosciutto cotto, prosciutto crudo or salame. The rest is unacceptable for Italians, like the pineapple pizza: a pizza is not supposed to have sweet on it, italians keep flavors pretty separated.

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Grazie e buona giornata!

Thank you and have a nice day!

Giulia

Eat like an Italian: breakfast.

Maybe you are used to eggs and sausages or ham and cheese, but in Italy, the typical breakfast consists of a cappuccino and a cornetto (croissant) at the Cafeteria. – Italians call the Cafeteria “bar” because you have to know that bars in Italy are places open all day, famous for their coffee, not for their cocktails. – But if you are in hurry, just take an Espresso, that is a simple coffe in a small cup. Maybe the barman could ask you “Lungo o corto?” that means “Full cup or half cup?”.

If you really want to look like a local, have it while standing at the bar chatting with your barman. Breakfast is a social event in Italy, it is not so much about the food (strangely enough). Another important thing: Cappuccino isn’t an appetizer, it is only consumed in the morning, usually up to 11 am.

After that, it’s only about Espresso, Ristretto and Macchiato. We don’t do Flat Whites, Tall Latte, Caramel Macchiato and other weird stuff like that. Keep it simple, you’re in the “coffee nation”!

Write us if you need other information or tips while you’re in Italy!

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Grazie e buona giornata!

Thank you and have a nice day!