I'm in Milano for a while this summer, and I'm finding my staple to be this: a mixed salad, dressed with salt and oil, and bread. I'm loving the Italian twist, which tends to include fabulous tuna (totally unlike what I'm used to in America), olives, mozzarella and corn (in addition to the classic tomatoes). It is a great mix of subtle flavors and freshness, while still offering protein, and it's cool enough for the sweltering heat.
When I put together a salad from the grocery store, my staple has become a shredded salad mix that includes scallions, ripe pears and brie, also dressed with olive oil and salt and eaten with great bread. I'm not typically one to splurge on bread, but the bread here is different. And the oil too. So much flavor just in those two items! Give me that and l'acqua frizzante (water with gas) and I'm set.
