urmaniac13 said:
We all come from a different background, with different experiences and customs. And of course, every person has their own preferences. If someone thinks certain things is the best FOR HIM/HER, it doesn't mean that person is right or wrong in any absolute manner. It is just a personal opinion, which we all need to accept and respect, just as well as other people should with yours, if they don't particularly share your opinion.
You are right about the issue with pizzas in Italy, and here also there are lots of regional prides. But it should be more like a conversation piece with lots of positive stimulation, rather than a cause to pick a fight.
It doesn't mean we should argue and get hostile just because we don't share the same opinion upon certain things. Like GB pointed out, you never know, you may learn something new from these "different" people. Hey, the life may get easier and you will have a bit more peace of mind if you can ease up a bit more...
Well said, urmaniac.
Perhaps you should rename this topic a rave or regional differences. You mentioned:
"Okay, I'm from the Pacific Northwest.
We don't claim to know much regarding food around here, aside from coffee, Pacific Salmon, Dungeness Crab, and maybe a couple of other things."
Can you share your recipes with us?
I see this forum as an exchange of cooking ideas and positive discussion. Something that "annoyed" me, were posts where members ask for suggestions for recipes, members shared ideas, and a reply like - let's call in an expert (let's just say, from Italy as an example). To me, that is rude, and
says, the rest of the world or members don't know how to cook Italian (again, just an example). Or replys like (not verbatim), certain members have proved from their track record (on this site) that one is more knowledgeable than another. Everyone here has something special to offer and share, as I see it.
BTW, I don't think that pizza originated in Italy. I'm sure someone will be along to debate pizza. I'm from NYC, btw, and it doesn't mean I can't match or make a better Italian dish than anyone living in Italy (just an example).
As far as being "annoyed" when someone mispronounces a dish, I've visited many restaurants with different cuisines, and if I mispronounce a dish, so be it. I'm there for the experience, and ALWAYS keep an open mind when it comes to cooking; and if anyone has a better idea on how to prepare a dish, or where to go, that they prefer, I'm all for it!
P.S. Again, btw, I grew up in NYC, a melting pot of cuisines and cultures -- not everyone prepares the same dish the same way... so 'regional' is what someone grew up with, and may improvise recipes from generations ago to suit one's taste.