When one commonly thinks of Italian food, they most likely will picture the classic spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, or lasagna. The more well versed may even refer to testaroli and pizzells. However, it is unlikely that one’s first thought would be the effect that the food has on people. While it isn’t always noticeable, one of the largest symbols of Italian culture is its people’s food.

It had been imprinted in the minds of Americans through branding and movies. Almost every jar of pasta sauce at the supermarket will have a mustached man or a box of pasta will have a beautiful wheat-holding woman. In addition, the movies have made it expected for a pizza shop to always be run by an Italian dad and his sons.