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Despite all etiquette and good manners at the table, sometimes Italians cannot stop themselves from breaking the rules in the name of good food.

After a scrumptious dish of pasta, chances are there will be some sauce left in your plate, or some delicious tomato juice after eating a salad. If you are anything like my nephew Tommaso, you will not be able to resist and will grab a slice of good bread (fresh, crunchy Italian bread!) and clean up that sauce until the plate looks almost clean!!!

That’s what we call scarpetta, or little shoe, since we fold the slice of bread to scoop up all the deliciousness. Although it may be frowned upon in a fancy restaurant, it is a sign of appreciation in a trattoria (family owned restaurants famous for the quality and quantity of their food) and at a relative’s home!!!