fake Italian stuff

Of the 2 sides of my family, my mom's side (Czech) and my dad's side (Italian), I relate more to the Italian side. This is probably because that side had continued contact over the years with our family in Sardinia. I have problems, however, when I go to international potlucks. Yes, I can bring Italian food, but my grandmother died when my dad was 10. The men of the family made wine and olives. So my authentic recipes are ones from my aunt that she learned to do herself in the States.

I did hear lots of stories when I went to Sardinia, and I have heard stories from relatives living in the States. This oral storytelling and acting got handed down somewhat. I would like to think that I have it in my blood. And I do have an uncle that told stories about the mob in Chicago.

I do sort of have a weird relationship with films and mobster romanticization. On a political level I am against the mafia for what it is. In Italy, the mob takes out judges and tries to rule from a dominant position of constant threat. On the other hand, I have to admit that when I saw it, I liked Lena Olin in a movie about her as a mobster. So far, I only felt that way for that movie. Reservoir Dogs was weirdly entertaining too. Steve Buscemi as Mr. Pink helped.