If you’re ever in Italy, and you see a local using a bit of crusty bread to get the last of the sauce  left on their plate, don’t be surprised.  They are simply carrying on the Italian tradition of “fare la scarpetta,” and ensuring that they are able to savor the flavor of every last bit of the delicious food.

Do the Shoe

There are good English equivalents to these individual words, but not so much for the phrase itself.  “Fare” translates to “Do.”   “La scarpa,” is Italian for “shoe,” so bringing in the diminutive “etta” changes the word to “little shoe.”  So, a strict translation would be “Do the little shoe,” or “Make the little shoe.”   It’s a great phrase, much more metaphorical– indeed poetic– in Italian.  

At Home and Away

“Fare la scarpetta,” often abbreviated to become a verb as simply “scarpetta,” is seen commonly in Italian households, and indeed you’ll see patrons mopping up leftover sauce or gravy with bread at the end of a restaurant meal as well.  This practice is generally seen as a sign of appreciation for the chef’s cooking, demonstrating that the food was truly enjoyed. 

Now yes, there are some in an older generation who may cite historic Italian “galateo,” or rules of etiquette.  Strictly speaking, these rules dictate that fare la scarpetta is to be frowned upon, if not outright forbidden.  But standards of behavior have loosened over the years, with people everywhere becoming more informal.  Bring in the allure of a bit of quality Italian bread, paired with a terrific sauce, and scarpetta simply cannot be denied.      

Scarpetta is widely accepted and practiced throughout Italy, though it is perhaps more prevalent in the southern parts of the country, where sauces tend to be richer and more abundant. In northern Italy, where pasta dishes are often lighter and more delicate, the practice may not be as common, but it is still seen throughout the north. Both men and women in Italy scarpetta alike, with no real gender distinctions when it comes to enjoying every bit of a delicious meal. It is a shared experience that brings people together and creates a sense of connection and camaraderie around the dinner table.  So, what’s not to like?

Well, compare Italian to American dining customs and controversy begins to rear its head.  Americans may not even know what scarpetta means, but they have surely seen it in practice in the United States.  And while some Americans also see scooping up sauce with bread as a sign of appreciation, count on may others in the United States to insist it is improper and even impolite.

When in Rome

But as long as you are in Italy, count on scarpetta to remain a beloved custom that is a delicious demonstration of the country’s rich culinary heritage and the importance of savoring every last bite of a delicious meal. So go ahead and scarpetta.  It will be accepted throughout Italy, regardless of region or gender, and be seen as a sign of respect and appreciation for the food and 

Long live eating for all.