By Salma El-Sakka
Italian chef Davide Tamburella lost his job at La Costa in Queensland, Australia, after refusing to put pineapple on pizza, calling it an insult to his culture. The case drew global attention; he lost an unfair dismissal claim due to late filing, and La Costa later closed.
Chicken in pasta
Chef Michele Pascarella of Napoli on the Road says chicken in pasta is a 'definite no'; chicken is a main course, not a pasta ingredient.
Excessive chilli oil
Pascarella criticizes pouring chilli oil over every dish, saying it masks flavors.
Mushrooms in Bolognese
Despite an official 1982 recipe from the Accademia Italiana della Cucina, many cooks add mushrooms. Pascarella and chef Somaia Hammad argue it changes the traditional ragù.
Broken or overcooked pasta
Hammad says breaking spaghetti before cooking is undesirable; long strands are meant to be twirled. Pascarella dislikes overcooked pasta; al dente has a lower glycemic index.
Cream in carbonara
Both chefs insist carbonara should use only egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, guanciale fat, and black pepper. Cream is not traditional.
Cheese on seafood
Chef Gero Dimaria says cheese overpowers delicate seafood flavors; Italians traditionally avoid it.
