Story Time: On my way to Rome, I flew from Ft. Lauderdale with a layover in Chicago. I was in the United Polaris Lounge and met a bigwig who worked at Barilla.
I’m a social butterfly and I can strike up conversation with anyone. He asked if someone was sitting in the empty seat next to me. I said no. He sat and we proceeded to chat. During our conversation, he stated he worked for Barilla. And shared with me that it’s a common misconception that Italy has better pasta than the US. He said that 40% of the wheat used to make their pasta is imported from the US.
Wait what? Italy doesn’t have better pasta?
I didn’t ask about the other 60%. And I haven’t fact-checked his numbers. But he sounded legit and he has been working for Barilla for a long time.
When I got to Rome, I ate the pasta. I wasn’t all that impressed. I love good food. The highlight of the food was the avocado toast that the chef prepared for me. It was and still is the BEST avocado toast I’ve had in my life. Perfection!!