I will be in Positano next week 22nd sept-6th oct. I do not eat pizza, pasta, spaghetti, cheese or fish and I dislike most sauces. I realise that this limits me considerably. What I do eat is chicken, steak, pork and most vegetables, but no sauces with these foods. Can anyone recall if they saw any menus with plain food. I have tried all of the above foods and they just do not agree with me. I either dislike the taste or I feel bloated and unwell as I find these foods are too heavy fo me. Am I going to starve to death.

I guess so. Take a jar of peanut butter.

I'm sure if you go to a McDonald's or Burger King, they'll make you a plain hamburger. <BR> <BR>You probably will have to make do otherwise with sandwiches you make yourself, or find American restaurants that are used to grilling steaks. I'd stick with restaurants in large hotels, like Hilton or Sheraton, that are used to that sort of slab of meat/steamed vegetable style of cooking.

Noeleen, <BR> <BR>Please accept my response in the kindest way possible, but of all of the events this week, your post actually made me laugh, which is really good. <BR> <BR>One of my friends is a very picky eater too, but Paris changed her (but she still won't go near pates). So, I suggest that you order salads and appetizers for your meals instead of trying to experiment which might be costly, and the portions would be a lot smaller too. However, if you want to experiment, you might ask for the sauces on the side that way you can dip to your heart's delight in case you do really like your meal. <BR> <BR>There are still wonderful breads and deli meats too, so possibly at dinner you can do the salad and appetizer thing. <BR> <BR>Of course, your last choice is to find fast food joints like McDonalds, Taco Bell and Burger King. <BR> <BR>And, there's always gelato and other wonderful desserts. <BR> <BR>Whatever you do bring a box of Zantac 75 with you in case you get heartburn. Also, for that bloated feeling, try drinking club soda. <BR> <BR>Leslie

South Italians eat greens (wild greens, beet leaves, chard, broccoli rabe, etc.) cooked simply in olive oil with garlic. That's a very common dish in places serving good quality, simple, traditional food. It is typical "family" style food, not haute cuisine, and will probably be excellent, assuming that you like this kind of simple "peasant" food. You can also find simple grilled vegetables in season, or vegetables sauteed simply in olive oil with garlic, or if only fancier, saucier veg. dishes are on the menu, you could probably special order a simpler version. You might also ask for a simple salad plate of sliced tomatoes. <BR> <BR>You can probably find plain meat, too, but it may not be very good. <BR> <BR>Do you eat beans? What about soups? What about frittata: beaten eggs cooked with vegs. and herbs and cooked until rather dry (much drier than omelet). I'm an egg-hater, and that's the only egg dish I actually like.

By the way, it was a relief to have an opportunity to answer this question on an innocuous genuine travel-related subject. I was trying to keep away from Fodors for a while, but just took a chance and dropped in, and there was something soothing about this little topic. Now I'm hungry for some simple peasant food myself, fo a late late supper.

Sorry, but I can't stop giggling over this post. It brings to mind "Pulp Fiction" when John Travolta mentioned that a Big Mac is Le Mac Royale in French. Sorry, don't know how to say it in Italian. <BR> <BR>I noticed that you didn't mention that you dislike chocolate; I suppose everyone loves chocolate. Don't forget to pack a box of granola bars.

Hi Noeleen <BR>I used to work with Irish group here in Italy and had a lot of laughes about what they ate - the Irish (especially the older ones) like chicken - I would hear discussions about the chicken on Tuesday being better than the chicken on Wednesday or was the chicken on Friday the best?!!! <BR>So I know if all else fails you will always find chicken! <BR>But most Italian main courses are without sauces and a simple slice of veal cooked in a little oil is always available. <BR>Salads are plentiful, cooked green vegetables are usually available and so are potatoes roasted or fried. <BR>You won't stave here, believe me. <BR>Have a great time. <BR> <BR>

I am glad that I gave everybody a laugh. LESLIE- Believe it or not I have never had heartburn in my life and I am not a McDonalds lover although at a push I can eat the food but I plan to avoid it. CAROL- I am a peasant myself and yes I do like beans and eggs. the food you described sounds good. <BR>BETTY- I do not come from a land that uses peanut butter. <BR>HELEN- Beleive it or not you hit the nail on the head. I am actually Irish and I am a real meat and potatoes person. Believe it or not I do not really eat chocolate and I actually prefer extra vegetables to eating dessert. I have no doubt I shall try the gelato. My partner whom is as irish as I am will eat just about anything. We are staying at a villa where we can make our own meals but personally I prefer to eat out. Thank you anyway for all your responses. On a serious note I would like to express my sorrow at what happened in the USA and all of Ireland as indeed the world are appalled. Let us just hope that they get the people responsible or I will have more to worry about than just an empty stomach.

Noeleen, the other good thing in that part of the world is the insalata caprese, which is a simple salad of sliced tomatoes, bufula mozzarella, olive oil, and fresh basil. Easy to digest, and heaven on the tongue. The mozzarella is fresh, not aged more than 1-2 days, so it is much easier on the stomach than normal cheeses, and lighter also. Try it. I've never met anybody who couldn't eat insalata caprese, even the most finiki eaters. My husband, a meat and potatoes eater if there ever was one, wouldn't pass up a chance to eat it.

Noeleen you probably don't enjoy these dishes because you've had them prepared by Irish chefs. Give the Italians a chance.Ciao.

I have eaten in various Italian restaurants worldwide and as I say these foods do no suit me. Actually I have never gone to an Italian restaurant in Ireland as if I am eating out here I go to the chinese restaurant.

Noeleen, <BR> <BR>I hope that you truly have a marvelous vacation in Positano. Don't forget about the wonderful fruit, but I don't know what will be in season in Positano. And, you must try risotto too. <BR> <BR>Now you mention Chinese food, and have made me hungry, it is my absolute weakness. I could eat it everyday. If you ever make it to the US, you must go to New York City's and San Francisco's "Chinatown". I seem to recall reading a travel magazine that mentioned that the largest population of Chinese in the US is in San Francisco. Boston and Chicago have great Chinese restaurants too, but nowhere close to San Francisco and New York. I just wonder, are there any Chinese restaurants in Positano? <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful vacation, let us know about your travels. <BR> <BR>Leslie

for god's sake if you do not like food do not go to Italy or France, troll!

Why go if you don't want to eat the food? That's primarily why people go there. Why not just go to EUROPARK and ride the rides and eat hotdogs? They even have fake European experiences. Take a jar of peanutbutter. Whew!

What about breathtaking vistas, art, architecture, and history? Personally, I'm going for the gelato, but they've got that other stuff, too.

I wish I did't like Italian food. Every time after Italy I have to go on a diet.

Noellen, I, too, got a chuckle out of your post. When I got back from Ireland, everyone commented that the food must've been awful. It's fun to tell them about all of the outstanding food that I had there. <BR> <BR>And, no, Peter, food is not remotely the primary reason I go to Italy ... it's just a fabulous perk on top of the people, the sights, the art, the architecture, the culture, etc., etc.

No, no, no Leslie! A Big Mac is Le Big Mac & a quarter pounder is Le Royale with Cheese!! <BR>Mind the mayo...