ITALIANS LOVE TO EAT, and they have an innate sense of hospitality. Their spontaneous warmth is one of the factors that contributes to the success of Italian restaurants all over the world. Food is prepared with care and attention. Good quality fresh, seasonal produce is regarded as essential and the natural flavour of food is never masked with complicated sauces. The culinary tradition of Italy is based on vegetables, cereals, fish and olive oil: a healthy way of eating which appeals to modern tastes.