'Leaving something delicious on the plate would be a far worse crime': How Italy's guiltiest food ritual went public

Key Points:

• "Fare la scarpetta," an Italian dining ritual of using bread to mop up leftover sauce, has evolved from being considered improper etiquette to a widely embraced and even elegant practice across Italy.
• The term "scarpetta," meaning "little shoe," likely originates from a central Italian dialect phrase meaning "to go for a little walk," symbolizing the bread's movement around the plate rather than literal shoe imagery.
• Regional and generational attitudes toward scarpetta have varied, with northern Italy historically viewing it as bad manners, while southern regions like Puglia and Calabria regard it as a sign of appreciation and respect for food.
• The shift in perception gained momentum in the late 20th century, influenced by a renewed appreciation for cucina povera and anti-waste values, with prominent chefs like Gualtiero Marchesi endorsing scarpetta as acceptable and elegant.
• Today, scarpetta is commonly practiced in all dining settings in Italy, symbolizing enjoyment and gratitude for the meal, and has even entered colloquial expressions to convey desire for more of something enjoyable.