Kitchen Chronicles

I explored a toy store in Florence today. Always a fan of food and cooking related toys, this store had quite a selection. What I found most interesting was the kitchen play sets. I think they are a great indicator of the differences that exist between Mediterranean and Western styles of cooking. There was one American brand play set. Notice the prominent microwave as well as what the little boy is cooking. 

Compare now to a few non-American brand play sets. The kitchens are all a lot simpler. They also don't have a microwave. 

Hello Kitty might have a flashy kitchen, but she still cooks simple, wholesome food:

This one is my personal favorite for SO MANY REASONS:

1. Boys cooking in the kitchen. Gender equality!

2. They are 4 years old and making espresso.

3. The one kid in the corner is sharing his beverage. So sweet!

FYI, this is my dream kitchen. Gas range stove, lots of counter space, that hood looks pretty cool too.

I love this toy chicken, because it is actually a whole chicken which kids these days may not even recognize. I also think it's awesome that the drumstick is attached with velcro so you can break it off.

I feel like Westerners are squeamish about fish, especially when it's a whole fish that you have to pick at. When purchasing fish in grocery stores, they come filleted and clean. With this toy, at least kids get a more realistic understanding:

I like this pizza because it is topped with lots of fresh vegetables:

I haven't seen toy vegetables in the States so I thought this was cool. Also, I love corn.

Okay, enough discourse on Italian food toys as indicators of the changing Mediterranean diet.