Breakfast of (Italian) Champions

Potatoes for breakfast may be a tried and true classic for Americans all across the country, however, consuming such a filling plate before your afternoon espresso doesn’t reign supreme for other cultures around the world.  

I remember meeting 3 vivacious Italian men in a discoteca in Florence. Language barriers aside, our excitement for life translated quickly. Three vodka sodas in, we all decided to leave the bar and wander the narrow cobblestone streets. 

9 o’clock turned into 10 o’clock, 10 o’clock turned into 11 o’clock. Within the blink of an eye, it was 2 am. 

Smashing wine bottles on church steps in the dark of a Florentine night may be the most freeing experience you’ll ever come meet—and it’s an excellent way to get lost in time. 

My newest European companion promised me breakfast if I could make it to sunrise. My energy was fleeting but the thought of sustenance kept me treading along throughout the night. 

 As the sun rose atop the Duomo, all bets were off and we made our way to the first open cafe we could find. “Un cornetto con crema e un espresso per favore,” my friend asked the barista.

At that moment I experience what they like to call “culture shock”—no one eats a breakfast that’s over 200 calories in Italy. I immediately went home to make eggs and toast. 

Here, I present the most nourishing yet “homey” Americana breakfast dish (with a spicy twist): sautéed golden potatoes, red onions, kale, and Moroccan red pepper sauce.