It just isn’t done. Apparently, the act of dipping a bite of torn bread into olive oil and catching a smidgen of the aceto balsamico just isn’t done in true Italian diners. The idea was a misbegotten one conceived Stateside San Francisco rather than a true Italian culinary practice.
When in Italy, save the dipping of bread in olive oil for a formal tasting of the year’s new oil in December and January when the purpose is not to eat a lot of bread, but just to taste a variety of fabulous just pressed extra virgin olive oils. So, the next time you’re out entertaining, don’t ask for a bread basket and oil and accidentally expose your ignorance. [Don't Dip Bread into Olive Oil via Tuscan Traveller]
