The Doggie Bag Evolution

I'm not sure this is a good thing but I think it is.  When we were last in Italy, the concept of a "doggie bag" was not something that the Italians could comprehend.  I think it was both the idea that you did not finish your meal or that you wanted to take it home with you and eat it the next day when it was clearly not as good as it was right now in front of you was heracy for the Italians.   What do you mean you can finish it?  Don't you like it?  What's wrong with you???  It won't be any good the next day!  Why do you want to take it home?

That has all changed now.  Tonight for the first time ever we were allowed to take food home.  I think they have come to realize that rather than waste the food throwing it away they now have a concept they call the "family bag"  not doggie bag, but family bag.  We asked if there was an italian name for this and the waiter said no, It is universally called the family bag even in Italian.  A titanic change in Italian thinking.  I am still not sure that this is a good thing but it was sure nice to be able to eat cold "Cacio e Pepe " right out of the fridge tonight when I couldn't sleep.  I'd agree not as good as when it was hot but still pretty good.  See Italy can change.