Why we turn to pasta in a crisis

In times of economic crisis, people crave more than ever the kind of safety and comfort you get from Italian cooking.

Staying in a hotel near Gatwick the other day, I went out to find some dinner. Having no idea which local restaurant to choose I opted for Italian. It seemed the safe choice and so it proved. The food was delicious.

Most of us in the same position would have done the same, I suspect. And not just in Britain. "Italian food eases pain for Swiss bankers," said a recent headline in the International Herald Tribune. The gnomes of Zurich, it seems, have deserted the town's Swiss restaurants, while the Italian ones continue to thrive.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.