Interesting. Love that he's from Milan. I can totally identify with that.
Here we eat whatever we want. There is virtually nothing bad. Last week I was invited into the home of an Italian for dinner for the first time ever. He speaks very little English and his southern accent is hard work for me to stick with, but he's really good practice for me and a great guy.
He made me make the salad for the evening and taught me the traditional Italian method from Salerno. Salad here is an art, 100%. I was privileged to be let into this world a little and have to admit I was very proud of myself when we all sat down to eat
Well done to your mate!