Some 40% of Brits now view spaghetti Bolognaise as a national dish and almost a third (31%) admit it is their favourite Italian meal, whilst 22% confess to regularly having Italian as a mid-week pick me up. The poll, which was carried out to mark the premiere of Extra Virgin on Monday 4th July at 6.30pm, also identified the North East as the new Little Italy of the UK, with nearly half of people in the region admitting they eat Italian almost 10 times a month. A further 62% opt for it over any other cuisine because it is quick and easy to cook. Over a third of Brits claim they have not learnt how to cook from their Mama or Papa, but have instead taught themselves how to be an Italian food expert through cookbooks. Other highlights include 40% using the cuisine when romancing partners, 17% stated that a successful first date is a result of good Italian cuisine and one in 10 admitted they have even cooked up an Italian dinner to play a vital role in a marriage proposal and 4% stated they have even prepared an Italian lunch on Christmas Day. Nick Thorogood, managing director of Food Network EMEA, said: "The British embrace a variety of different cuisines, but as this research shows Italian food is fast becoming the nation's favourite - which is why Food Network UK decided to make July 'Italian month' on-air, and launching shows such as Extra Virgin so our viewers can enjoy these traditional Tuscan recipes in their own home."