Some Italian traditions take a little getting used to. Others require absolutely no persuasion.
Aperitivo falls firmly into the second category.
A drink before dinner, a few delicious things to nibble and nowhere in particular to rush off to. It's a simple idea, but one the Italians have turned into something rather wonderful.
Karin and I have always enjoyed this side of Italian life. You sit down for a quick drink, settle into the atmosphere, and somehow the evening begins before dinner has even started.
And if the snacks are good enough, dinner might have to wait.
An Italian evening, a toast and nowhere to rush.
Just one drink. Famous last words.
The beauty of aperitivo is that it doesn't demand much.
No elaborate plans, no special occasion and certainly no need to dress as though you're attending a royal reception.
Traditionally enjoyed in the early evening, aperitivo is that lovely moment when the working day gives way to something more relaxed.
You might order a spritz, a Negroni, a glass of Prosecco or a local wine. Alongside it come a few small bites — perhaps olives, crisps, nuts or something freshly prepared.
In some places, it's just a little bowl of something salty. In others, the food becomes considerably more ambitious.
We've learned that the words "just a quick drink" are best treated as a very flexible arrangement.
A little of this, a little of that
For us, the food is at least half the pleasure.
A good plate of Italian salumi and formaggi can turn a simple drink into a proper occasion. A few slices of prosciutto, some salami, interesting cheeses and perhaps a little honey to bring everything together.
Salumi, formaggi and Primitivo — a generous reason to stay at the table
Bringing a little aperitivo home to Ireland
One of our favourite things about travelling in Italy is discovering small pleasures worth bringing home.
Aperitivo is one of the easiest.
You don't need a sunny piazza or a beautiful Italian terrace. Admittedly, both help. But a comfortable table, good company and something tasty to share will do very nicely.
For a simple aperitivo at home, we'd suggest keeping things uncomplicated:
· Something to drink. A spritz, Italian wine, Prosecco or a refreshing alcohol-free alternative.
· A few good bites. Olives, cheese, salumi, nuts or some freshly made bruschetta. Quality matters more than quantity.
· Time to enjoy it. Perhaps the most important ingredient of all.
There's no need to prepare twelve different dishes or spend the afternoon arranging slices of salami into decorative flowers.
Unless that's your idea of a relaxing afternoon, in which case we admire your dedication.
The real pleasure of aperitivo
Looking at our photographs from Italy, it's remarkable how many involve us sitting at a table.
Occasionally we even photograph a historic building.
But the memories we treasure aren't always the grand sights or carefully planned excursions. Often they're the smaller moments: an interesting place to sit, something delicious arriving and a conversation that lasts longer than expected.
That's what aperitivo represents to us.
It's not really about what's in the glass or how many different cheeses are on the board.
It's about giving yourself permission to enjoy the moment.
And if that moment happens to involve a lovely glass of something Italian and another slice of pecorino?
Well, who are we to argue?
STAY AT THE TABLE
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