Arrighi
February 22nd, 2012
Arnolfa
February 22nd, 2012
Alisso
February 17th, 2012
Alice
February 17th, 2012
Eating in Italy
Eating in Italy is an art – people here don’t eat to live, they live to eat! Enjoying leisurely Italian meal is an essential experience of the country. The Italians take their food very seriously - each region and sometimes each city, will have some regional specialities to offer.
The traditional Italian menu is divided into five sections. A full meal usually comprises an appetizer, first course and a second course with a side dish. It is not necessary to order every course but people generally order at least two courses. The Italians usually spend anything between one to two hours or even longer on every meal. On Sundays they prefer to lunch with their families in restaurants and this is a good chance to experience first hand the Italian culture.
Antipasti are the Italian appetizers and they come before the main meal. They usually comprises local specialities. In the South, you’ll come across restaurants with an antipasto buffet where you can select your own appetizers.
The first course comprises the pasta, soup, or risotto (rice dishes). Usually, you will get several pasta choices. The second or main course (Secondo) comprises meat, poultry, or fish. It doesn't usually include any potato or vegetable. The side dish or Contorni comprises vegetable (verdura), potato, or insalata (salad).
At the end of the meal, you will be offered a dessert or ‘Dolce’, which is often a choice between fruit or cheese. And then finally, after the dessert, there is the digestivo or the after dinner drink.
The meals are accompanied by wine or mineral water. Often the waiter will take the order for the drink before the food order. Then there may also be a house wine that can be ordered by the quarter, half, or full litre. Coffee is served only after a meal.
When you are ready for the bill, simply ask for the il conto. The bill will include a small bread and cover charge. However, the prices listed on the menu usually include tax and service.
Aside from the different types of cuisines available, there are many different types of places where you can enjoy your meal. For a sandwich you can go to a bar. There is no age restriction to enter a bar. Aside from a sandwich you can also pick up your morning coffee and pastry. Some bars also serve a few pasta and salad selections.
More formal dining options include:
- Osteria: This was once an informal dining place but now is more formal.
- Trattoria: This is also a casual dining place but may at times be more like a restaurant.
- Ristorante: Restaurant
In the summer months, Italians usually have their meals fairly late. Lunch starts after 1300 hours and dinner not before 2000 hours. In winters, the meal times are usually half an hour earlier. Restaurants usually close between lunch and dinner but may remain open in tourist areas. Most shops also remain closed in the afternoon for three to four hours so if you wish to pick up a picnic lunch, be sure to do it in the morning.