Aperitivo

I was talking to my parents the other night, and like any good parents they were worried about my health and lifestyle. I mentioned that I had gone out dancing all weekend to celebrate my 28 on my Dante exam (this is equivalent to a very high A), and my Dad asked me if I was a party girl now.

This made me laugh, as I associate the expression “party girl” with one who goes out and becomes nearly incapacitated from drinking, then goes out dancing, and in every sense of the term goes wild. I assured him that this was NOT what I was out doing. I told him that I simply enjoy an aperitivo at about 7 and then I like to go out dancing afterwards (best way to burn off the glass of beer or wine).

My dad sounded concerned when I used the word aperitivo. I realized that there is no English translation for such a wonderful, eating, drinking, cultural phenomena. His perplexity and concern were obvious. Not knowing what an aperitivo might be he, as any concerned father might do, assumed some unsavory scenario.

Aperitivo, however, is nothing to cause alarm. In fact, it would be wonderful if the US incorporated something similar for college students. It may cut down on excessive partying and help students enjoy social drinking, not drinking to get drunk.

But, as I was saying, aperitivo is simply one of the best ways to have a drink and a dinner with friends. You go to a bar (which in Italy could be anything from an American style bar to and American style café) and you order a drink. Depending on the place you go and the drink you order your aperitivo can range from 5 to 7 Euro. But none of this is what makes aperitivo as fantastic as it is.

When you order an alcoholic drink, then you are welcomed to a delicious buffet of various Italian treats: pizzetta, pasta, riso, cuscus, inselata, and so much more. Each place has its own layout, its own dish style, its own atmosphere, and its own price system. Some nights, you can eat a scrumptious meal for only 5 Euro, and that includes your glass of beer or glass of wine.

Then, hours later, we head out dancing full, happy, and surrounded by good company.

After my explanation, my Dad relaxed. The potential evil was really just a wonderful way to eat delicious food for reasonable prices. And my Mom, well she took to this idea with enthusiasm, telling me that I would have to take them out for an aperitivo when they came to visit.

So when in Italy, especially Bologna, I highly recommend going out for an aperitivo at least once.