APERITIVO time!

This is probably one of my favorite concepts in Italy. I’m not sure if they have it in other European countries, but it is very common in Italy. “Aperitivo” is similar to Happy Hour in America— except way better! Basically you pay for a drink (ranges from maybe 6Euros-8Euros usually) and then you get access to a free buffet! There are many different types of food depending on the bar/café that you go to. My favorite so far is Primo Café.

  

 

Passion Fruit Colada! 

                               

Isaac & I enjoying the food!

It was the first Apertivo experience for me, and since then, no other Apertivo place has been up to par. Some have gotten close but not quite! The reason why Primo Café was my favorite was because of the delicious drink! (As you can see in the picture) Not only that but the food was gourmet and absolutely delicious! And on top of that, it was only 7Euros. There was salami and mozzarella, skewers of fresh fruits, couscous with shrimp and just amazing finger foods. I can go on and on!

We thought that Aperitivos were always drink+buffet, but apparently they are not. The food is not always gourmet, and it is not always a buffet style. We experienced this in Milan. Some places only offer olive bread, chips and maybe dip. We paid our 7 Euros at the bar and we just got a small drink and a small plate of focaccio for the 3 of us-- and it was not a buffet style. We were VERY disappointed. Make sure that it is buffet before you order. They were very rude about our misunderstanding. 

Aperitivo place in Firenze! 

On our last day of traveling, we went to an Aperitivo place in Firenze! We wanted to redeem our experience in Milano. It was amazing! The drinks were okay. But the food was delicious. Once again, there was a variety of gourmet dishes: chicken curry was one of our favorites, spinach ravioli, olive dips etc... 

There was a nice candlelight for when it got dark. This was my second favorite aperitivo place! 

We went to a few other aperitivo places in Roma. One was in Bar Orologio & also a Bar in Campo di Fiori. The one in Campo di Fiori was nice. The food was all organic and my piña colada drink was pretty good!

Aperitivos are mostly for socializing and enjoying each other's company as well as the food!  If you are ever in Italy, take advantage of the Aperitivos! It is definitely worth it. If you don't like alcoholic drinks, you can always get it without it ;)

-Camy