Aperitivo 101

What is an aperitivo? An Italian-English dictionary gives apéritif …which for most Americans doesn’t really explain anything. But last night students got a translation, not of the word (they’re here to learn Italian anyway) but rather of the concept. The aperitivo is a great Italian custom of getting together with friends for a small drink before dinner. The drink is usually a small glass of prosecco (champagne) or vino bianco, or even drinks called bitters, said to stimulate the appetite. The best part of the aperitivo is that the price of a drink includes a buffet, making it a favorite among college students who can, for the price of a drink have a vino out with friends and even have enough food to not have to make pasta.

Pantheon Institute students followed staff member Zach Nowak through narrow streets to Piazza di Montevecchio to the aperitivo bar called Société Lutèce. Students tried the preeminent aperitivo drink, Campari Orange, as well as cool Chardonnays, and then filled their plates with Basmati rice, tomatoes in olive oil, couscous with peas, and cinnamon apples. As Professor Ann Devlin commented, it was nice to get away “from the usual spaghetti and chicken routine.” Getting into Italy through Classroom Rome – that’s what the Pantheon Institute is all about.