Discover how to eat like a true Italian!
Eat like an Italian & indulge in the traditional Italian meal structure.
With so many courses, it's no wonder that the meal structure of a traditional Italian meal remains a mystery to many of whom are not of Italian descent! However, although a traditional Italian meal can seem overwhelming on paper (or on a menu!), each course is perfectly balanced to compliment the next. So, come visit us at La Piazza Dario and dine like a true Italian with our guide to a traditional Italian meal below!
The Traditional Italian Meal Structure
Aperitivo: The aperitivo is close to the equivalent of the North American appetizer. Examples of an aperitivo are olives, cheese, etc. and are often accompanied with wine or other alcoholic drinks, such as prosecco.
Antipasto: An antipasto is a starter that follows the aperitivo. It is a lighter course than the first course and is often served cold.
Primo: As the first course, the primo usually consists of a non-meat dish, such as risotto, pasta, gnocchi, or soup.
Secondo: The secondo is the second course dish and includes different types of poultry, fish and/or red meat.
Contorno: A contorno is a side dish that is usually served alongside the secondo, however, each dish is always served on two separate plates. More often than not, a contorno is made up of vegetables.
Insalata: The insalata is normally a fresh garden salad.
Formaggi e frutta: Litterally, formaggi e frutta means cheese and fruit and is a dish that consists of locally made cheeses and whatever fresh fruit is in season.
Dolce: Dolce is the dessert of the meal, with popular dessert dishes being tiramisù, panna cotta, gelato or sorbetto, or cannoli.
Caffè: A caffè is traditionally had at the end of an Italian meal. The caffè of choice is, more often than not, an espresso.
Digestivo: The digestivo are drinks consumed at the end of the meal to help aid digestion. Popular digestivo drinks are grappa, amaro and limoncello.
(Image via Pixabay)
Indulge yourself & stay cool with these tasty & refreshing Italian treats!
It's incredible to think that we are already halfway through this summer. For those of you who were able to get away for the August Long Weekend, we hope you had a relaxing getaway.
Unfortunately for most, it's back to reality this week even though the sun is still shining and the weather has remained hot. Personally, I think that this reality check of ours calls for a tasty treat or two - especially treats of the cold or frozen variety! Below are some ideas we came up with that we thought could help cool you down when you're not hard at work at your desk. ;)
- Indulge in an Italian soda: an easy and refreshing drink to make at home or grab on your lunch break, this fizzy concoction is made with carbonated water and flavoured syrup.
- Put your espresso on ice: re-energize on your break and head back to the office feeling cooled off and ready for those afternoon meetings.
- Make your own gelato: a fun weekend activity, especially with small kids! If you're not into the amount of work it takes though, you can always head down and visit us for some gelati or sorbetti!
Get a refreshing burst of energy with an iced espresso!
Everyone has their morning routine that persists throughout the year. Most people like to start their day off with a coffee beverage of some kind, whether it be black coffee, a latte or a shot of espresso. But when the weather gets hot (and it has been HOT here in Vancouver), the last thing you want to do is sip a piping hot cup of jo while you try not to perspire through your work clothes.
So, why not stay cool this summer the Italian way? Get your kick of caffeine and beat the heat without disrupting your daily routine by putting the Italian cultural phenomenon espresso on ice!
Satisfy your Italian coffee cravings and visit us at La Piazza Dario. We have lots to choose from!
What's your take on iced coffee? Share with us in the comments below.
(Image via Pixabay)
Skip that boring cup of jo & try one of these 50 Italian ways to enjoy your coffee!
50 types of Italian coffee: espresso, cappuccino and many more by Charming Italy
Morning routines can become monotonous and almost automatic. We roll out of bed, dress ourselves in a slight haze, realize we're running late, grab that cup of boring ol' coffee and run out the door. Wouldn't it be nice to treat your foggy morning-brain to something a little more fun? Of course, it would! Check out the 50 Italian ways to drink a coffee above and, most importantly, enjoy.
Not sure where to start? La Piazza Dario makes specialty coffees, including our Caff La Piazza. Come visit us and give 'em a try!
