Antipasto: The perfect solution for a light Italian snack or a lovely start to a meal!
If you're in the mood for a light meal, or are just looking to round out your Italian feast, indulging in an spread of the delectable flavours of of an antipasto platter is a wonderful way to go!
Antipasto, which can be translated into English as 'appetizer,' is a starter course within the traditional Italian meal structure that generally follows the aperitivo. Often served cold, the antipasto is a light course that usually includes cured meats, olives, cheeses, and pickled vegetables and meats.
Learn more about the traditional way to order an Italian meal.
When the mood strikes for a plate of antipasto, we hope that you will visit us at La Piazza Dario to satisfy your craving! Our antipasto “la piazza” is an assortments of cured meat, fish, cheese and marinated vegetables that serves two. Now, doesn't that sound delicious!
Make your reservation with us online via OpenTable or call us at 604.430.2195.
La Piazza Dario Lunch Menu
La Piazza Dario Dinner Menu
Going to Italy this year? We've got a few handy tips for you...
First of all, congratulations on your exciting vacation plans! We are definitely jealous of you. Of course, we want you to enjoy your trip to the fullest and we've got a few tips to help you.
Believe it or not, there is a right way and a "wrong" way to enjoy your Italian meals. Of course, if you do make an etiquette mistake, it's not the end of the world. It's merely an announcement of your tourist status, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, while you are in Italy, we want you to truly experience the Italian way of life!
Did you know that Italians never order a cappuccino after noon? And did you know that it's simply not done to have your coffee with a meal? Caffe normale is what you have in the afternoon. If you're expecting a tall or grande coffee to go, think again. Eating and drinking on the go is just not done, unless of course you've got a gelato.
When it comes to eating in Italy, the Italians know best how to enjoy their delectable meals. Check out this article from Revealed Rome to get more tips on how Italians enjoy their meals:
Before you go, drop by for a visit and have a practice run at ordering and enjoying an Italian meal! Have a great trip!
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Here at La Piazza Dario, we're looking forward to another Buona Pasqua!
This year, Easter, or Pasqua in Italian, falls on Sunday, April 20th, which just so happens to be this weekend! We're so excited for another year of delicious, traditional Italian Easter dishes, such as lamb, breads decorated with Easter eggs, and sweet dessert breads, such as colomba di Pasqua, meaning Easter dove in Italian. As you may have guessed, colomba di Pasqua is baked in the shape of a dove as a symbol of peace.
Learn more about the Easter traditions of Italy.
With a short week ahead, we welcome you to join us and celebrate Pasqua! Make your lunch or dinner reservation online today.
Please note that we are not open on holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, however, we hope to see you before or after for some delicious Italian food.
Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter!
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Discover la lingua della mangia!
Not understanding a language can be tricky, especially when it comes to ordering food.
Don't let the Italian terms on our menu scare you off! First and foremost, we welcome and encourage you to ask any of our servers about any item on our menu should you have any questions. Furthermore, you will find detailed descriptions of each dish on our menu, translated into English.
However, if you still find yourself scratching your head, below are some Italian dining and food terms to help you out during your next visit to La Piazza Dario.
Italian Dining Terms:
- Antipasto: Antipasti are appetizer dishes.
- Bufala: Water buffalo; this term is used to describe the type of mozzarella.
- Funghi: Mushrooms
- Insalata: This term refers to a salad course; it is generally eaten between the main course and dessert.
- Polpette: Meatballs
- Prosciutto: Cured ham
- Tagliatelle: Noodles
Tonight, why not make your dining experience an truly Italian one! Come visit us in East Vancouver and put your new knowledge to the test. In the mean time, have a look at our menu.
We look forward to seeing you!
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End your meal the Italian way, with a glass of grappa!
It is an Italian tradition to end a meal with a digestivo, or small alcoholic beverage, which is meant to help aid with the digestion of your meal. Although there are several afterdinner liquors and liqueurs to choose from, such as amaro or limoncello, grappa is a popular choice among many Italians.
What is grappa?
Grappa is an Italian liquor made from the pomace of grapes after they have been pressed to make wine. Originally made in the northern region of Veneto, in Bassano del Grappa, today, grappa is known worldwide and enjoyed by many. A distinctive flavour, and an acquired taste for some, grappa is served chilled in small glasses and consumed in small sips. It is generally between 40 to 45 percent alcohol.
What's your favourite digestivo? Let us know in the comments below!
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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)
