Aperitivo at Bottiglia Is the Best in The Biz
THE FINE ART OF EATING BEFORE EATING IS ALIVE AND WELL AT BOTTIGLIA
Italians believe that eating is a marathon, not a race. It is an experience equally important in its presentation, duration, and hydration as is the physical sport of running. That means that like running a marathon, warming up before the main event is crucial to success. For Italians, the aperitivo is the equivalent of loosening and warming up before the main event or course. If you want the best time, you should always have aperitivo at Bottiglia.
HISTORY
There are two ways to use the word aperitivo: as a beverage to stimulate the appetite, or as a period of time to socialize with friends and family over drinks and small plates of food. Some say that aperitif’s started in monasteries for preserving spices for medicinal purposes, but some mischievous monks must have sipped one or two and gotten hungry because those medicinal drinks soon became a way to pregame for dinner. By the early 1800s, aperitivo drinks like the Americano (not the coffee drink), the Negroni, and an Aperol Spritz were commonplace in the northern parts of the country, and over time they slowly trickled south.
CULTURE
Aperitivo in Italy signifies that the working part of the day is over, and a sort of golden hour or two before dinner is here where you can catch up with one another on the day. Remember that dinner is also typically eaten later in Europe than in the States, so it does have a practical purpose as well. Like the different regions with varying culinary traditions in Italy, what is enjoyed for aperitivo depends on where you are in the country. In Venice, a spritz is the most common aperitivo cocktail whereas Campari is more popular in Milan. You’re also more likely to stand during aperitivo in Venice rather than sit.
At Bottiglia, the aperitivo is a blend of Italian customs since the cuisine is Tuscan-inspired, central region. The Fresca Fizz, Negroni Italiano, and Aperol Spritz are great choices for an aperitif as authentic as if you were sipping it in a bacari. If you’re practicing a group-centric aperitivo, then the Antipasti Misti Platter with different meats and cheeses is a must. Also, you can never go wrong with Meatballs. When in doubt, have the meatballs brought out.
ETIQUETTE
Again, if you’re planning on having aperitivo in a specific region in Italy, it’s a good idea to see what the local traditions are. Normally, aperitivo will be offered between 7 PM and 9 PM. Stateside and at Bottiglia, Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM due to the fact that, unfortunately, this country has not adopted the art of a long lunch or midday nap. If you’re looking for an authentic toast with your aperitivo, don’t trust Duolingo. While it’s technically okay to say “salute” during a toast in Italy, most Italians actually say “cin cin” (pronounced like chin), which is supposed to be the onomatopoeic sound of glasses clinking. Just don’t actually cin cin your glasses hard enough that they break!
For a larger peek at Bottiglia’s aperitivo options, you can take a look at their menu or see them in their full glory on Instagram!