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AperihourBefore dinner drinks with an extra!

An Aperitif with a snack
[Susan Glasspool]

Although the Italians are not what we would call drinkers - they prefer to drink with their meals - the evening aperitif is now creeping in as a fashionable end of the working day pick-me-up, and not just to whet the appetite before dinner (though workaholics use it as an excuse for yet another business meeting). It has become a popular ritual and part of a relaxing process to spend with friends over a light drink. There could hardly be a better way to unwind at the end of a long day in the office or school, muted by soft background music that aids rather than impedes conversation. It is hardly surprising that bars are full at this time of day and happy to offer their assiduous clients a variety of delicious savoury snacks! If you turn up for a drink after 6pm, you can expect to stock up for free on a good spread of complimentary nibbles that can range from the ordinary appetizer to classic freshly cooked Tuscan dishes like ribollita or pappa al pomodoro (bread based vegetable soups), croutons, fondues, salamis and hams, cold meats, pasta, chunks of focaccia, mini pizzas, carpaccios, sushi, crudités with olive oil dips, chips, peanuts, olives, cherry tomatoes, pop corn, fruit salads and more besides.
Sounds yummy doesn’t it? Students may find this the perfect answer to a free dinner, though you are not expected to gorge on these goodies as they are not meant to substitute a full meal! The aperitif itself can be wine, champagne, cocktails, liqueurs or cocktails, even beer. Teetotallers can choose from a series of non-alcoholic aperitifs like Crodino, very different from the common-to-garden soft drink. Herbal bitters rather than sweet aperitifs are the best because they stimulate the digestive juices and therefore the appetite.
Curious? Enjoy an Italian style sundowner, munchies, chill music and atmosphere before hitting the town!
Where to go? Why there are plenty of places, but Vivi recommends:

Art bar-bistro BZF in Via Panicale, 67r, in the 14th century Convent of San Barnaba, which formerly housed the old Vallecchi printshop. Its friendly but arty atmosphere offers exhibitions, concerts, conferences, films, a library and internet point.

O!O barconcucina in Piazza Piattellina, 7r is perfect for pre-dinner drinks, but also for meals from lunches to evening dining, snacks, nibbles and pre-dinner drinks, all served and prepared in original and creative ways, at the bar, at the table or even taken away.

Eby's - Open from 11am-3am, Eby’s Latin Bar in Via dell’Oriuolo 5r, near the Cathedral, is a friendly, original and inviting place to spend an evening without spending a fortune. To a background of salsa music, you can enjoy delicious fresh fruit cocktails and Mexican nibbles, as well as imaginative salads.
Happy Day on Mondays and Tuesdays.


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