APERITIVO: what it is, how it works and where it takes you.

The classic aperitivo in Italy dates back to the antique Romans who had a tradition of drinking an alcoholic beverage before dinner to stimulate the appetite for the evening meal. At the beginning of the ninteenth century in Turin some Pharmacies started to develop some drinks based on special herbs and alcohol with sugar for all of those who did not have an appetite. As a matter of facts the combination of certain bitter herbs with alcohol and sugar stimulates the appetite. This is how certain famous Italian drinks started to be commercialized: Aperol, Punt e Mes, Campari, Cinzano to mention the most famous. The purpose of an aperitivo today goes far beyond its origin of sipping a good glass of wine and it became a pre dinner ritual. The locales or bars who offer an aperitivo became a meeting point, a good place to spend some time to get rid of the hard day of work or simply a good place to socialize and make new friends. It is a great way to celebrate the end of the day properly. With a glass in their hands people deepen their relationships, talk about their work or plan their night ahead, all satisfying the Italian need to share foody moments with others and relax. And it is the perfect time of the day for all of those who are by themselves to go out and meet new people in a friendly environment. It is a meet up! The snacks are always on the house, and they go from olives to savoury snacks, tastes of various gastronomical and ethnic dishes, all served on the bar. You can’t visit Italy and miss the aperitivo. And if you are in la Paz… The place is with Silvia.