Before I delve into the dizzying accounts I have already committed to paper/Microsoft word on my dining experiences here, I thought it would be worth just adding a quick note about the Italian meal structure for those who might not be familiar with it. The Italians eat differently to us. It’s true, there is no denying it. And you have to get with the programme fast or be left wanting at the dinner table. The first few times I came here I would become outraged on being served a main course that was literally just a piece of meat on a plate, with not even a garnish let alone sides. One solitary veal chop? Really? Really?
And so, why invite dissatisfaction? Have a read below to get a quick overview on the basic Italian meal structure. Bear in mind that obviously this is a generalisation. I, a proud Brit, do not eat a roast every Sunday and fish every Friday, but this should serve as an easy guide upon which to get by.
- Colozione; Breakfast. Italians tend to begin the day in continental style. Caffeine is the main component, in the form of caffé, which is synonymous to espresso, though you can specifically ask for that too, or caffe e latte/cappuccino. In fact, take the opportunity to get your milky fix now. After 11 it is somewhat frowned upon to order this – it’s seen as a morning drink. Food is normally light – something like a cornetti, a croissant like pastry and either plain or with custard/jam on it.
- Pranzo; Lunch. Lunch in Italy is as varied as it is in England and thus impossible for me to talk about with any accuracy. The only thing potentially worth mentioning is that the Italians, like the English, enjoy a long Sunday lunch.
- Merenda; afternoon snack!
- Cena; dinner!
Pranzo or Cena structure:
- Aperitivo – this opens the meal. It is not so much of a course as it is a standing up, picking at nibbles and having a drink sort of affair. Almost like a canapés and drinks reception but much more chilled out. Imagine sitting around with friends enjoying a glass of wine and spearing some olives in a bar before heading into the dining room to eat – this is the essence of it.
- Antipasto – slightly more robust starters. Cold meats, mozzarella, small salads, bruschetta. This sort of thing.
- Primo Piatto – pizza or pasta dishes normally. These are not considered main meals in Italy but come BETWEEN your starter and main. This is probably the main difference between how we eat Italian in England and how the Italians do! The belt buckles are normally undone at this point among my family and friends….
- Secundo Piatto – the main course or piatto principale. Meat or fish dishes normally. But remember….if you order say ‘roast lamb’, that is literally what you will get. On a plate. On its tod. You have to order separately the…
- Contorno– side dish, contorni plural. Vegetable dishes for the side.
- Formaggi e frutta – cheese and fruit, served before dessert like the French!
- Dolce – dessert!
- Caffe e disgestivo – coffee and an after dinner drink.
Not all Italian meals necessarily include all these courses – sometimes old Leandro just might not fancy that secundo, so be aware that this is not set in stone. But if you’re going to go for the full shebang Italian traditional meal in all its orders this is it! They are served in this order too, so don’t be surprised if you order a primo and your partner orders the grilled veal and you end up not eating together. Ask for them to be served together.
Hope this was helpful and hope you enjoy the rest of my Roma blogs!
Lucy/FoodGoblin
And so, why invite dissatisfaction? Have a read below to get a quick overview on the basic Italian meal structure. Bear in mind that obviously this is a generalisation. I, a proud Brit, do not eat a roast every Sunday and fish every Friday, but this should serve as an easy guide upon which to get by.
- Colozione; Breakfast. Italians tend to begin the day in continental style. Caffeine is the main component, in the form of caffé, which is synonymous to espresso, though you can specifically ask for that too, or caffe e latte/cappuccino. In fact, take the opportunity to get your milky fix now. After 11 it is somewhat frowned upon to order this – it’s seen as a morning drink. Food is normally light – something like a cornetti, a croissant like pastry and either plain or with custard/jam on it.
- Pranzo; Lunch. Lunch in Italy is as varied as it is in England and thus impossible for me to talk about with any accuracy. The only thing potentially worth mentioning is that the Italians, like the English, enjoy a long Sunday lunch.
- Merenda; afternoon snack!
- Cena; dinner!
Pranzo or Cena structure:
- Aperitivo – this opens the meal. It is not so much of a course as it is a standing up, picking at nibbles and having a drink sort of affair. Almost like a canapés and drinks reception but much more chilled out. Imagine sitting around with friends enjoying a glass of wine and spearing some olives in a bar before heading into the dining room to eat – this is the essence of it.
- Antipasto – slightly more robust starters. Cold meats, mozzarella, small salads, bruschetta. This sort of thing.
- Primo Piatto – pizza or pasta dishes normally. These are not considered main meals in Italy but come BETWEEN your starter and main. This is probably the main difference between how we eat Italian in England and how the Italians do! The belt buckles are normally undone at this point among my family and friends….
- Secundo Piatto – the main course or piatto principale. Meat or fish dishes normally. But remember….if you order say ‘roast lamb’, that is literally what you will get. On a plate. On its tod. You have to order separately the…
- Contorno– side dish, contorni plural. Vegetable dishes for the side.
- Formaggi e frutta – cheese and fruit, served before dessert like the French!
- Dolce – dessert!
- Caffe e disgestivo – coffee and an after dinner drink.
Not all Italian meals necessarily include all these courses – sometimes old Leandro just might not fancy that secundo, so be aware that this is not set in stone. But if you’re going to go for the full shebang Italian traditional meal in all its orders this is it! They are served in this order too, so don’t be surprised if you order a primo and your partner orders the grilled veal and you end up not eating together. Ask for them to be served together.
Hope this was helpful and hope you enjoy the rest of my Roma blogs!
Lucy/FoodGoblin
