Antipasto, which translates to “before the meal”, is the beginning of an authentic Italian dining experience. A concept that has been around in Italy since the medieval period, antipasti is meant to be shared before your primo, a first course, usually consisting of pasta, soup or rice. Antipasti features a blend of sweet and savoury flavours and can consist of anything from charcuterie, cheese and pickled vegetables to an Italian bread snack or small cooked dishes.
In, The Oxford Companion to Italian Food, Gillian Riley writes, “the aim is to excite rather than fill diners”. Here are five classic Italian appetisers that you must try on your next visit to AQUA Forte.
Antipasti is a true celebration of Italy’s culinary prowess. As you move from region to region, the flavours exhibited and ingredients used will differ from one another, the antipasti will also feature regional delicacies. Each region portrays a different flavour profile, which you can experience from our lovely menu!
AQUA Forte Dish: Prosciutto San Daniele E Sottaceti
The north is a very diverse region in Italy, in terms of flavour profiles and ingredients. In proximity to the Alps and wedged between the Ligurian and Adriatic Seas, the Northern Italian region showcases creamy foods as well as an abundance of fresh seafood dishes closer to the coast. Northern Italy boasts quintessential Italian ingredients like prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar.
You can try a few famous Italian appetisers that originate from the North at AQUA Forte like Prosciutto San Daniele E Sottaceti, which is San Daniele ham, served with our homemade mixed pickled vegetables. This easy cold Italian appetiser celebrates the regional delicacies, but another traditional appetiser is our Uovo Nell’orto. From the Lombardy region in the north, this dish consists of a sous vide cooked egg encircled by vegetables, sweet peas sponge and pickled cauliflower.
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AQUA Forte Dish: Tartara Di Manzo
Central Italy comprises of four different regions: Tuscany, Umbria, Le Marche, and Lazio. This region has a long and rich farming tradition, which is why fresh meats and vegetables often take the centre stage of a dish with a minimal use of spices and herbs. Products from Central Italy include olive oil, cured meats, artichokes, and mushrooms, including porcini and truffles.
When you’re dining at AQUA Forte, order our Italian beef appetizers – Tartara Di Manzo which is an homage to this region’s delicacies. This light Italian appetiser comprises of beef tenderloin tartare served with beef jus, savory sabayon cream, caper flowers, Carasau bread and has a very refreshing taste. The region also has a bounty of fresh seafood, so try our Insalata Di Polpo, Patate E Olive Taggiasche which is a delectable Italian seafood appetiser.
AQUA Forte Dish: Battuta Di Gamberi Alla Mediterranea
Southern Italy is home to some of the most famous Italian appetisers. Since this region experiences long summers, popular crops you should expect to see include eggplant and tomatoes, many of which go into red sauces. The region is well known for its soft cheeses like provolone, fresh mozzarella and burrata. Being close to the Mediterranean Sea, this region also heavily features fresh seafood dishes.
An everyday Italian appetiser that is common to the South, would be Parmigiana Di Melanzane. We prepare this dish by filling fried eggplant rolls with mozzarella and burrata and serving it with a tomato basil sauce. This is a very popular vegetarian Italian appetiser, but should you want to try something else, we suggest you sample our Battuta Di Gamberi Alla Mediterranea which is an excellent Italian shrimp appetiser.
Whether you stop by for a quick lunch or a special dinner, ordering an antipasto is the perfect way to begin your fine dining experience. Indulge in a wine-paired authentic meal when you dine at AQUA Forte, make a reservation today.
Do you want to know more about authentic Italian cuisine, best wine pairings and secret offers at AQUA Forte? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to-date!
