TABLE ETIQUETTE

There are few differences between American etiquette and Italian etiquette. In general, Italians are so hospitable that even if you did commit a cardinal table sin, you would be immediately forgiven. The one main difference Americans will notice about Italian dining is how the meal is structured. Americans tend to eat all their food on one plate, with possibly an appetizer before and maybe dessert. But Italians eat slower, and take pride in eating slow. Their meals are broken down into four basic servings.

First comes the antipasto, which literally means “before the meal,” and could be anything from bruschetta (toasted bread typically spread with diced tomato, onion and spices) to Caprese (slices of tomato and mozzarella with basil and olive oil and balsamic vinegar).

Next is the primo piatto (the first plate), which is typically a pasta, gnocchi, or risotto. For many, this is the part of the meal that is most recognizably “Italian.” Not surprisingly, this is followed by the secondo piatto (the second plate). This is where the meat or seafood serving happens. Lastly, the contorno comes, which could be anything from a salad (insalata) to an array of cheeses (formaggi).