The History of Antipasti

If you take the word “antipasti” apart, you can figure out that it’s a traditional first course (like an appetizer) in Italy. In Latin, “ante” means “before” and “pastus” means “pasture” or “meal.”

It Italy, antipasti (the plural of “antipasto”) is typically colorful and diverse, but not too filling. It can include anything from meats, cheeses and olives to sugared nuts, pickled peppers or sweet onions, or even seasonal fruit. The idea is to engage all the taste buds—from salty and sweet to sour, bitter and umami.

At 3 Sons Italian, our antipasti platter includes Italian meats and cheeses, relish sides and crostini (toasted bread). But in Italy, your antipasti options vary by region.

• Northern Italy

Generally classified as the region from the Alps down to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, Northern Italy’s cuisine tends to highlight foods from its dairy-prominent areas and oils and fresh herbs from the more southern parts of this region.

Antipasti might include: fresh figs, olive tapenade, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, prosciutto di parma, balsamic onions, fresh fennel, tuna and cannellini bean salad, polenta fritta and mortadella (sausage or luncheon meat)

• Central Italy

Perhaps the most famous region in this area is Tuscany, which is world renowned for its delicious foods from both land and sea.

Antipasti might include: Prosciutto, tomato, basil, mozzarella, smoked salmon and fennel, eggplant, salami, fontina, gorgonzola and sautéed seafood

• Southern Italy

With fresh catches from the Mediterranean and plenty of bold herbs and tomatoes growing in this region, Southern Italian antipasto is rich in flavor.

Antipasti might include: Anchovies, soppressata (dry salami), olives, ricotta salad, Romano cheese, artichokes, roasted pepper bruschetta, escarole and black olive tapenade

We encourage you to stop by 3 Sons Italian in Arvada to taste true Italian cuisine. In addition to our regular menu, we offer rotating specials, as well as live entertainment and fundraisers for the community.

Enter our monthly contest for a chance to win a free bottle of wine or 10% off your check. Just leave a review on our Facebook page (Under “Recommendations and Reviews”) and we’ll choose one winner each month!

Mention this blog and receive $20 off a bottle of wine or $10 off your meal with the purchase of two or more entrees.

3 Sons Italian is always available for parties of up to 150 guests. Book your December holiday parties now to avoid conflicts!

Buon Appetito!    

3 Sons Italian Restaurant & Bar

14805 West 64^th Ave., Arvada

303-455-4366

www.3sonsitalian.com