Antipasti

The antipasto is the traditional prelude to the Italian meal. The literal translation of the word is “before the meal” and it refers to the array of savory nibbles and small bites that Italians traditionally lay out to accompany drinks, and conversation, before sitting down to the formal meal. The intention of antipasti is to whet the appetite, not sate it. So these dishes are traditionally light, with bright flavors—salty, acidic, and/or spicy. Antipasti may be hot or cold; they are often served at room temperature.