"Italians drink a lot, but you don't see them falling around in the street, because when alcohol is consumed there is always food."

So says Giorgio Locatelli, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Locanda Locatelli in London. He is now partnering with Peroni Nastro Azzurro to bring the Italian ritual of aperitivo to South Africa.

Aperitivo is an Italian tradition that dates back to the 18^th century, which combines small plates food with refreshing light alcoholic drinks during the early evening hours. Meant as a relaxing prelude to dinner, aperitivo is recognised as a stylish and elaborate affair in Italy, and in Milan in particular, which is said to be the home of the ritual.

Says Locatelli: “Aperitivo is part of the culinary history of Italy and has helped to mould my philosophy of food and Italian cooking. Italians are known for their sociability, effortless style and flair, which makes the marriage of aperitivo and Peroni work so well.”

It was with such effortless style (and more than a fair amount of flair) that Locatelli introduced a handful of star-struck foodies to the aforementioned custom. As befits the great chef, he talked and cooked us through the ritual. In front of our eyes, he prepared a selection of beautiful, simple aperitivo snacks, including chicken liver and caper crostini, braised peppers with anchovies, and shallow-fried, stuffed sardines. We got to ooh and aah, ask questions, smell, touch and taste. Naturally, it was matched with cool, crisp, refreshing Peroni Nastro Azzurro. A fabulous combination.

Locatelli explained that in South Africa, chef Craig Hounsom will work with selected bars and restaurants to introduce the ritual of aperitivo. Hounsom has developed a range of bespoke recipes with Italian flair and effortless chic, which still stay true to the spirit of South Africa. They include focaccia squares with biltong pâté, smoked salmon and garlic bruschetta, and Parma-ham wrapped prawns. The participating venues will serve these snacks alongside the Italian beer.

By Anelde Greeff

To experience the ritual of aperitivo for yourself, visit any of the following venues:

Johannesburg

@Monte
Bottega
Central Grill
Doppio Zero
Kitchen Bar
Piza é Vino

Pretoria

Rhapsody’s Menlyn
Rhapsody’s Parkview

Cape Town

The Grand
La Bottega
Pepenero
Sandbar
Wafu

Garden Route
34 Degrees South
Dry Dock
Ghillies

For more information on future aperitivo venues and dates, visit www.aperitivoperoni.co.za.