Community Corner
In Search of An Aperitivo: Bites Nearby
Menu and drink specials entice guests in a practice that resembles aperitivo in Italy.
A friend has been thoroughly enjoying her studies in the culinary arts in Italy for the past three weeks. Julie’s blog has been filled with rich descriptions of the citizens’ relaxed, enjoyable and deliberate way of daily life.
One such example is the gathering for meals, wine, cocktails and an aperitivo, which is derived from the word aperitio, meaning “open.”
Typically occurring for an hour or two at 7 p.m., an aperitivo consists of enjoying a drink and small snack to “open your palate and stomach for dinner,” Julie wrote.
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Here are some area restaurants who've adopted this same ideal in their menu offerings, designed to encourage winding down at the end of the day.
Parker’s Restaurant and Bar – Downers Grove
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Imagine patio seating under a vine-covered pagoda while feasting on a New England lobster roll, blackened tilapia wontons or pizza DiParma with arugula, prosciutto, grape tomatoes, mozzarella and Gran Cru cheese. Sip on a carmel apple martini while enjoying fresh flowers and patio lights. Bar food is 50 percent off from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Reel Club - Oakbrook
This Lettuce Entertain You location invites guests to their patio parties Monday through Friday from 5 pm. – 7 p.m. to enjoy Don Q. Mojitos along with half-priced sushi, as well as blackened fish and burger sliders for $1.95 each. Or how about a cool cucumber martini with a shrimp taco or oyster shot?
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Westmont
Hopefully the promise of a lively atmosphere, a frozen Swampthing cocktail and crispy orange shrimp, crispy fried alligator or a petite po' boy is enough to put a smile on your face. Finding out that the food is specially priced from 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday might just turn that smile into a grin.
Carlucci – Downers Grove
“Opening the palate” is what comes to mind when perusing the special items offered in the bar to accompany your cocktail - perhaps a Corzo strawberry pineapple martini or a glass of Travaglini Gattinara (a red wine selection). The $3 and $5 menu specials include antipasti of Italian meats and cheeses, zucchini fritti or pepperoni pizza.
