Traditional Italian Courses
Aperitivo
An aperitif usually enjoyed before a large meal. Popular drinks include Averna, Campari, Cinzano, Suze and Vermouth.
Antipasto - Literally "before the courses"
Hot or cold appetizers.
Primo - First Course
Usually consists of a hot dish like pasta, risotto, gnocchi, polenta or soup.
Secondo - Second Course
The main dish, usually fish or meat. Traditionally veal, pork and chicken are the most commonly used meat, at least in the North, though beef has become more popular since World War II. Wild game is also very popular, especially in Tuscany. Fish are those which are caught locally.
Contorno - Side Dish
This may consist of a salad or cooked vegetables. A traditional menu features salad along with the main course.
Formaggio e Frutta - "Cheese and Fruit"
The first dessert, usually served together.
Dolce - Dessert
Such as cakes and cookies
Caffe - Coffee/Capuccino/Latte
Digestivo - Digestives
Liquors (grappa, amaro, limoncello) sometimes referred to as ammazzacaffe (coffeee killer).

We hope you enjoyed reading about our food culture and we look forward to seeing you soon at
L'Osteria del Forno!