Small appetite in Rome - where to eat
 

Both of us have small appetites, and the descriptions of wonderful food in Rome sound beyond our capacities. Is sharing entrees acceptable in Rome? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

First of all, take into account that Italian restaurants, and probably those all over Europe, serve food in quantities MUCH lower than what Americans are used to, i.e. no super-sizing, etc. They serve normal size portions which are perfectly fine for small appetites.

A first course pasta dish will be much smaller than what you think. And main course are often served with no sides, unless they are separately ordered. So basically you could "get away" with ordering a pasta dish and a main, or just a main and desert, or antipasti with a main, etc. etc. I don't think sharing entrees is particularly appreciated by restaurants and have never tried it there, maybe someone else who has, will chime in.

But I have not had any problems with just ordering two types of dishes and managing just fine with that. They also usually take their time between courses, no rushing, so you have time to savor and digest your food.

Enjoy.

Hi 2,

A European "entree" is a starter course, not the main dish.

Sharing a main course is usually not done.

A full Italian dinner is

1. Antipasto
2. Primo (pasta)
3. Secondo (main plate)
4. Dessert
5. Coffee with Vin Santo and a biscotto

You can each choose any or all of the above.

One can have a primo and one a secondo and share.

Most restos will offer a smaller portion Secondo as a Primo.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

I also found many of the appetizer (starter) dishes quite filling. That's what I chose most of the time instead of ordering a pasta or other dish.

Remember, too, that many if not most Italian restaurants offer half-orders of pasta.

Ira: Vin Santo is a primarily a Tuscan dessert wine and the combo of that with biscotti or cantucci is more popular in that region than elsewhere.

Hi ek,

>Ira: Vin Santo is a primarily a Tuscan dessert wine and the combo of that with biscotti or cantucci is more popular in that region than elsewhere.

Does that mean that it is unavailable in Rome?

((I))

Ira: Many restaurants in Rome will offer vin santo, but it not the usual after-dinner drink in that city.

I would suggest too that there is usually a soup or two on the menu, if pasta seems too filling.

Italians are refreshingly indifferent to most desserts, so feel free to skip them.

After dinner a grappa is non-filling and typically Roman hard (very hard) drink.

It's good to know the different courses. Probably getting a primo for one person & secondo for the other would work very well & leave room for dessert.

Thanks!!

Actually, a "typical" Italian meal does not contain an appetizer (antipasto), although you can find this course on most restaurant menus. The more typical Italian meal, as I understand it, would be composed of a primo (pasta or soup; pasta available in half portions); a secondo (fish or meat or fowl); a contorno (salad or vegetable); and, sometimes, a simple dessert.

We don't eat big meals, either, and felt very comfortable ordering one, or two at most, dishes for our meal plus some beer or wine.

bookmarking