I think it used to be the case, say thirty years ago, but has changed over the years. I still order a pasta and a main, or did, last time I was there. Planning a trip to Naples and Sicily this winter and will see . . .

joannyc, they let DH and me split the entire tasting menu! Just yums, Mel.

I frequently order an antipasto and primo or an antipasto and secondo. Sometimes I'll just do primo or secondo with a contorno.

But I always order a dolce. (And no, that doesn't help with the waistline, even though I jog and/or hike on every trip.)

The problem with Northern Italy is you have many of the temptations of pasta and pizza plus all the cream and cheese that doesn't feature as much in Southern menus. Heavy cheese sauces? Panna cotta with whipped cream? Yikes! and yum.

Great photos, Mel.

I always thought it was frowned upon to only order one course. No? I can’t handle two at all! Traveling by myself so no one to split it with.

That's not been our experience and wouldn't matter if it were. Ordering more than you can eat is just wasteful and something I try to avoid. No lifted eyebrows when we split either, and sometimes they'll even split it in the kitchen before bringing it out.

I always thought it was frowned upon to only order one course.

No.

Ketchup on Pizza, yes. ;-)

I've tried to learn Italian a few times, and every time we got to the "In A Restaurant" chapter they had you practice ordering your multi-course meal of pasta, main, etc. I also recall there was a sign on a restaurant door on Tiber Island (said to be owned by the sister of one of Italy's movie stars) informing prospective patrons (in English) that only full three or four course menus were available. Glad to hear the custom has died out.

Hi Melnq8,
We are in Italy now, too, eating one meal a day at lunch but gelato is our evening treat!


Gelato alla crema Bologna con amarene Fabbri
Enjoy the rest of your journey!

Domo get's obviously more and more popular, indeed.
You should come back in 6 months, when the whole area between the Calvario and Alpe Prei will be full of blooming white narcissus and lilies of the valley.

"There's not enough hiking in the world to keep up with this"
I don't think so: walk along the Via Stockalper from Domo via Monteossolano - San Bernardo - Cattascosa Hut - Zwischbergen - Furggu - Gabi - Chrummbacheri water channel - Simplon Dorf - Simplon Pass to Brig and you will be busy for at least 4 days. The arolla treees above 2200 metres got yellow needles a few days ago.

BTW: in whcih trattoria did you eat?

We spent a month in Sicily this April and split all our meals. The portions were huge. Most of the time we were given an extra plate, sometimes the dish was just placed in the center of the table, and occasionally it was split for us in the kitchen.

Thanks, ekscrunchy! Only 3 nights left after tonight but will order only 1 course! Wish I had asked 4 weeks ago!

I need Ozempic after seeing these photos 👀 !

DH might order a main but I usually get pasta and one other thing. No problems ever. But even so we prefer the aperitivo bar buffets or chichetti when available for lighter fare.

HA! Trust me, Ozempic is not going to help!

That area looks amazing and I just made a note of those towns. We went near there a few weeks ago to take the Bernina Express (we took the train from Naples to Paris.) It was so very beautiful!

I'm always shocked at how little weight I gain in Italy because we walk tons, there's not as much snacking (for me), and I generally manage to stay away from gelato. Except in Bologna. Where that gelato...!!!

Only 3 nights left after tonight but will order only 1 course! Wish I had asked 4 weeks ago!

Lol, four weeks in Italy would do me in.

We're back in Switzerland today and ate our weight in chocolate and cheese in Broc and Gruyeres. I won't need to eat again until Tuesday


Cailler, Broc

Cailler, Broc

Cailler, Broc

Raclette, Gruyères

Gruyères (sample of double cream)


Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow so we can get in some more hiking.

There will be no rain at Montreux tomorrow, but it will get colder and colder.....

Hey Mel!

Holy cow. Those dishes look amazing!! I love steak tartare, and both of those look fantastic! Lol, but I know you weren't the one eating them

Looking forward to this trip report! Enjoy the rest of your time there!

s

We're not in Montreux, but gloom expected without rain here too. And yes, we felt the cold today for the first time since snow on Klausen Pass several weeks ago. It's been much warmer than we expected this year - and humid - and spouse has been a bit grumpy about it.

Hi swandav - going to be a long report, I'm afraid. I'm taking copious notes but won't post anything until we get home in a few weeks.

Oh cool! I'm heading to CH tomorrow myself, but all lowlands (Brunnem, Gstaad, & Montreux). When I get home, I'll get to enjoy your trip report!

Love your detailed reports!

s

I loved both of those places and the food! At Broc, I was the only person in the tasting room! Even the attendant left the room! Oh, so dangerous!!!!

the two addictions you should fight to overcome
Salt and Sugar.