A Little Inside Knowledge...

Though the vast majority of Abruzzo restaurants automatically provide menus, some of the smaller, tucked-away places disconcertingly might not, on the grounds that the chef will only cook what’s good and fresh from the market that day. Or what he feels like cooking.

The person waiting table may simply tell you what the day's specials are; or just wait for you to come up with your own suggestions of what you'd like to eat.

Don't panic. You’ll actually be surprised at how much ‘restaurant Italian’ you find you already know !

A Crash Course in Abruzzo Food...
You won't go far wrong asking for…

• Antipasti misti (mixed starters - at the very least you'll get slivers of salami, cheese and ham - and probably much more)
• Maccheroni alla Chitarra (Abruzzo's unique pasta) con ragu (meat sauce) or con sugo (tomato sauce)
• Agnello/suino/vitello/bistecca/salsiccia alla griglia  (char-grilled lamb/pork/veal/steak or sausage)
• Patate al forno con rosmarino (roast potatoes with rosemary)
  

You’ll get all that pretty much anywhere.

Or casually ask your waiter: "Cosa e’ buonissimo oggi  ?" (What’s best today ?)

Or be brave, nosey and Italian by pointing to what the people on the next table are eating. They won’t mind and you could even find yourself offered a taste. Honestly !

Vegetarians
The key phrase to remember is -
"Non mangio mai carne" (I don’t eat meat)

Not to be confused with -
"Non mangio mai cane" (I don’t eat dog)

A source of much secret mirth among waiters…

But such is the available choice of fresh bread, oil, vegetables, pasta, cheese, fruit (and fish) that vegetarians invariably eat very well at any Abruzzo restaurant.

However if you’re making a booking a day or so in advance, tell the restaurant you don’t eat meat and ask if they can prepare you something special.

Given a little notice, the vast majority will.

The Free Glass of Prosecco, Grappa or Limoncello
You're browsing through the menu. Suddenly you're offered a glass of prosecco. Or you're having your coffee and you're asked if you'd like a limoncello or grappa.

A scam designed to load a little extra on to your bill ? Actually, no.

Some Abruzzo restaurants - and not necessarily just the smart ones either - will welcome you with a glass of fizz on the house, or see you on your way with a liqueur.

This is one of those pleasant little quirks that go hand-in-hand with enjoying Abruzzo food.

If you specifically ask for a drink - or anything else, come to that - you'll pay for it. If one just 'appears', accept it graciously and enjoy !