Italian cuisine
Auberge Europe is a place where you can sample fine Italian cuisine without having to travel to Italy itself. Although you can look for recipes online and prepare them yourself, nothing can compare to a meal prepared and cooked by an expert.
Italian cuisine has been influenced by Jewish, Arabic, Etruscan, ancient Greek and Roman, and Byzantine cuisines. Italian dishes are slightly different in every region. However, cheese and wine are two crucial components of Italian cuisine and can be found or taken with every dish. Espresso is another important part of Italian cuisine.
Each meal in Italy is made up of 3 or 4 courses. Italians view mealtimes as a chance to spend time with family or friends, so meals can last for hours. Meals start with the Aperitivo, where an alcoholic drink called the “apéritif” is served. It is then followed by the Antipasto, which consists of either hot or cold appetizers.
The next courses are then called the Primo (the first course), Secondo (second course), Contorno (side dish), Formaggio e frutta (cheese and fruits), Dolce (sweets), Caffe (coffee), and finally the Digestivo (“digestives”, such as liquors).
It is custom that an Italian eatery follows one theme all throughout. A “pizzeria” only serves pizzas, while a “gelateria” sells ice cream, or “gelato”. In Auberge Europe, however, you can have a taste of the different dishes that make up the Italian cuisine without having to go to different establishments.