L'amore Italian Restaurant

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What Is an Aperol Spritz: The Classic Italian Cocktail

If you have ever taken a trip to Italy and walked down the street, there is a chance that you saw plenty of cafes and restaurants advertising a classic appetizer. You can walk in and enjoy a few chips and an Aperol spritz for just a few euros! What do you need to know about an Aperol spritz, and what might you want to pair it with? 

What Goes Into an Aperol Spritz?

One of the reasons why people love Aperol spritzes is that they are very easy to make. The first ingredient is Aperol, which is a bright orange aperitif. It has a zesty orange flavor with a few herbal scents, and it forms the foundation of the cocktail. Then, you add Prosecco to the glass, which is a type of sparkling Italian wine, and some club soda for some extra bubbles. Then, you top everything off with some ice and a slice of fresh orange. 

An Aperol Spritz Is a Flexible Cocktail

An Aperol spritz has a complex flavor combination because you have the sweetness of orange and wine alongside some bitter notes from the aperitif. Fortunately, you can play around with the ratio to find the right combination for you! If you want to make it less bitter, you may want to add a bit more Prosecco. Or, if you want to make the drink less sweet, you can always add some more Aperol or reduce the amount of Prosecco you add to the glass. 

What Should You Serve With an Aperol Spritz?

There are plenty of appetizers you can serve alongside an Aperol spritz. While chips or fries are classic options in Italy, there are plenty of cheeses that go well. For example, fresh mozzarella and burrata, served with crusty bread, is a classic Italian option. Or, you may want to serve some fresh fruit, such as grapefruit, oranges, grapes, or strawberries. 

If you want to see why an Aperol spritz is a great cocktail, swing by today, and let us show you how to make one properly! 

 

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3 Tips for Eating on a Budget in Italy

lamore italian restaurant dessertAre you planning a trip to Italy? If so, one of the most appealing factors is likely the food. After all – who doesn’t love authentic Italian food?

While the majority of restaurants have items that are reasonably priced, and in some cases, even inexpensive, some of the most common mistakes can make you blow your entire trip food budget quickly.

Here are three tips to help you keep on budget and enjoy all the amazing dishes Italy is known for.

Be Careful Where You Sit

Would you love a table with a water view or how about a just a table? Then you may have to pay for it.  While this can seem logical in locations such as cafes and bars, where the majority of Italians drink their coffee standing, it’s often the case in restaurants too.

On your bill, you will see this charge as “pane e coperto,” which means bread and tableware.” Don’t think you can get out of this either – the fee is inevitable – even if you never see silverware or bread.

Also, once you sit down at a table and order something, you have made the commitment to pay this. The good news is, it isn’t usually too expensive. While this charge should be listed on the menu or posted in the restaurant; however, if it isn’t make sure to ask. There are also some places that now waive this fee because the laws no longer require restaurants to charge this in some locations.

Not all Gelato is Priced Equally

If you’re going to Italy, you can’t leave before you have indulged in some of the famous gelato. This cool treat is virtually impossible to resist – especially on a scorching summer day. However, proceed with caution. Even in towns where there are more than a few gelaterie (gelato shops) the prices will not always be the same. Make sure to look at the menu carefully before you order. If there’s no menu posted, then be sure to ask “Quanto costa?”

Eat Local (Avoid Tourist Hot-Spots)

If you really think about this tip, it makes complete sense. The closer a restaurant is to an area known for tourism, the more likely the owner is to increase the prices. Because the majority of tourists are usually too tired or hungry to pay attention to normal prices, they don’t really make a fuss when they finally get the check.  If possible, get away from the most popular tourist areas. In some cases, just a few streets over will do.

If you really want to enjoy your trip to Italy, while enjoying all the delicious food and avoid going broke, then you need to follow the tips found here. This will help you get your belly full, without going broke.

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10 Italian Cooking Terms Everyone Should Know

 

Do you love Italian food? If so, you aren’t alone – after all, this is one of the most well-known cooking styles from around the globe.

However, there are some terms and phrases that are a bit confusing if you aren’t a chef. As a result, it may be beneficial to get to know some of the most common terms used in Italian cooking.

Not only will it help you with your own recipes, but also make ordering Italian food much easier.

Here are 10 Italian Cooking Terms that you’ll want to know:

1. Al Dente

The literal definition is “to the tooth.” Most commonly heard when cooking pasta, al dente means the pasta, after being cooked, should have “bite” left to it. The term is also used for cooking veggies, another ingredient that should not be overcooked.

2. Cacciatore

In Italian, the word means hunter. For recipes, such as pollo alla cacciatore, it means “hunter-style chicken.” In most cases, dishes including cacciatore are prepared with wine, herbs, peppers, tomatoes and onions.

3. Antipasti

This word means appetizers or starters. Antipasti can consist of cured meats, cheeses, olives and usually, bruschetta.

4. Casalinga

The Italian translation of Casalinga is housewife. However, this also refers to food that is homemade.

5. Peperone

Don’t confuse this term with the popular pizza topping pepperoni. Peperone refers to peppers. If you have just one pepper, it is a pepe.

6. Ceci

While this is a small word, it has a big meaning. In fact, if you see ceci on a menu, it means chickpeas or garbanzo beans. This is often seen in various soups and pasta dishes.

7. Arancini

This word means “little orange.” It is the name of the delicious risotto balls that are deep fried. Traditionally, these are stuffed full of peas, ragu and mozzarella; however, they can be made with all sorts of combinations.

8. Ribollita

Ribollita is a Tuscan soup that always includes some type of leftover bread, beans and an array of vegetables. The literal translation of this word is “reboiled.”

9. Panzanella

While this word comes from Tuscany, it is a dish that is enjoyed throughout Italy. Panzanella is a special type of salad, made out of tomatoes and toasted bread.

10. Bianca

In English, Bianca means white. You may see the word on menus or in recipes referencing pizza. In most cases, pizza Bianca will be tipped with parmesan cheese, but doesn’t include pasta or tomato sauce.

Now that you have brushed up on your Italian food terminology, you are ready to embark on a “tour of Italy,” enjoying all the delicious dishes this country offers.

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5 of the Best Cities in Italy for the Best Italian Food

If traveling is your lifestyle, experiencing all a local region has to offer is a top priority. One of the best ways to experience the local flavor is by sampling the food.

When you travel through Italy, eating at authentic Italian restaurants is a must. If you are venturing through this region, experience as many of the areas on this list as possible.

Northern Italy: Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d’Aosta and Piemonte

Here the food is rich and creamy, which is just what is needed to remain warm on the freezing nights that often occur. Pasta is replaced by polenta and risotto, and meats are served that have influences coming from the French and Germans. While there might be an appreciation for meat and potatoes, this isn’t what you’ll find in the North. The fish is amazing, with Liguria and Veneto sitting right on the sea, which means fresh dishes are guaranteed.

Central Italy: Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio

If you’re  in the mood for authentic Italian steak, then the central portion of Italy is the perfect destination. You can spend days in Tuscany eating bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a large, grilled t-bone steak sourced from maremma cows.

Central Italy: The Mountainous Region of Abruzzo and Le Marche

In this region, you get a unique flavor that isn’t seen in other regions. Some of the specialty dishes to enjoy here include olive ascolane, which is olives that are stuffed with meat and fried and served with pane fritta, which is squares of fried cream. While this combination may not sound tasty at first, it is worth trying.

Naples – In Southern Italy

When you travel to the south in Italy, the food becomes more Mediterranean. Here you can enjoy your fill of fish, fruit, vegetables and pasta. Also, Naples is the birthplace of the pizza which means this is a must have any time you visit the region.

Sicily in the South

With more than a two-thousand-year history, Sicily should be on your list of places to visit when in Italy. The strong flavors of the island’s sweet and salty dishes and street food are the favorites of many. Some of the most revered treats for this region include chickpea-flour fritters, panelle and deep-fried rice balls.

For those traveling to the region, they should make an effort to enjoy the dishes above during their visit. This will make it an experience not soon forgotten.

You don’t have to travel to Italy to enjoy authentic Italian food. To discover a little taste of Italy closer to home, visit L’Amore today.

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3159 E Lincoln Dr
Phoenix , AZ 85016
Phone: 602.381.3159

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Credit for most photos: Kay W. Eskridge: Images By Kay

Our Hours

Lunch
TBD.
Dinner
Mon – Sat: 4pm–9pm
Saturday Dinner: 4pm–9pm

Sunday Closed

Happy Hour
Mon – Fri: 4:00pm–6:00pm
No happy hour on Saturdays

Holiday Closures: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, sometimes Christmas Eve (call to check), Christmas Day

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