The Milano Files

The Italian aperitivo with Carlo Carnevale part 1: evolution and retrograde

Season 2 Episode 5

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The aperitivo is one of Italy's most romanticized traditions, and Milan-based drinks writer and journalist Carlo Carnevale joins Jaclyn DeGiorgio to delve below the surface and discuss its history and significance, with a focus on its role in Milanese social culture. This is part one of two episodes.

If you're visiting Milan and would like to book a food tour with Jaclyn when you're in town, send her an email: jaclyndegiorgiofoodtours@gmail.com

Jaclyn's blog: A Signorina in Milan

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Show notes:

  • Merenda sinoira is the Piedmontese term mentioned meaning "snack before dinner"
  • Carpano Classico, the original vermouth
  • Vermouth di Torino PGI regulations 
  • Vinicio Valdo is the man who pioneered the Happy Hour-style aperitivo in Milan. His bar was called Roialto, and you can read a recent interview with him here. It's in Italian, but we live in the age of AI. :) 
  • The Botanical Club in Isola opened in 2015 but is no longer open. 
  • Rita in the Navigli is the 20-year-old cocktail bar in Milan that Carlo mentions -- it's excellent! 
  • The Milano Files season 1 episode 7 discusses natural wine in Milan, and you might want to give that a listen as well as there is some overlap with certain facets of Milan's contemporary beverage culture.