When ordering at a restaurant, Rick talks about splitting a primo piatto. When we were there in '06 we wanted to sample each course, but it was too much food and we didn't feel comfortable asking to split. What we wanted to do is have the antipasti, split a primo piatto, split a secondo, and have dolce. Is splitting a piato proper and a common practice?
Posted by
Petaluma, Northern California
345 posts
I understand, I felt that way too. After all you're camped out at the table for a while so you don't want to appear cheap. But we did this all the time and no one ever looked surprised, askance or offended. They often plated the food separately without the extra charge as in the US. The only time I got stink eye was when I asked for tap water. [edit:Since this is in To the Boot, I presume you are only asking about Italy]
I can't remember if this discussed in any of guidebooks.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
In Italy we had no prob splitting meals however we always asked first. However in France (Dordogne tourist area)eventho we asked first a server allowed it then was angry and mean to us and delayed giving us our bill for over an hr after we asked nicely multiple times. Strange and aggravating.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
We have split meals all over the world without problem. It is quite common today.
The fun part of it is that often the waiter will bring us two potatoes instead of splitting one or two salads instead of splitting one. It might be a good plan to ask first, but I never do.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We did it all the time as well. On the off chance you get a waiter who doesn't understand you, the phrase in Italian that you could say is "Vorremmo condividere uno" which means "We would like to share one"
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8058 posts
In many meals in Italy, it is common for my wife and I to order an Antipasti (or two) then each order a plate from either the Primi or Secondi, that we then share, (or maybe a Primi, then each a Secondi) with never a problem. Many locals I saw would do much the same. Now mostly the sharing is "do it yourself", if you are seeking to have them bring "half potions"; that would be more difficult to communicate. But I will add that your desription overlooks a gem of the Italian menu. We almost always also order a contorni...a side dish. Here you find usually the freshest, in season, vegetables, simply prepared, always delicious, always low cost, a nice filler for your meal.
Posted by
OP
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Paul - My wife & I are big on vegetables. A contori sounds great!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Singular: contorno Plural: contorni
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
We do this all the time - order antipasta for 3 (we have an 8yr old), I get a pasta and my husband gets a meat...sometimes my son gets a dish too...sometimes we get a few sides. Usually, the waiter brings us extra plates to share anyway...and...if they don't, I don't ever feel badly about asking for one!
Posted by
OP
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Norma, I stand corrected. Mi dispiace.