Taking aperitivo is absolutely positively one of the things that I enjoy most about life in Italy. And the stuzzichini are one of the reasons why I love aperitivo so. You see, aperitivo consists of two parts. There is the bevanda, the drink. And then there are the stuzzichini. Stuzzichini are the little foods, we’d call them appetizers, that are put out, most often for free, in the bars during aperitivo time. Here are a few photos of favorite stuzzichini I have had in and around Stresa.

In Arona, pizza, spinach torta, chips, nuts, and olives. That's my Americano in the foreground.

In Verbania, a plate of fresh sliced meats, served beautifully around a center of different olives. That's my Prosecco on the side.


Astragalo, in Gravellona, is one of my favorite aperitivo hangouts. There is a never-ending buffet of foods, specializing in many kinds of bruschetta.


Here's a better view of a few of my bruschette. And that's my glass of Franciacorta just above it.