Sometimes we deliberately choose our travel destinations. Sometimes, instead, regions beckon us to visit once, maybe twice if we’re lucky, clamping their velvety grips on us, seeping deep into our very souls. For me, there is no question. I am a proud Armenian American, but Italy has taken irrevocable title to my soul! After a recent sunny sojourn to Italy, I am determined to weave the Italian art of passeggiata into my own Hamptons life. I urge you to do the same!
On a whim and a dare, my long-time northern Italian friend Gia pursued opera later in life. Her very name rings “diva-esque.” Gia carries a surname, but not unlike Cher, Gia relishes her first name branding. She is not so simply “Gia.” Her persona transcends everything diva. Gia is a tall, uniquely attractive consultant, producer, promoter, perfectionist and artist with striking jet black hair, and often clad in something Armani. Gia possesses a Gladiatrix-like inner strength, pushing her boundaries beyond her comfort zone. She has literally walked on fire engulfed coals, traveled to third world countries on goodwill missions and has managed to collect numerous “Gia disciples” along the way.
Her first operatic concert was over 15 years ago in her small hometown south of Milan which boasts an absolute jewel of an opera house. The countless tiered plush bright red velvet opera hall boxes surround the stunning and enormous ornate crystal chandelier, lighting the hall and Italianate ceiling paintings. Several concerts later her twentieth anniversary concert will be headlined in 2018! I along with over 100 friends have followed her to Italy for each of these concerts which she entitles, “An evening of opera for and with my friends.”
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My initial trip to Italy preceded Gia’s first concert, while traversing the burnt Siena roads of Tuscany on two wheels when my quads were more sculpted! Since then, Gia’s magnetic force has drawn me back to Italy several times.
On this latest trip, Milan and northeastern Italy completed the itinerary. On every Italian visit, I am gently reminded that Italian life is savored at a slower pace. People stroll - everywhere. So called passeggiata is all about strolling, an Italian past time in late afternoon into the evening. Individuals, couples, families, bambini, packs of sprouting adolescents practice the art of passeggiata in the main piazzas. Businesses in the smaller towns still close midday. Tutti bambini are literally singing in the squares. Our favorite performance was “Veneta, Veneta, Veneta….” sung by God’s most beautiful Italian school children in Verona.
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Signature Italian drinks are served with simple but sophisticated and complementary appetizers. Drinks and snacks are meant to be enjoyed unhurried while watching the wonderful Italian world go by. It is actually considered rude for servers to deliver the check until requested – how civilized! We never received our check until the nod was acknowledged – sometimes this proved exasperating when servers were savoring Italian life elsewhere!
I am determined to carry this passeggiata state of mind throughout the Hamptons this summer – or at least as long as possible. Ok, I know – we are running for the Cannonball or Jitney, hoofing to Citarella or Costco for our next summer dinner party, prepping for or enduring summer house guests, or stuck in traffic to get to our summer house guests. Let’s not forget about work and family. But how about making a simple refreshing, cold Italian drink served alongside tasteful and incredibly easy appetizers? Read on…
I experienced passeggiata in Milan across from the Cathedral in a breezy outdoor bar/caffe. Most everyone was drinking iced fizzy orange beverages with smart looking appetizers. I discovered the Aperol Spritz. I know how this sounds – “spritz” or “spritzer” evokes memories of teetotaler ladies ordering white wine spritzers of yesteryear. The Aperol Spritz is a classic drink for grownups – female and definitely male. Aperol is a somewhat mildly bitter orange based Italian aperitif with other natural ingredients and sweetness. Aperol was created in northern Italy during the early 1900’s. Why did it take me so many trips to discover this iconic beverage? But it’s not just Aperol . Prosecco, Italy’s white sparkling varietal and a dash of soda water comprise the “spritz.” Over ice with a large juicy orange slice will cool the hottest of summer afternoons. You are now Italian!
But wait. This continental cooler commands something better than peanuts and pretzels. In more than one bar, similar complementary appetizers were served alongside these refreshing drinks. Lightly salted potato chips, plump, meaty, greener than green olives, and assorted miniature savory puff pastries joined these beverages for everyone’s passeggiata rubbernecking. The pastries were often mushroom, cheese, fish, tomato, or spinach filled. Potato chips were referred to as “crisps” and served in a silver or crystal bowl which classed up the experience so much more. Don’t you think?
Why can’t we Hamptonites try to slow down a little this summer? Let’s try. Stroll down Main Street or sing on the Village Green (at least your backyard). (Take care not to exceed Village or Town decibel code thresholds please.) Sip an icy and refreshing Aperol Spritz and enjoy crisps in a silver bowl. Savor life. Passeggiata!
Aperol Spritz
Two parts Prosecco (dry)
One part Aperol (or to taste)
One thick wheel of an orange slice
Splash of mineral water or soda water
Ice cubes
Serve in large cold glasses with appetizers.
