Aperitivo @ Botega Caffè Cacao I had a drink with a friend; actually, it wasn't just a drink (alcohol-free for the driver aka me), the proper word would be “aperitivo” and I don't think there's a proper translation in English. For Italians aperitivo is “a glorious couple of hours—generally between 7pm and 9pm—when they can relax post-work over a glass of wine or Campari and some snacks" (www.walksofitaly.com), although "snacks" is an oversimplification. Originally the aim of the aperitivo was to drink something with colleagues after work while munching snacks like crisps, peanuts, slices of pizza or focaccia; but these days it is such a popular habit that the aperitivo evolved into something similar to a buffet with people eating literally everything until they are stuffed from all that good Italian food. So, usually a good aperitivo replaces dinner (as a matter of fact Italians also use the word “apericena”).