The importance of aperitif

[Le Salon Anglais]

Last night, while discussing the menu for our next event and thinking about canapes and welcome drinks, I was reading Aperitif, Recipes for Simple Pleasures in the French Style by Georgeanne Brennan, day-dreaming about making our own vin maison
or seasonal homemade wine, for everyday, that you can find in any given
region in France. Aaah, the pleasure and ritual of aperitif, both a
beverage and a social activity, where family and friends come together
to share conversation before the lunch or dinner hour...

Here is a lovely insight about this social institution: "Just as the converstaion and conviviality of the moment are destined to
stimulate the mind and spirit, the drink serves to pique the appetite
and the taste buds before the meal."

I got a bit nostalgic after that... until I realized that we should (re)establish the importance of aperitif! It is an essential step before any introduction to the table that open
your palate, wake-up your sensations, before calling for a meal. Most
importantly, it is about social interaction and the first sign of
hospitality that says: welcome to our home, our place, we are delighted
to have you with us, relax, grab a drink, a nibble and chat away; to
take time and enjoy life...

Rituals are my favourite things when it comes to food. I love the idea that everything is there for a
reason, a tradition, and we have to honour and celebrate it. Which is
why I never talk about binging but indulging, as nothing can be
negative if done with care, love and respect. If you want to drink,
drink, but well. If you want to eat, eat, but well. Be genuine,
insatiable and thirsty!

Next stop: digestives!

[msmarmitelover]

I love l'apero, as the French call it.
I think it's important to give guests a drink as they walk in...