The ‘Apericena’ Evolution: Why Italians are Skipping Main Courses
If you’ve ever found yourself in Italy around 7:00 PM, you’re likely familiar with the magic of aperitivo. A crisp glass of Prosecco, a vibrant Spritz, and a modest bowl of olives or potato chips to stimulate the appetite before a late dinner.
But over the last few years, a delicious evolution has taken over Italy’s social scene.
Enter the Apericena.
A clever blend of aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) and cena (dinner), this modern ritual is redefining how Italians socialise. Instead of moving from a bar to a crowded restaurant, locals are opting to skip the formal dinner altogether in favour of a relaxed, substantial, and utterly delicious grazing experience.
Here is why the apericena has stolen Italy's heart—and how you can recreate this effortless, sun-drenched ritual at home using Carluccio's signature deli ingredients.
What is the Apericena?
While the classic aperitivo is meant to whet your appetite before a meal, the apericena is the meal.
It is the ultimate expression of Italian food culture: high-quality ingredients, zero fuss, and plenty of time spent talking with friends. Instead of structured courses, an apericena revolves around a beautifully curated grazing board laden with cured meats, artisanal cheeses, vibrant vegetables, and plenty of bread.
It’s informal, it’s leisurely, and it’s the perfect way to wind down a warm evening.
How to Build the Ultimate Apericena Board
The secret to a successful apericena lies in the balance of textures, fats, acids, and salt. You want items that are satisfying enough to replace dinner, but light enough to graze on for hours.
1. The Foundation: Ligurian Flatbread - Ciappe Liguri
Forget standard crackers. The backbone of your board should be our authentic Ligurian Flatbread. It provides the perfect base that won’t fill you up too quickly, making it the ideal vessel for cheeses and spreads.
2. The Rich & Sweet: Sun-dried Tomatoes
To give your board depth and heartiness, add a generous portion of our intensely sweet Sun-dried Tomatoes. Marinated in garlic and herbs, these tomatoes bring a concentrated, savory umami punch. Drape them over pieces of flatbread or pair them with a soft cheese to cut through the richness.
3. The Tangy Contrast: Caper Berries
Every great grazing board needs a burst of acidity to cleanse the palate between bites. Caper Berries are the ultimate showstopper. Unlike tiny capers, these are served with their stems on, offering a mild, tangy, and slightly nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with cured meats.
4. The Supporting Cast
To round out your board into a true meal replacement, weave in:
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The Cheese: A wedge of sharp Pecorino Sardo to pair with the flatbread, and some creamy Gorgonzola.
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The Salumi: Prosciutto di Parma and spicy Calabrian Salami.
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The Freshness: A handful of fresh figs or green grapes to balance the savory notes.
The Golden Rule of Apericena: > There is no rush. Pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine or a classic Negroni, arrange your board in the centre of the table, and let the evening unfold one bite at a time.
Bring the Italian Piazza to Your Living Room
The beauty of the apericena is that it requires absolutely no cooking—just excellent sourcing. By focusing on premium, authentic ingredients, you can elevate a simple evening into a sensory trip to a bustling Roman piazza.
Ready to skip dinner tonight? Pop into your local Carluccio's deli to pick up our Sardinian Flatbread, Caper Berries, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and more, and start building your own apericena tradition. Buon appetito!
