"Tasting one's way through Italy's corridors is a rite of passage for many travelers, as the Mediterranean country is the birthplace of dozens of culinary traditions. Sampling on tomato-slathered bruschetta, hearty ciabatta breads, and homemade spaghetti sounds like a dream, until your stomach disagrees. Just a dish or two in, you may be woefully out of space to enjoy all of the flavors that Italy has to offer."
"The solution? Take a page out of travel expert Rick Steves' rulebook and order "bis di primi," which translates to "two of the first courses" in Italian. This ordering trick allows you to taste two smaller portions of an entrée rather than one, so you can savor more delicacies as you dine your way through the European gem. Steves' book "Italy for Food Lovers" provides several tips for eating well in Italy."
Ordering 'bis di primi' lets diners request two half-portions of pasta served on one plate, enabling sampling of multiple pastas without committing to two full portions. Casual restaurants often accommodate this request, while upscale establishments may not. Diners should ask servers about availability and any additional charges for customized portions before ordering. The option works well for sharing or for solo travelers who want to taste more dishes. Additional local strategies include visiting Venice's cicchetti bars to enjoy varied small plates and seeking authentic regional specialties throughout Italy to maximize tasting opportunities.
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