APERITIVO È ARRIVATO

To accompany the long-awaited Spring menu launch at Ripiena, we are excited to announce that we are also introducing a new aperitivo menu.

As prescribed by the 5th Century BC physician Hippocrates, aperitivo has become the modern incarnation of an ancient cure for digestive sloth. Refining the practice from its roots as Vinum Hippocraticum, the Ancient Romans drank Mulsum to rouse their appetites before eating. But when I say aperitivo now, those who know think back only to Mr. Antonio Benedetto Carpano, and his invention that shifted the world in 1786: vermouth.

As the quasi-medicinal drink – the aperitivo – developed throughout history, so did the cultural practice to which it has become synecdochical. Now, aperitivo means snacks, it means salumi, and prosciutti, and bread. Aperitivo means starting the evening with a group of friends – Aperol spritz in one hand and Prosciutto di Parma DOP in the other.

Starting this Spring, and continuing throughout the Summer, Ripiena is bringing the real aperitivo to our little laboritorio di pasta in Fortitude Valley. Start your Ripiena experience with our aperitivo menu available from 5-6PM daily. We have classic, geographically protected gems like the Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Mortadella di Bologna IGT, and Gorgonzola DOP, and are now collaborating with local artisans to bring you the best of what Brisbane has to offer.

We have been absolutely blown away by the quality and finesse of Saison Salumi, the first local artisan Ripiena is partnering with for our aperitivo menu. Chef Damon Porter (of Vaquero) imparts his salumi with a depth of flavour that can only be accounted for by the philosophy of accountability and respect –  both towards the animal (read: meat, which the chef sources locally from Schultz Family Farms), and the skill with which he approaches his culinary art.

All items on the menu are available to order by the gram, with prices indicative of a suggested two-person portion (if you want 500g of Prosciutto di Parma we won’t stop you, but your dietitian would probably suggest against it). Our aperitivo menu also comes with suggested pairings from our drinks menu that represent the best and brightest of Italy’s popular aperitivo wines, cocktails, and vermouth including our selection of Cocchi vermouths and Cocchi-based cocktails.

In addition to this, Ripiena is opening our Ca'del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta to pour by the glass. Finally, on the drinks line-up, we are bringing a Venezian classic back to its roots: the Spritz Veneziano - sans wine glass, sans straw, served in a small tumbler like the Venetians do. Starting from Friday, 18th of October, Spritz Veneziano will be available for $5 on the aperitivo menu.