Asia, South America, Africa…
1 cutting board + 1 drink inspired by the world's food and wine traditions
every Wednesday evening at ViVi Bistrot – Villa Pamphili
ViVi's 'Aperitifs from around the World' are back again this year, a way to travel in the great and wonderful universe of flavors. Every country brings with it a unique cuisine, made of particular ingredients, combinations, spices, cooking methods, and different aromas. From Thailand to Mexico, culinary tradition is the secret treasure of every country, because it preserves its most intimate essence. ViVi, which has always had a calling for travel and discovery, has drawn inspiration from a handful of food and wine gems to share the pleasure of discovery with its guests.
‘'Aperitifs from Around the World' 2020 Edition
A mouth-watering program
Thailand: The Balance of Opposites
June 24th
Thai cuisine is all about balance. Each dish must balance four fundamental flavors: sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. The culinary influence of Southeast Asia is a constant in ViVi menus—try our Thai Noodles, for example—which is why Thailand opens our global food showcase. Along with your Thai platter, don't miss the Dreaming Chiang Mai cocktail, created by our Head Bartender Sara Paternesi.
Mexico: a cuisine that is a heritage of humanity
July 1st
Intense flavors, spices, and abundant plant-based proteins: Mexican cuisine has ancient roots, dating back to pre-Hispanic traditions—the use of chili peppers in cooking, for example, is an indigenous legacy. Burritos, nachos, and tacos: Mexican dishes feature abundant vegetables and are vibrantly colorful. In 2010, UNESCO declared this country's cuisine a World Heritage Site, and you've always found a Mexican influence on ViVi menus—those who know us know that our guacamole is a staple.
Indonesia: the crossroads of flavors
July 8th
Indonesian cuisine is eclectic. India, China, the West, Southeast Asia, and even the New World have shaped the way this vast island nation eats. Nasi Goreng, fried rice, is considered Indonesia's national dish, and soy and tofu-based dishes are also popular. Cardamom, star anise, and chili peppers enrich the flavors of this cuisine that transcends borders.
Ecuador: Equatorial Flavors with Spanish Influences
July 15, 2020
When you think of Ecuador in terms of food and wine, you think of one key ingredient: cocoa. Ecuador is one of the world's largest cocoa producers and has recently become renowned for the quality of its chocolate products—but not only that. A mix of Spanish influences and ancient indigenous traditions fuels a healthy and delicious cuisine. The long ocean coastline makes fish a must-have ingredient, as are rice, corn, vegetables, legumes, and fresh fruit. On July 20th, we'll fill our platters and glasses with these delicious equatorial flavors!
China: Ying and Yang in the World of Taste
July 22nd
Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest in the world, and one of the most diverse. Regardless of regional differences, rice, noodles, tofu, and tea are never missing from the Chinese table, where people eat with chopsticks and share dishes. The cuisine of this vast country is rooted in philosophy and medicine. Yin or feminine foods, such as fruits and legumes, must harmonize with Yang or masculine foods, such as meat, fried foods, and spicy foods. In China, culinary art requires balance!
Morocco: the spices of the desert
July 29
Our Moroccan aperitifs will transport you to Djemaa el Fna Square in Marrakech, where making a good mint green tea is considered an art form and street food a way of life. Spiced with saffron, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and ginger, Moroccan cuisine
It has Moorish, Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber influences – the most famous North African dishes, couscous and tajine, are of Berber origin.
Greece: the scents of the Mediterranean
September 2nd
Greek cuisine is a genuine one, made of strong flavors and aromas reminiscent of a thousand islands scattered like a handful of stars across the Mediterranean Sea. The traditional mezedes (appetizers), dolmades (rolls), the ever-present tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip), the delicious fresh vegetable dips, moussaka (eggplant pie), and taramosalata (fish roe)—every dish of this delicious cuisine takes us back to our deepest Mediterranean roots.
India: The Spice Route
September 9th
The aroma of spices—turmeric and cumin, coriander, chili pepper, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron. The fragrance of naan (bread), the deliciousness of samosas (fried stuffed triangles), and the deliciousness of tandoori masala (chicken cooked in a clay pot). In India, cuisine is an extraordinary journey into a world of a thousand facets.
Come to ViVi Bistrot – Villa Pamphili to try our Aperitifs from Around the World!
If you want to secure your table you can book it online by clicking on this link.