Apertivo

Unlike typical Italian restaurants, Apertivo doesn’t load each plate mountain-high with mounds of carbohydrates. Instead, the restaurant offers scores of low-priced, appetizer-sized dishes, encouraging every table to order a variety of options and sample a crazy quilt of flavors. Among them are the Affumicato, smoked mozzarella cubes with prosciutto and sweet onion; roasted red peppers; crimini mushrooms sautéed in sherry; Vongole, clams in garlic and olive oil; and various nibblers like olives and cheeses. Everything available is minimally processed, sans preservatives, and freshly handmade in the kitchen. Because the restaurant believes wine shouldn’t be pretentious or intimidating, glasses and bottles are moderately priced as well.