Lingo Lesson: The Art of Apéro
APÉRO: AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT DESIGNED TO BE SHARED AND SAVORED
In a world that moves fast and often forgets to pause, Europe offers a delightful reminder to slow down and savor: the Apéro. Short for apéritif, this charming tradition is more than just a pre-meal drink—it's a social ritual, a cultural touchstone, and, for many, the highlight of the day. But you don’t need to be in Provence or Milan to enjoy an apéro — you can take part right here on the Central Coast at Nomada restaurants: Ciao Papi, The Granada Bistro, and Norman.
What Is Apéro?
Apéro is the European answer to that golden hour before dinner when friends gather, glasses clink, and the conversation flows as freely as the wine. Originating in France but embraced in various forms across Europe, the apéro blends casual drinks with light snacks—think olives, cheese, cured meats, and crunchy bits of bread or crackers. It’s not quite dinner, and not just drinks. It’s something in between, and that’s what makes it magic.
Where and When?
Typically, Apéro takes place between 5:30 and 8:00 PM, though timing is flexible depending on the country and the occasion. In France, it might be a laid-back gathering on a terrace. In Italy, the aperitivo might be held in a bustling bar with a generous buffet of small bites. In Spain, it echoes the tapas culture. The location could be a friend’s living room, a sidewalk café, or a sunny backyard.
What’s on the Menu?
There are no hard rules, which is part of the charm. An apéro spread can be as simple or elaborate as you like:
Drinks: A crisp white wine, a chilled rosé, sparkling water with lemon, vermouth, or regional favorites like pastis in France or Aperol Spritz in Italy.
Snacks: Slices of saucisson, bowls of pistachios, marinated artichokes, hunks of cheese, cherry tomatoes, tapenade with crusty bread, or even potato chips with a touch of sea salt.
It’s less about what you serve and more about how you serve it: unpretentious, inviting, and meant to be shared.
Why It Matters
Apéro isn’t just a meal—it’s a mindset. It’s about connection. It invites you to pause your day, enjoy the moment, and be present with the people around you. It’s not rushed. It’s not scheduled down to the minute. It’s about easing into the evening with good company and good taste.
In a way, it’s the ultimate act of self-care and community care—celebrating life’s small pleasures together. All you need is a glass or bottle of something you like to sip, a few nibbles, a couple of friends or family members, and a moment to pause and enjoy. Here’s where you can enjoy apéro offerings on California’s central coast:
CIAO PAPI AT RIVER LODGE, PASO ROBLES
Served daily from 2 to 5 pm, the apéro menu at this all al-fresco Cal-Italian kitchen & cocktail bar includes a salumi board, mezze platter, ceviche, aperol spritz, palomas, select beer & wines, and more.
Ciao Papi boasts a sun-drenched, open-air patio overlooking the pool, providing a relaxed yet chic atmosphere. Whether you're lounging under the shade or soaking up the California sun, it's an ideal backdrop for leisurely conversations and delightful bites.
THE BISTRO AT GRANADA HOTEL, SAN LUIS OBISPO
Mondays - Fridays, 4 - 5pm // Saturdays & Sundays, 3 - 5pm
The Bistro offers a perfect blend of European charm and California flair, with a menu that draws inspiration from Mediterranean, French, and Spanish cuisines.
Enjoy small, shareable plates like elote shishito peppers, tuna tataki, and burrata toast on the menu this spring. Special pricing on signature cocktails like the Fresh Start, Tomas en Fuego, and Paper Plane are also available during Apéro service.
NORMAN AT SKYVIEW, LOS ALAMOS
Located poolside at the mid-century modern Skyview motel, Norman is a retro-chic restaurant & bar serving elevated American classics with South West zest. Apéro is served daily, 3 - 5 pm, with options like Yellowfin Crisps, Housemade Chips & Guac, and Spinach & Artichoke Feta Dip.
It’s *the* place to be for farm-to-table cuisine, craft cocktails, fine local wine, and of course — beautiful valley views.