Antipasto al Italiana - Italian antipasto served in a restaurant.
Antipasto means "before the meal" and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Many compare antipasto to Hors d'oeuvre, but there are a number of differences. Hors d'oeuvres are served while guests are still standing, and tend to be served off trays in the most formal settings, or placed on a table. Antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of the Italian meal, more like a starter.
Traditional antipasto includes cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, pepperoni (marinated small peppers, not to be confused with the sausage, pepperoni), and various cheeses, such as provolone or fresh mozzarella. Other additions may be anchovies, or bruschetta (toasted bread, upon which one may stack the meats or cheeses). The antipasto is usually topped off with some olive oil.
