For many Italians, the Ferragosto lunch remains the most important of the summer. This holiday was already known to the ancient Romans, but it was only in the early 20th century that it spread to the lower classes. Ferragosto was established by Emperor Augustus to celebrate the end of the harvest and agricultural work.
For a celebration that remains so important to many families today, the venue's decorations and menu must be carefully planned down to the smallest detail. This year's weather forecast calls for rain and overcast skies across much of Italy, which is why many might prefer well-equipped venues to a barbecue on the beach. If your venue is in the city, recreating a fresh, fun, and holiday atmosphere will be crucial. Let your imagination run wild: find old postcards to use as place cards and table decorations, arrange small cardboard suitcases in the corners of the room, hand out fans for the busiest guests, and offer a colorful, refreshing aperitif. Or, choose a theme and throw a full-blown party.
What to prepare for lunch on August 15th?
Recipes should be colorful: from appetizers to desserts, seasonal vegetables will be the stars. We recommend starting with crepes stuffed with cheese and zucchini, made with Rondò Unika , accompanied by a chive frittata or timeless bruschetta with cherry tomatoes.
A mid-August lunch could include a first course of scampi linguine prepared with Pastaland Passion , perfect for fresh pasta; cold pasta topped with lemon, mint, and zucchini; or a Mediterranean couscous with scampi and lemon zest. The second course could be vegetarian, with tofu and vegetable skewers; classic, with baked stuffed tomatoes; or traditional, with grilled meat or kebabs. The Combi Wave is definitely the best tool for preparing fried or grilled vegetables in just three minutes to accompany your main courses. To finish the meal, don't forget a light dessert, perfect for the warm weather. Our recommendation is a sweet crepe with fresh fruit, lemon ice cream, or a churro topped with fruit salad.
You'll need to be skilled at creating a convivial atmosphere to immerse your guests in a "city break" atmosphere. Music can also be crucial: get one or two compilations of suitable music featuring classics like "Mille bolle blu" or "Tintarella di Luna " by the brilliant Mina, or "Un gelato al limon" by Paolo Conte.
Last but not least, remember to let your customers know well in advance that you'll be opening on Ferragosto. How? You could create an event on your restaurant's Facebook page, handing out postcards in the weeks leading up to it. Or, a simple but effective sign at the register listing the menu and theme of the party will suffice.