Cicchetti facts for kids
Cicchetti (say "chee-KET-tee") are yummy, small snacks or side dishes from Venice, Italy. Think of them like tiny bites of food! You can find them in special bars called "bàcari" (say "BAH-cah-ree").
These snacks can be many things, like mini sandwiches, plates of olives or other vegetables, or even half of a hard-boiled egg. Sometimes, you'll find seafood, meat, or veggies served on a slice of bread or polenta. You can even get tiny versions of bigger meals! Just like tapas in Spain, you can order a few different cicchetti to make a whole meal.
Cicchetti are usually eaten with your fingers or a toothpick. People often stand around the counter in the bars where these snacks are displayed. It's a fun, social way to eat!
Contents
What is a Cicchetto?
Small Bites, Big Flavor
Cicchetti are not usually made at home. They are special because of how and where they are eaten. You grab them with your fingers or a toothpick, often while standing up at the bar. Many bars and bàcari in Venice offer cicchetti all day long.
Venice's cicchetti bars are busy places! People, both locals and visitors, enjoy cicchetti in the late morning, for lunch, or as an afternoon snack.
The "Ombra" Tradition
Drinking a "Shadow"
When Venetians eat cicchetti, they often drink a small glass of local white wine. They call this an "ombra," which means "shadow" in Italian.
One of the most enjoyable parts of Venetian social life is saying, "Let's go drink a shadow!" In the Venetian language, this is "Andémo béver un'ombra." It's an invitation to go for a drink, specifically a small glass of wine.
Why "Shadow"?
The name "ombra" comes from a long time ago. Wines were brought to a place called the Riva degli Schiavoni and sold from stands. These stands were set up at the base of the Bell Tower of Saint Mark's Cathedral. To keep the wine cool, the sellers would move their stands throughout the day to stay in the shade (ombra) of the bell tower. That's how the small glass of wine got its special name!
