ZAGARA SOCIAL EXPERIENCES

Italian Aperitivo & Cocktail Events

A relaxed, social Italian experience featuring an abundant display of bite-sized dishes, finger foods, grazing boards, warm small plates, and desserts. Guests can help themselves, mingle freely, and enjoy the food throughout the event rather than sitting for a formal multi-course dinner.

Ideal for open houses, birthdays, poolside gatherings, family celebrations, networking events, and larger social occasions.

From $50 per guest for larger gatherings. Minimum booking applies.

Streamlined self-service menus begin at $50 per guest. Menus requiring additional warm dishes, staffing, rentals, premium selections, or enhanced setup are custom quoted.

HOW THE APERITIVO EXPERIENCE WORKS

1

PERSONALIZED PLANNING

We tailor the menu, quantities, display, and service format around your occasion, guest count, and venue.

2

PREPARATION AND SETUP

We prepare and transport the food, then complete any required heating, cooking, or plating at the venue.

3

SOCIAL SELF-SERVICE EXPERIENCE

Guests enjoy an abundant styled display of Italian bites, grazing dishes, warm selections, and desserts while mingling freely.

4

BREAKDOWN AND CLEANUP

We clear the display, remove our equipment, and clean the kitchen, preparation area, and food-service area.

BUILD YOUR APERITIVO EXPERIENCE

Every Aperitivo event is built around the occasion, guest count, venue, and preferred style of service. The selections below are examples of the dishes we may combine to create a balanced and personalized menu. Not every item is included in every event.

GRAZING & ANTIPASTI

  • Italian salumi and cheese display
  • Marinated olives and roasted peppers
  • Sicilian caponata with toasted rustic bread
  • Caprese platter or caprese skewers
  • Traditional tomato bruschetta

SALADS & ROOM-TEMPERATURE DISHES

  • Mediterranean pasta salad
  • Sicilian potato and green bean salad
  • Seasonal Italian vegetable salad
  • Additional seasonal cold selections based on the event

FINGER FOODS & WARM BITES

  • Pizza al taglio in seasonal varieties
  • Baked frittata squares with vegetables and pecorino
  • Mini focaccia sandwiches
  • Sicilian arancini
  • Individual eggplant parmigiana portions
  • Additional warm small plates based on the event

Arancini, individual parmigiana, passed bites, premium ingredients, or labor-intensive selections may affect final pricing.

DESSERTS

  • Classic tiramisu
  • Mini Sicilian cannoli
  • Seasonal Italian dessert bites
  • Additional desserts available through a personalized proposal

We create a balanced menu using a selection of grazing dishes, cold preparations, warm bites, and desserts. Final quantities and selections are confirmed during the planning process based on the group size, venue, dietary needs, service duration, and budget.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Personalized menu and quantity planning
Preparation, transportation, and final cooking, heating, and plating on-site as required by the menu
A styled self-service display of Italian bites, grazing boards, warm small plates, and desserts
Serving platters, display pieces, and serving utensils
Premium disposable plates, flatware, and napkins
Setup and replenishment during the agreed service period
Breakdown and removal of Zagara equipment
Cleanup of the kitchen, preparation area, and food-display area
Bagging and removal of waste created by our food service

We set up and maintain the food display throughout the agreed service period, then clear the display and leave the kitchen and food-service areas clean. General house cleaning and waste unrelated to our service are not included.

OPTIONAL ENHANCEMENTS

Additional warm dishes, arancini, passed appetizers, live pasta, reusable tableware, display tables, linens, additional service staff, and custom décor can be arranged based on the venue and event needs.

VENUE REQUIREMENTS

Most Aperitivo & Cocktail Events require access to a clean, functional kitchen or suitable preparation area for refrigeration, final cooking, reheating, and plating. Depending on the selected menu, access to a refrigerator, sink, counter space, electrical outlets, oven, or stovetop may be required.

Exact kitchen requirements will be confirmed during the planning process.

Planning a social gathering?

Tell us about your occasion, guest count, venue, and preferred style of service. We’ll create a personalized Aperitivo proposal around your event.