The Autogrill Experience
One of my family's favorite stops on any trip to Italy is an Autogrill. All of you who have been to Italy on a trip where you drove know exactly what they are. Those of you who haven't are missing an experience. Everyone who goes to Italy has to experience an Autogrill. Everyone.
An Autogrill is like a best truck stop or rest area you've ever experienced on steroids, and good steroids at that.
Autogrills have traditionally been found on the autostrade of Italy. However, you'll also find them at train stations, airports, and some downtown locations as well (like Rome). I also understand that they've expanded the concept outside of Italy.
At an Autogrill, you can eat a quick sandwich (panino) and grab a cup of coffee (caffe) or some other beverage (bevande). You can also, many times, have a sit down meal cafeteria style that has choices that include typical Italian pastas and sauces, meat entrees, salads, and desserts.
Additionally, there's a complete miniature supermarket and gift store included as well. Need a proscuitto? I mean a WHOLE proscuitto. You can often get it. Need any variety of fresh or dried pasta? You can get it. Fresh baked loaves of bread. Ditto. Cold cuts (like a huge chunk of mortadella)? They have it. Wines? Check. Balsamic vinegar? Check. Pannetone? Check. Cookies, crackers, pastries, candy, soft drinks ... everything!
The quality of the food, by American restaurant standards, and I mean all restaurants, not just truck stops or rest stops, is high ... very high. Prices are quite reasonable. Bathrooms work. Plus, you can fuel up as well (assuming you're at a location on the autostrade).
On top of all this, the color scheme (bright red) and Italian styling are just as appealing to the eye as the food is to the palette.
Kids love 'em. Grown ups love 'em. Everyone loves 'em!
Try one when you next visit Italy. And then let me know what you think.
An Autogrill is like a best truck stop or rest area you've ever experienced on steroids, and good steroids at that.
Autogrills have traditionally been found on the autostrade of Italy. However, you'll also find them at train stations, airports, and some downtown locations as well (like Rome). I also understand that they've expanded the concept outside of Italy.
At an Autogrill, you can eat a quick sandwich (panino) and grab a cup of coffee (caffe) or some other beverage (bevande). You can also, many times, have a sit down meal cafeteria style that has choices that include typical Italian pastas and sauces, meat entrees, salads, and desserts.
Additionally, there's a complete miniature supermarket and gift store included as well. Need a proscuitto? I mean a WHOLE proscuitto. You can often get it. Need any variety of fresh or dried pasta? You can get it. Fresh baked loaves of bread. Ditto. Cold cuts (like a huge chunk of mortadella)? They have it. Wines? Check. Balsamic vinegar? Check. Pannetone? Check. Cookies, crackers, pastries, candy, soft drinks ... everything!
The quality of the food, by American restaurant standards, and I mean all restaurants, not just truck stops or rest stops, is high ... very high. Prices are quite reasonable. Bathrooms work. Plus, you can fuel up as well (assuming you're at a location on the autostrade).
On top of all this, the color scheme (bright red) and Italian styling are just as appealing to the eye as the food is to the palette.
Kids love 'em. Grown ups love 'em. Everyone loves 'em!
Try one when you next visit Italy. And then let me know what you think.
posted by Mark Pukita | 4:49 PM
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