NIAGARA FALLS, ON ( November 25, 2019) – As the cold weather approaches, Canadians from coast to coast are preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. While the holiday season is a great time to get together with family and friends to share laughs, good company and a meal, if you’re the one doing the hosting, things can get a little stressful.

Corso, an authentic Italian eatery in Niagara Falls, recommends defusing that holiday hosting pressure by serving up a versatile favourite of any traditional Italian meal – the antipasto platter.

“Traditionally, antipasto is served as a first course,” says Nick Montanaro, Director of Food & Beverage Operations of Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites. “And while many people still view it as an appetizer, more and more Canadians are serving antipasto platters as the main course at their gatherings, which is perfect for the holiday season.”

With more than 60 items sourced from across Italy on Corso’s antipasto bar, they lead the pack when it comes to antipasto dining.

Here are a few tips from the culinary team at Corso to create an unforgettable antipasto bar this holiday season:

1. Be adventurous

Creating a platter with many different options for your guests is important. Don’t be afraid to experiment with items you might not be familiar with – it adds variety and caters to the many different taste buds of your guests. Try adding Pecorino Toscano to the mix. This firm-textured ewe’s milk cheese produced in Tuscany is a favourite of visitors to Corso.

2. Select the salumi

The meat you select for your antipasto bar is one of the most important elements, especially if you are skipping the traditional meal after. Make sure to include a prosciutto, mortadella or a porchetta, which are always crowd pleasers. You should plan for about two ounces per person.

3. Cheese please!

Cheese is the perfect complement to any meal. When picking cheese, it is recommended to serve at least three options. A Grana Padano, Asiago, Piave or a Provolone are just some of the popular Italian varieties you can add to your antipasto platter. Italy takes pride in being a great cheese-producing country and from Rome to Sicily you can find all sorts of diverse offerings to make your mouth water.

4. Bring on the veggies

Whether fresh, cooked or marinated, an authentic Italian antipasto needs vegetables. Artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, grilled eggplants, fennel, carrots and radishes are easy ways to add both colour and freshness to your platter.

5. Carbs, carbs and more carbs

No antipasto platter is complete without some fresh Italian bread. Crusty white bread, rustic whole wheat or focaccia with rosemary are a few of the many delicious varieties that can be used.

6. Set the stage

Lastly, make sure to add some fruits like grapes or pears to finish the platter. If you want to add a festive flair, add some mistletoe or holly before arranging the food on a wood or marble board.

While antipasto bars are a nice touch around the holidays, you can use these tips all year long. Don’t feel like hosting? Head to Corso in Niagara Falls and let them take you and your guests on a culinary tour of Italy.

Buon apetito!

For more information about Corso, please visit www.corsoniagara.com

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About Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites

With rooms overlooking both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and directly connected to Fallsview Casino Resort, Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites is the perfect Niagara Falls getaway destination. This full-service hotel features a breakfast buffet, nightlife lounges, and three signature restaurants in the heart of Niagara's entertainment district.

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