An estimated 7.3 million
Italians - 12% of the population - will be having their
Christmas lunch at a restaurant this year, FIPE restaurants
association said Thursday.
The figure is up 2.8% on 2014, according to FIPE.
Celebrating December 25 outside the home has become more
popular for a number of reasons, including lack of time to
prepare a Christmas lunch and the attraction of a stress-free
celebration, the organization said.
FIPE has forecast an overall expense of 308 million euros
for Christmas lunch. at an average price of 50 euros per person.
A small number of Italians - 2%, or just over one million -
will be eating Christmas lunch abroad.
The majority, however, an estimated 84.5%, will stay at
home, especially those aged over 55 residing in central Italian
regions, the organization said.
Their number has only slightly dropped from last year.
Most of those who will be eating out will select a set menu
including about seven dishes for a total average cost of 50
euros.
One in two restaurants will have a special menu for
children for an average price of 21 euros.
In addition, 71.3% of restaurants in FIPE's survey have
included in their menus dishes for clients with food allergies.
A larger percentage of Italians, 86.5% of the population,
or 52 million, are expected to dine at home on Christmas Eve.
Overall, 4.7 million Italians, or 7.7%, will eat out on
Christmas Eve, especially the young and those living in the
South, FIPE noted.
Just over one million, 1.9%, will be enjoying dinner at a
restaurant abroad.
"Forecasts for Christmas celebrations outside the home are
yet another good sign for a sector worth 76 billion euros (a
year) that puts our country in third place in Europe in terms of
consumption and attendance," said FIPE President Lino Enrico
Stoppani.
"The forecast expenditure of 308 million euros for
Christmas lunch alone is encouraging for the sector and the
whole economy," he added.
Meanwhile, chefs are tempting gourmets with special
Christmas menus.
Rome's La Pergola restaurant with top chef Heinz Beck is
offering a 420-euro menu ranging from a traditional smoked
gurnard broth to a lobster medallion with almond tofu.
The new edition of the Michelin guide just confirmed its
three stars for La Pergola and the restaurant also won the Wine
Spectator's Grand Award for its wine menu.
Another emerging trend are take-outs, like Atlas Coelestis
or Il Focolare, to enjoy a special meal at home.
A further option is the menu offered by Luciano and Massimo
Spigaroli at the Antica Corte Pallavicina in Polesine Parmense,
near the central Italian city of Parma, which has the oldest
maturing cellars in the world.
The price of lunch is 88 euros, including 'culatello'
Platinum Spigaroli ham, which is seasoned for 42 months in a
local butter, traditional boiled meat with mustard, a special
turkey with chestnuts from Berceto, along with wines and drinks
produced by Corte.
The traditional panettone cake can also be bought at the
three-star restaurant of Massimiliano Alajmo in Padua, Le
Calandre, which produces five variations of this local Christmas
sweet - with oil, butter, one that is free of gluten and dairy,
as well as an olive oil-based variation with saffron, vanilla
and Goji berries.
Other delicacies on sale are 'mandorlato' nougat,
gianduiotti chocolates, as well as soft 'torrone' candies made
for the first time without eggs.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
