The etiquette of dining in Italy Jim Rosen, Washington, writes I am taking my family (wife and two adult children) to Florence and Venice this month. There's one question, however, for which I haven't been able to find an answer: when we eat in a trattoria or osteria, is it acceptable to order multiple primi and secondi that can be shared among us? We prefer to do this so that we can sample more dishes, but we fear it might not be appropriate. Anne Hanley, Italy expert, replies Once upon a time, Italians eating out would order a starter (antipasto), a pasta dish (primo), a main meat or fish dish (secondo) with vegetable side dish (contorno), then dessert (dolce). But it's a wealthy, probably rather portly Italian, who does that these days. Most restaurants are now prepared for any combination of the above, in any order. I don't eat meat, so generally replace a secondo with something fishy from the antipasto list, or with a couple of contorni. In short, anything goes, and most cooks will be flattered by seeing their food passed around the table from one diner to another. Alternatively, ask for your selection to be placed in the centre of the table and for each diner to be given a piatto (plate) so all can help themselves: waiters are generally glad to oblige. Venice is a special case with its tradition of bar-counter "grazing," and is, if anything, even more suitable to your "let's try everything" approach. You will still find the occasional eatery where the host looks down his nose at diners who don't go for the whole shebang. Just avoid it. About Anne Hanley Anne Hanley has lived in Italy for over 25 years. Venice is her favourite Italian city and uses any excuse to go back. She also edits the Time Out Guides to Venice and Rome.