For Maria Colalancia, The Aperitivo Society is more than just a supper club; it’s a celebration of community. This unique dining experience in Boston focuses on creating connections rather than merely consuming calories.
Originally from New York State, Colalancia moved to Boston in April 2021 for a job at Wayfair. The idea of The Aperitivo Society was born a year after her move, driven by a desire to establish a community and lay down roots in her new city. “I had always wanted to host dinner parties and bring this activity into my life in a regular way,” she explains. Colalancia launched The Aperitivo Society with a simple TikTok video that quickly turned into a viral sensation. The response was overwhelming, with 700 people signing up for the first event, proving that Colalancia’s charm and culinary vision were exactly what Boston needed.
The first Aperitivo Society dinner kicked off in February 2022, turning Colalancia’s dreams into a reality. Using the Geneva app to round up an eager crowd, she created a community that thrived on shared meals and new friendships. The dinners, typically ranging from three to seven courses, begin with a welcome drink and appetizer, followed by a main course and dessert. With guest lists varying from intimate gatherings of four to bustling parties of 40, Maria’s sweet spot is the 6-15 range, where meaningful connections are fostered over fantastic food.
At first, Colalancia took on the role of head chef, but as The Aperitivo Society gained momentum, home cooks and professional chefs reached out asking to collaborate. Since its inception, Colalancia has collaborated with chefs around Boston, hosting events at their restaurants or event spaces around the city. This influx of culinary talent has resulted in many memorable occasions.
“One of my favorite events was a seafood-inspired dinner and wine pairing with First Crush Wine Club, where Chef Andrew Iacono from Haley Henry created an elaborate menu including oysters prepared three ways and lobster tortellini,” she said. Other events have included a speakeasy-themed dinner with a THC and CBD company, complete with burlesque dancers in a friend’s brownstone, and a “Bean Town Bash” where the menu revolved around different kinds of beans.
“My grandfather always said, ‘the best way to get to know someone is to sit around the table and open up a bottle of wine,’” she recalls. “If we told our grandparents that we were sitting around with a group of strangers, I’m sure they’d say we’re crazy. But it’s the most beautiful thing to see people come into this space with such confidence and find something in common with others at the table.”
Expanding her passion for hosting, Colalancia recently opened Aperitivo The Shop on Prince Street in Boston’s North End. The store is a treasure trove for dinner party enthusiasts, offering everything from dinnerware to specialty grocery items. Currently open Friday through Sunday, the shop will soon extend its hours to seven days a week as Colalancia plans to hire more staff.
With the shop up and running, Colalancia is gearing up to host more dinner parties in the fall. Furthermore, the shop’s launch will allow more people to participate in the Aperitivo experience, making the community more vibrant and inclusive. As Colalancia continues to expand, one thing remains constant: the belief that the best connections are made around the table, with good food and great company.
AUTHOR
Nicolette Degrassi is a Boston based food and travel blogger. When she's not traveling the world, you can find her reading the latest Book of the Month novel or trying to perfect her sticky toffee pudding recipe. Follow her adventures on Instagram @nadegrassi.
NEXT ON THE DISH
