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Aperitivo is the adored Milanese practice of pre-dinner drinks accompanied by complimentary "stuzzichini," or appetizers. Derived from the Latin "aperitivus," or, "to open," aperitivo is meant to open the appetite and tease the taste buds, previewing the delights of dinner.

The Mark in Olympia will host an Americanized version of the Aperitivo Thursday, April 22. The Mark will follow the Italian tradition of beginning at 6 and ending at 9 p.m. However, it will discount its hand-crafted cocktails, which the Italians typically don't do. Also, DJ Sweet Elite will spin downtempo funky music as guest mingle ... with local farmers.

Yes, as part of The Mark's Aperitivo, representatives from Bremerton Mountain Farm, Garden Raised Urban Bounty, Stokesberry Sustainable's, Back Sheep Creamery, Kirsop Farm, Left Foot Organics and Boisfort Valley Farm will be in the house discussing their CSAs, farmers markets, and new products.

Drinks, downtempo and farmers - should be epic.

[The Mark, Thursday, April 22, 6-9 p.m., 407 Columbia St. SW, Olympia, RSVP at 260.754.4414]