Next week, Nov 18-24, marks the fourth anniversary of the World Week of Italian Cuisine. Countries across the world will celebrate with dinners, panel discussions, and other activities that pay homage to the innovation, technology and tradition of Italian gastronomy.
In New York, five events will take place across the boroughs, from a book launch by Editoriale Giorgio Mondadori at the Italian Cultural Institute, to a private pop-up dinner at Gustiamo’s warehouse in the Bronx. Special appearances will be made by influential master chefs, like Bonetta Dell’Oglio from Sicily and William Zonfa from Abruzzo, Italy.
New Yorker fans of Italian food can dine at a discount in over twelve Italian restaurants, including Felice, Tarallucci and Gnocco, if they make dinner reservations through the OpenTable app.
Consul General Francesco Genuardi said this year’s program “merges perspectives” from Italy and New York. The Consul General said New York stands as a “beacon of Italian cuisine” in the food world. But he believes there is still more to be recognized and appreciated. “Through food, Americans can discover and dive into the Italian style of life – one that is cultivated and healthy.”
New York’s activities address other pressing topics, not just cooking. On Monday, Nov 18th, leaders from Google, non-profits and hedge-funds will discuss approaches to food waste and sustainability at the Google headquarters. And on Wednesday, Nov 20th, the Institute of Culinary Education will also host a panel with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Italian Chefs (AICNY) to discuss the impact of US-imposed tariffs on Italian food products.
This year’s edition coincides with the 500th anniversary of the death of food innovator Leonard da Vinci. Italian embassies, consulates and supporters of agriculture produced and sponsored these city-specific programs with a focus on “taste education,” “balanced and proper food models,” and’ “territories of origin” for typical Italian products.
New York Events Calendar:
- From November 18 to 24 “Open Table”, the famous App dedicated to quality cuisine in New York, will offer discounts on the menus of 12 selected Italian restaurants, advertising the initiative with the title “World Week of Italian Cuisine”;
- Monday, November 18 at Google New York headquarters (85 10th Ave, New York), in collaboration with Google, there will be a presentation on the approach of Italy and US, from a NYC perspective, to food and sustainability. Speakers will include Jill Conklin, representative of Food for Soul, Dexter Paine, CEO of one of the most important investment funds in the industry and Kim Huskey, Food Program Manager, Americas of Google;
- Thursday, November 21 at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York (686 Park Avenue, New York) presentation of the third volume of “The art in the kitchen 2019 – the artists meet the chefs” by Editoriale Giorgio Mondadori. With the special participation of the star Chef from Abruzzo, William Zonfa;
- Friday, November 22 at Gustiamo warehouse in the Bronx – an Italian company dedicated to the import of high quality Italian food products – will take place a unique pop-up dinner focused on the issue of food sustainability. The menu, inspired by Massimo Bottura’s book “Bread is gold”, will be prepared by the Chef Bonetta Dall’Oglio from Palermo, arriving from Italy for this special occasion. The guests will all be selected personalities from the NY world of journalism, culture and science, as well as representatives of New York City institutions.
