When the decision was made to attend the Carnival party at Eataly in Downtown New York, there was that initial excitement—a blend of anticipation and curiosity—that made it impossible not to imagine every detail before even stepping foot into the event. Upon entering, each guest was handed a handcrafted mask, an invitation to let go and celebrate life with lightness.
The party quickly transformed into a true gastronomic journey. The experience began with castagnole, those small golden treats that immediately evoked memories of family Sundays, with their sweet, nostalgic aroma. Shortly after, guests were treated to a reinterpretation of the classic sandwich: a light egg salad enhanced with a touch of fresh parsley, offering a gourmet pause that elicited numerous satisfied “mmms” from the crowd.
But the true star of the evening was the “Arlecchino pizza,” a name inspired by Harlequin, the medieval jester devil. A bold idea, combining the lightness of the dough with a vibrant palette of flavors and colors—juicy tomatoes, basil pesto, and black olives—turning each slice into a small masterpiece. The gastronomic journey continued with Vicentine cicchetti, served with creamy polenta, mushroom arancini and Parmigiano Reggiano, and a refined mix of Parmigiano and Treviso radicchio. Among the selected wines, a story of passion, land, and tradition was clearly evident.
Leaving the event, it was impossible not to reflect on how the towering skyscrapers, imposing symbols of modernity, blended in perfect harmony with such an ancient, popular ritual.
