VIII edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World in Los Angeles
The 2023 edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World will have as its main theme “Dining with the Italian cuisine: well-being with taste“.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing the Italian agrifood chain and the food and wine tradition of our country abroad. With over 9,500 events held in the last seven years in more than 100 countries, the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World has established itself over time as one of the most important promotional activities of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
In Los Angeles, the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World will be celebrated with a series of events involving the Consulate General and the main local partners of “Sistema Italia”: the Italian Cultural Institute, Italian Trade Agency, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW), the Committee of Italians Abroad (COMITES). Other partners include Accademia Italiana della Cucina, which this year celebrates its 70 anniversary, Eataly Los Angeles, Pepperdine University and the Downtown Women’s Center.
As stated by Consul General Raffaella Valentini, “ the scheduled events will have as their common thread the connection between the Mediterranean diet, synonymous of high-quality nutrition, and well-being, understood as a correct and healthy lifestyle. The topics covered are in continuity with the candidacy of Italian cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
Please find below the program of initiatives:
By invitation only
NOVEMBER 12 | Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West (IACCW) Excellence Gala & Awards: the importance of the Italian cuisine in the US is growing also thanks to the promotional activities of the Italian Regions. This year IACCW celebrates its annual Gala in collaboration with the Campania Region and its products of excellence.
NOVEMBER 13 | Cooking Show with Chef Max Mariola: At the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, chef and social media star, Max Mariola, will present a cooking show inspired by what he knows best: using fresh, seasonal ingredients to prepare dishes where a single element reigns supreme: extra virgin olive oil. Just like good wine, different extra virgin olive oils can create unique tasting experiences, combined with Mariola’s culinary wisdom and passion that best capture the spirit of authentic Italy.
NOVEMBER 14 | Italian cuisine for the homeless in Los Angeles: rediscovering the flavors of home cooking as a source of general well-being. For the first time in Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Italy, Eataly LA and the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) collaborate to bring Italian cuisine to homeless women in the city center.
NOVEMBER 14 | Handmade Tuscan Pici workshop: Eataly Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture and Lingua Viva present an evening dedicated to Tuscan culinary traditions. Tuscany is uniquely celebrated for preparing rustic cuisine with simple ingredients and rich flavors, including traditional pici. (November 14)
NOVEMBER 15 AND 19 | The first courses of Italian cuisine: tradition at the table. The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Los Angeles organizes two exclusive dinners for US VIP personalities and for the specialized at “LA Puglia” and “Il Fornaio Beverly Hills” restaurants (the latter in partnership with Accademia Italiana della Cucina), highlighting regional food specialties from Apulia and Lazio Regions. On November 19, ITA will also offer at La Puglia restaurant an “Orecchiette handmade pasta” class for the same audience.
NOVEMBER 15 | Holiday classics, workshop on how to make lasagna Bolognese: The students of Italian in Los Angeles deepen their knowledge of Italian culture by cooking one of the most important traditional dishes from Emilia-Romagna region. Eataly LA, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Culture and Lingua Viva, present an evening dedicated to the culinary traditions of Italian holidays through the preparation of the classic “Bolognese lasagna”.
NOVEMBER 15 | Bar Italia: the importance of Italian recipes for the younger generations, to educate on well-being and quality at the table. Event promoted and organized by the Los Angeles Chapter of Accademia Italiana della Cucina. Thirty Italian-speaking students from the Lycée International de Los Angeles will participate in a culinary and educational demonstration by Chef Davide Vedovelli of the “N10” Restaurant in LA, during which sandwiches and sandwiches will be prepared with Italian recipes.
Initiatives open to the public
NOVEMBER 16 | Panel “Mediterranean diet, well-being and sport: understanding the link to live better”: Who better than an athlete, a chef, and two scientists to understand this link? A cutting-edge panel will explore the link between a healthy Italian Mediterranean diet, well-being and sports at Pepperdine University in Malibu. Moderated by RAI journalist Veronica Maffei, the panel includes Luigi Fineo, Michelin-starred chef; Jason Richardson, Olympic track and field champion for the United States and currently part of the LA2028 Summer Olympics Organizing Committee; Dr. Amelia Palermo, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scientist; and Dr. Loan Pham Kim, Professor of nutrition at Seaver College, Pepperdine University. A reception will follow in the University courtyard, to register please click here.
WEEK LONG INITIATIVE | Spaghetti with tomato: the recipe for champions: what do champions like Giorgio Chiellini eat before an important match? What impact does Italian cuisine have on an athlete’s performance? We find out in the video, produced by the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles, with the help of Fabio Vota, former chef of the Italian national football team and Giorgio Chiellini, Italian football champion currently part of the LAFC team. Vota and Chiellini are in conversation with the Consul General Valentini and the RAI journalist Veronica Maffei (All week on the Consulate’s YouTube channel).
WEEK LONG INITIATIVE | Pasta tasting: Customers at the “LA Puglia” and “Il Fornaio Berverly Hills” restaurants will be offered mini pasta tastings accompanied by a short presentation of the regional recipe being tasted. This initiative is promoted by the Los Angeles office of the Italian Trade Agency.
In collaboration with
For more information please contact losangeles.stampa@esteri.it
