On the red carpet of the Italian Pavilion; the chic ribbon cutting ceremony on June 23, 2024 marked the inauguration of the 68th Annual Summer Fancy Food Show at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York. Bill Lynch, CEO of SFA, announced his collaboration with Minister Lollobrigida, appointing Italy as a key player at future Las Vegas and New York shows. “The United States remains our most crucial market outside the European Union,” affirmed Minister Lollobrigida. There has been an unprecedented 40% increase in imports since the pandemic, reported by Matteo Zoppas, President ITA-ICE. Italian cuisine’s strong presence fortifies the country’s dedication to earning the title as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site; a candidacy it was nominated for by the Italian government in 2023.
Photo courtesy of Fiasconaro
Fiasconaro, a notable specialty brand, celebrated the occasion with a remake of the Charging Bull of Wall Street made from pure chocolate. A family owned and operated company since 1853; the Fiasconaro brothers were accompanied by John Mazzola, Representative of Castelbuono in New York. Fiasconaro artisans are visionaries setting the bar high through their collaborations with prestigious brands including the fashion house of Dolce and Gabbana. This year Nicola Fiasconaro paid tribute to his friend Arturo Di Modica, both Sicilian born, to commemorate the 30th anniversary since the 7,000 pound sculpture was introduced in New York. Di Modica created the Charging Bull as a representation of the “strength and power of the American people.” Master Nicola spoke with great esteem of his late friend to Italpress proclaiming “this work pays homage to an undisputed genius, but above all, to a great emperor of Sicily who managed to create a symbolic bridge between Italy and the United States.”
Award Winning Author, Andrew Cotto, spoke to Rita Monte’s Profumi D’Italia on 90.3 WHPC, naming ‘Nduja, spreadable salami from Spilinga, Calabria as one of his favorite products. “It was incredible, really blew me away and is such a versatile fun product” said Cotto. Deputy Mayor of Spilinga, Franco Barbalace, shared the news with me of the newly opened culinary school in Spilinga called, Accademia Internazionale Cucina Mediterranea. Its first ever highly anticipated cultural exchange program will host 10 student chefs this summer as part of the Sister-Cities Newark-Spilinga partnership. This endeavor was developed by Lisa Collelo, former Executive Assistant to the Consul General of Italy in New York for over 40 years, Eric Lanvin, Mayor of Spilinga Enzo Marasco, Deputy Mayor of Spilinga Franco Barbalace , Mayor of Newark Ras J Baraka, and Deputy Mayor of Newark Ligia DeFreitas. Mrs. Calello expressed her sincerest gratitude for the execution of this project sharing “this is a dream come true.”
Photo courtesy of Deputy Mayor Barbalace
The Region of Campania may be known for it pizza napolitana, yet live performances by brand ambassador Chef Rosanna Di Michele, known internationally as “Rosanna Cooking”, will leave your mouth watering with a desire for pasta con pomodoro and mozzarella.
Rosanna Cooking
Photo courtesy of Marzia Bortolin, Public Relations
At Vinexpo America, located in the Javitz, we spoke with President & Co-founder of Puglia in Rose Caterina Baldini. Since its inception, the brand is known equally for its human rights endeavors of sustainability & empowering woman in the wine industry.
Offsite the Italian Trade agency, continued its Italy for UNESCO candidacy promotions with a welcoming ceremony at the prestigious Pierre Hotel. A protagonist at this event, Chef Fabrizio Facchini is revolutionizing sustainable cuisine through his collaborations with the United Nations in adherence with the organizations SDG30 goals. Chef Facchini explains that “with the right tools and culinary techniques, it is possible to create sustainable recipes that promote healthy living while reducing the carbon imprint & food waste.”
At the After show, I love Italian Food in collaboration with the Columbus Citizens Foundation hosted an incredible evening in the regal Upper East Side Townhouse. Some highlights include live performances by Michelin Chef Enrico Derflingher, the iconic former Chef to the British Royal Family & White House during the George W. Bush administration; food historian Luca Cesari explored the history of vodka sauce who contrary to popular belief is rooted in Italy, and tradition meets innovation as mixologists created cocktails with, Guisti Balsamic Vinegar of Modena; a family owned business impressively founded in 1605.
The Italian National Tourist Board, ENIT, curated the Region of Piedmont food & wine event joined by President of the Piemonte Region, Alberto Cirio, Minister Llologbrigida and Consulate General of Italy in New York, Fabrizio DiMichele. Best Selling Author, Chef Silvia Baldini cooked live for guests at De Gustibus Cooking School. The event included cocktails & specialty foods typical of the region including; Tagliolini al limone & Asparagusus, Roasted Peppers & Bagna Cauda, Insalata Russa, Tomini Elettrici and Moscato Zabaglione. Of all the Italian excellence through out these few days, the one which reigned supreme was the feeling of home; where a section of the Pavilion was converted for all to gather and watch in great anticipation as Italy played in the Euro football finals. These moments reminded me of Sunday dinners at 2pm as my mom cooked her Tuscan favorites and my Sicilian dad watched the soccer game. These rich cultural traditions will live on with me forever
Photo courtesy of Silvia Meloni
From left to right: Roberto Caporuscio, Bilena Settepani,
Enrico Derflinger, Gianni Tarabini, Fabrizio Facchini, Damiano Rosella