Prima Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo

Monday 21 November saw the launch in 105 countries of the first ever Italian Cuisine week, coordinated by Farnesina and organised in each country via the local Embassy. The London Embassy has coordinated an exciting programme of events in the UK and our friendly Ambassador, Mr Terracciano, has spearheaded the initiative in London, being present pretty much at most of the events, some of those hosted in the very same Embassy in Grosvenor Square.

I had the pleasure of attending one of these events, dedicated to a very Italian tradition: the aperitivo. Hosted by Campari in their London HQ in the Shard, co-spondored by Grana Padano, the event was really interesting. Ambassador Terracciano introduced the evening explaining that tapas actually originated from Napoli (where we both come from). Campari MD Piero Mattioni and Russell Norman (Polpo) were also part of the round table, and Russell’s speech on how he fell in love with Italy and Venice in particular and how he introduced the ‘spritz’ over to London was really inspiring.

I cannot think of anything better than an Aperol Spritz and cicchetti after work, bringing me instantly to the Bacari feeling in Venice. (Russell Norman)

The talk was followed by a Negroni masterclass by Campari brand ambassador, charismatic Loris Contro who opened a 56 years old bottle of Campari for the occasion. Throughout the evening we tasted some Italian nibbles including freshly cut Grana Padano. 

The Italian cuisine week sees a lot more events, including Masterclasses by Danilo Cortellini and a gala dinner at Sartoria with Francesco Mazzei. And these are just in London!