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| Italian food items on display at High Street Italia, where the events of the Week of the Italian Cuisine are being held, in southern Seoul, Nov. 8. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Italian cuisine is popular worldwide and Korea is no exception, as proven by numerous restaurants here serving pizza and pasta. The Embassy of Italy in Korea offers the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World from Nov. 14 to 20.
The special week was launched in 2016, following Expo 2015 Milan, which explored the themes of food safety as well as healthy and quality nutrition, to share the values of Italian food with the world.
Italian Ambassador to Korea Federico Failla said the event can "deepen the bilateral relations between Italy and South Korea, two countries that share many aspects, including the love for cooking and respect for ancient culinary traditions."
"I hope that with the events that will be held throughout the week, Korean citizens will be able to savor the taste, quality and authenticity of Italy," Failla said in a statement.
This year, the Italian cuisine week centers on "Conviviality, Sustainability and Innovation."
Chiara Ratzenberger, first secretary of the Italian Embassy, said sustainability is the repeating core theme of the event, but this year's event also puts an emphasis on the joy of eating.
"I think (conviviality) is important because after COVID, we are recounting the importance of sharing, being together and enjoying together. This also is a very important aspect of Italian culinary tradition," Ratzenberger said during a press conference at High Street Italia in southern Seoul, Nov. 8.
"And then there's innovation in the sense of trying to find new ways of enjoying food."
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| The Poster for the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World / Courtesy of the Embassy of Italy in Seoul |
Kim Bo-yeong, the country manager for Korea on the Italian Government Tourist Board, explained Italy's various food items and rich culinary culture.
"Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as intangible cultural heritage, and they include Italian food and ingredients such as the Mediterranean diet, the Neapolitan 'Pizzaiuolo' and truffle hunting. We are also promoting espresso coffee for UNESCO status. The Week of Italian Cuisine will provide opportunities to learn more about Italy's rich culinary culture," Kim said.
Michelin-starred chef Domingo Schingaro prepared a gala dinner organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea on Nov. 11, followed by an Italian wine tasting event and Duo Parrino's concert combining cuisine and music, Monday.
From Nov. 15 to 27, children can learn about pasta, one of the most popular Italian cuisines, in the 1101 Children's Lounge at the Seoul Arts Center.
Italian chef and TV celebrity Fabrizio Ferrari will offer a master class on Italian cooking for Korean chefs on Wednesday.
From Wednesday to Sunday, visitors to High Street Italia can sample Italian coffee and gelato as well as Korean finger food paired with Italian wines.
On Thursday, "Bello! Bravo! Buono!" provides an introduction to Italian cheese and sausages from gorgonzola and mozzarella to prosciutto.
Slow food expert Lee Soo-yeon will give a lecture on the values of the Mediterranean diet and Ferrari will present popular Italian pastas and deserts, Friday.
Online events include courses on the identity and history of Italian cuisine in English provided by the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Polenzo and a multimedia exhibition titled "Food Heroes," introducing key players in the food and wine sectors including beekeepers, fishermen, farmers, shepherds and winemakers.
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