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Watch us on i-Italy | TV NYC LIFE - Channel 25 Every Sunday 1:00PM in the NYC metropolitan area on all cable operators and on the air. Web: go to www.i-ItalyTV.com Mobile: download our app and connect to your TV ➜25 Also in this issue ● A Tale of Two Women: Matilda Raffa Cuomo and Focus Amanda Cole ● “Italians of a My Mentors 7. Patrizia di Carrobio New Italy.” Meet Ambassador Armando Varricchio ● Trade Commissioner Maurizio Forte on the Italian Presence at the SFFS16 ● “Quartetto Garganico” by Joseph Tusiani ● Tiziana Rinaldi Castro reviews a New Passionate Curiousity Book by Giorgio Van Straten ● And much more... Photo by Mauro Benedetti Mauro by Photo ➜07 ■ by Lucia Pasqualini ➜40 Our New Video Project is Hitting New York Watch Video “Grandparents & Grandchildren in Italian America” Back to the Future Editorial ➜28 Meet Chef Michael White

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Cover-Summer16.indd 7 6/13/16 9:33 PM Explaining Italo-Trumpism How To Become Italian ➜08 ■ by Jerry Krase ■ by Lucia Pasqualini i~Italy NY Grandparents & Grandhildren www.i-ItalyNY.com A Fascinating Journey Into ➜42 the Italian Soul of America Caviar: Food Industry’s A magazine about all things Italian by Letizia Airos, Ottorino Cappelli Events Black Gold ITALY in New York City and Gaetano Calà ■ by Dino Borri Year 4 - Issue 5-6 Everything Italian in NYC June-July 2016 ➜10 ➜43 at the Grandparents & Grandhildren How to Prepare Editor in Chief A Tale of Two Women: Linguine with Salmon Letizia Airos Matilda Raffa Cuomo and and Caviar Summer Fancy Food Show 2016 [email protected] Amanda Cole ■ by Rosanna Di Michele Project Manager Ottorino Cappelli ➜44 [email protected] A favorite dish... Come meet over 300 Italian exhibitors and just as many business From Puglia: ‘Bombette’ for Staff & Contributors Summer Grilling Natasha Lardera, Bianca Soria, Mila opportunities with the Authentic Made in Italy! ■ by Michele Scicolone Tenaglia (editorial coordination); ... Paired with the right wine The Italian Trade Commission invites you to visit the Lounge at booth 2704 Michele Scicolone and Charles ➜31 Scicolone (food & wine editors); In conversation with Giorgio Spanu Understanding Primitivo and network with the main players in the Italian food and wine sector. Rosanna Di Michele (chef); Mila Let’s Bring the Casa on Every ■ by Charles Scicolone Tenaglia (events); Susan Sepe (fashion); Screen! Judith Harris, Maria Rita Latto, Virginia ■ by Stefano Albertini Stop by the Wine Bar di Falco (Italy correspondents); Stefano Albertini, Giuseppe Basso, Dino ➜34-35 Dining Out and learn about what makes the Italian wines Number One in the United States! Borri, Enzo Capua, Fred Gardaphe, Italy in New York: Jerry Krase, Gennaro Matino, Lucia ➜ Calendar of Summer Events Pasqualini, Fred Plotkin, Stanislao 14 Meet Ambassador Armando Eating Italian in the Big Apple Participate in show cooking sessions Pugliese, Francine Segan (columnists & contributors); Matteo Banfo, Ennio Varricchio and taste, first-hand, the bounty of authentic Italian products! Serafini (TV & multimedia team); “Italians of a New Italy” ➜44 Tommaso Cartia, Camilla Santinelli, ■ by Letizia Airos Two Brothers Bryan Solomon, Lorenzo Lasagna, Dining In from Salerno, Francesca Maltauro (interns); Will ➜18 the Panuozzo Schutt, Athena Mellor (translators); From the CEO of Cinecittà Studios Bringing Italy to your family table and the Saint Robert Oppedisano (editorial Come and visit Cinecittà ■ by A.L.S. Italy is waiting for you! supervision); Alberto Sepe (web & Summer Film Show mobile); Darrell Fusaro (cartoonist); ■ by Giuseppe Basso Lilith Mazzocchi (layout); ➜36 ➜41-43 Andrée Brick (design) Trade Commissioner Maurizio Forte Dining Out Special ➜19 on the Italian presence at the SFFS16 Authentic For advertising contact: Darrel’s Corner Representing Italy’s Food Italian Panini Italian Media Corporation [email protected] ■ by Darrell Fusaro Products in North America ■ by Tommaso Main Offices ■ by Natasha Lardera Cartia

New York ➜20 28 W 44th Street New York, NY, 10036 Italian Citizens of the World ➜38 ➜44 Tel. (917) 521-2035 Calling Both Rome and New The Best Pasta Dish in NYC Interview with Rome York — Home ■ by Luciano Pignataro Nicola Farinetti Via Montebello 37 00185 Roma ■ by Judith Harris Eataly #2 Is Tel. (366) 747.8348 ➜46 Ready to ➜23 Grana Padano PDO Open Copies printed this ■ by Bianca Soria month: 50,000 An Agreeable Pope and a Not Only Tasty, But Healthy Disagreeable Clergy? ■ by T.C. ■ by Gennaro Matino Continued ➜

www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 5 i-Italy|NY ➜ Contents

➜63 Ideas Gianna Pontecorboli’s Americordo Tourism The Italian Jewish Exiles in Style: Design, Fashion & More America Are you going to Italy soon? ➜54 ■ by Stanislao Pugliese Meet Matthew White ➜62 ➜69 Loving Italy, Saving Venice Frank Lentricchia’s The Morelli Thing Gargano: An Intriguing Spot ■ by Francine Segan Riding the Streets of Utica in Apulia ➜56-57 ■ by Fred Gardaphe ■ by Goffredo Palmerini Personal Shopper ➜66-67 ➜73 This Italian Summer. Shades Suggested Readings Quartetto Garganico of Yellow, Ocher and Gold ■ by Joseph Tusiani ■ by Camilla Santinelli ➜67 Italian Jazz ➜74 ➜58 The Clarinet Was Invented Where to Stay and what to Meet Gloria Porcella of Ca’ D’Oro By the Devil Eat when you get there! When Art Is in Your Blood ■ by Enzo Capua ■ by Bianca Soria ■ by Mila Tenaglia

Ideas

Bookshelf: Italian Reads & Listens ➜60 A new book by Giorgio Van Straten Eight Tales of Lost Books ■ by Tiziana Rinaldi Castro ➜62 Antonio Monda’s L’ingegno Between Faith and Guilt ■ by Maria Rita Latto Where To Find Us in New York

Government and Educational Institutions: Consulate General of Italy (690, Park Ave) ● Italian Cultural Institu- te (686 Park Ave) ● Italian Trade Commission (33 E 67th St) ● Italian Government Tourist Board (686 Park Ave) ● Scuola d’Italia G. Marconi (12 E 96th St) ● John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, CUNY (25 W 43rd St) ● Casa Italiana Zerilli Marimò, NYU (24 W 12th St) ● Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America, Columbia University (161 Amsterdam Ave.) ● Inserra Chair, Montclair State University (1 Normal Ave Montclair, NJ) ● Center for Italian Studies, Stony Brook University (100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook) ● Italian American Committee on Education (18 E 41st St) ● Collina Italiana (1556 3rd Ave) ● CIMA - Center for Italian Modern Art (421 Bro- ome St) ● Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center (610 E 186th St., Bronx) ● Italian Cultural Center (One Generoso Pope Pl, Tuckahoe) ● Italian Cultural Foundation, Casa Belvedere ( 79 Howard Ave, Staten Island) ● Bookstores, Showrooms & Galleries: Rizzoli Bookstore (1133 Broadway) ● Alessi (130 Greene St) ● Poltrona Frau (141 Wooster St) ● Cappellini (152 Wooster St) ● Casa del Bianco (866 Lexington Ave) ● Cassina (151 Wooster St) ● Guzzini (60 Madison Ave) ● Poltrona Frau (141 Wooster St) ● Scavolini (429 W Broadway) ● Boffi Soho (31 ½ Greene St) ● Galleria Ca’ D’Oro (9, 529 W 20th St) ● Ierimonti Gallery (24 W 57th St, s. 501-503) ● Gourmet Stores: Eataly New York (200 5th Ave) ● Di Palo (200 Grand St) ● Citarella (2135 Broadway; 1313 Third Ave; 424 Avenue of the Americas) ● Agata & Valentina (1505 1st Ave; 64 University Pl.) ● A.L.C. Italian Grocery (8613 3rd Ave, Brooklyn) ● Mikes’s Dely, Arthur Avenue Market (2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx) ● Jerry’s Gourmet (410 South Dean St, Englewood, NJ) ● Giovanni Rana Pastificio e Cucina (75 9th Ave) ● La Panineria (410 West 36th St) ● Cucina Mia (1898 Victory Blvd., Staten Island) ● Restaurants, Pizzerias & Wine Bars: Acqua Santa (556 Griggs Ave, Brooklyn) ● Addeo & Sons (2372 Hughes Ave, Bronx) ● Azalea (224 W 51 St) ● Borgatti’s (632 E 187th St, Bronx) ● Cacio e Vino (80 2nd Ave) ● Crave It (545 6th Ave) ● Epistrophy Cafe (200 Mott St) ● Fabbrica (40 N 6th St, Brooklyn) ● Felice 83 (1593 1st Ave) ● Felice 64 (1166 1st Ave) ● Forcella (485 Lorimer St, Brooklyn) ● Il Gattopardo (13-15 W 54th St) ● In Vino Veritas (1375 1st Ave) ● Kestè (271 Bleecker St) ● L’Arte del Gelato (Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave) ● Le Cirque (151 E 58th St) ● The Leopard at des Artistes (1 W 67th St) ● Madonia Brothers (2348 Arthur Ave, Bronx) ● Mozzarella e Vino (33 W 54th St) ● Osteria del Principe (27 E 23rd St) ● Osteria del Circo (120 W 55th St) ● Pastai (186 9th Ave) ● Piccolo Cafe (157 3rd Ave) ● Piccolo Fiore (230 E 44th St) ● Pizzetteria Brunetti (626 Hudson St)● Paola’s Restaurant (1295 Madison Ave) ● Il Posto Accanto & Il Bagatto To Go (190 E 2nd St) ● Quartino bottega organica (11 Bleecker St) ● Ribalta (48 E 12th St) ● Risotteria Melotti (309 E 5th St) ● Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto (283 Amsterdam Ave) ● San Matteo (1739 2nd Ave) ● Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy’s (151 W 34th) ● Tarallucci e Vino (163 1st Ave; 475 Columbus Ave; 15 E 18th St) ● Club Tiro a Segno (77 MacDougal St) ● Trattoria L’incontro (21-76 31st St, Astoria) ● Via Quadronno (25 E 73rd St) ● Villabate Alba (7001 18th Ave, Brooklyn) ● La Villetta (398 E 52nd St) ● Vivoli Gelateria at Macy’s ● (151 W 34th St) ● Zero Otto Nove (15 W 21 St) ● Zibetto (1385 6th Ave; 1221 6th Ave; 501 5th Ave) ● Zio (17 W 19th St) ● To be added to our distribution network write to [email protected]

6 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org i-Italy|NY ➜ Editorial

Editorial A Past That’s Not Even Past

➔ Letizia Airos on its way to American dinner tables. So stay tuned for more as the i-ItayTV crew Our cover story is about “Grandparents gets there to reportat the end of June. and Grandchildren in Italian America,” Other foodie events this summer a series of conversations available this include a pasta cook-off organized by summer on TV and online at www.i- the association of Italian chefs in New Italy.org. York. Try not to salivate over Luciano Pignataro’s description of the event nor Why Grandparents and over our interview with Nicola Farinetti, Grandchildren? who gives us the scoop on the imminent Why focus on grandparents and their opening of Eataly NYC’s second location. special rapport with grandchildren? Because in our sped up, digitally Italian Reads warped, all too often superficial world Summer also means more time to with its illusion of occupying an read. Aside from our usual roundup “eternal present,” what constitutes of offerings in English, we’re featuring Grandparents and grandchildren attend a presentation of the project at the Consulate General a real transmission of identity is our a review of two fantastic reads still relationship with our grandparents, only available in Italian: Giorgio Van with the past that’s not even past, former governor Mario. Matilda chats issue, “Italian Citizens of the World,” Straten’s curious study of lost books and as William Faulkner famously put it. with Amanda Cole, one of her 13 which showcases young Italians living Antonio Monda’s novel about a tortured If our identity is not founded on the grandchildren. in America, young Americans living priest, set during Muhammad Ali and past, we can neither face the present Given our plan to grow this project into in Italy and young Italian-Americans George Foreman’s famous showdown. nor plan for the future responsibly. a major collective journey through the caught between both countries, no Let’s hope both books are translated Especially if we happen to possess Italian soul of America, we’d like you longer just culturally but also physically. soon! a history of immigration. As Italian to come along for the ride. Here you’ll Technically speaking, these new Italians Americans do. Or, for that matter, most find instructions on how you can get are neither emigrants nor expats. Gargano Quartet Americans. The master narrative that involved. We’re counting on ALL of you! Instead they’re “frequent flyers” who My editor’s note usually begins with a our grandparents convey can broaden shuttle between the two countries, poem. Not this time, alas. But you can horizons and break down cultural A New Breed of Italians always carrying a return ticket in their flip to page 73. At the end of our Tourism divides, something we all need today. We also have our eye on how the back pocket. Our first story features Special about Gargano you’ll find four Those are the reasons behind the present is shaping the future, thanks New York graphic designer Claudia short poems by the famous “Poet of Two project we kicked off on Italian to an exclusive conversation with Palmira Acunto and her husband, the Lands” Joseph Tusiani, a New Yorker National Day at the Consulate General the new Italian Ambassador to the photographer Mauro Benedetti. of Pugliese descent, who describes his of Italy in New York—a series of United States, Armando Varricchio, homeland in rare, never before published videotaped conversations between who talks about his current projects, Eating Italian verses in English, Italian, Pugliese grandparents and grandchildren including his ambition to bring together And there’s so much more in our dialect and Latin. produced by i-Italy in collaboration the traditional immigrant community, summer issue. For many, summer * * * with ABFE (the National Italian American Italophiles, and the growing spells vacations, picnics, and lighter In conclusion I’d like to thank everyone Association of Emigrant Families) and number of people who split their time fare. That’s why we’re bringing you the following us on the web (www.i-italy. with the support of Italy’s Ministry between the US and Italy—Amb. best Italian panini in New York. We’ll org), on TV (NYC Life) and in print (hint: of Foreign Affairs. The first video – Varricchio calls them “Italians of a New also tell you what Italians are dishing you’re holding it in your hands!). Our previewed in this issue and available to Italy.” Read the article and watch the out at New York’s Summer Fancy Food readership is growing by the day. We watch on TV (Sundays at 1 PM on NYC original video on your smartphone by Show in our interview with ICE Director now have almost 200,000 followers on Life Channel 25) and online – features scanning the QR code. Maurizio Forte. The show is geared Facebook alone! Americans love Italy. It New York’s first Italian grandmother, Ambassador Varricchio’s ideas toward traders and producers rather stands to reason they’d love i-Italy, too. Matilda Cuomo, mother of current serendipitously overlap with the thrust than the general public, but it’s the Governor Andrew Cuomo and wife of of another new series launched in this perfect place to catch a glimpse of what’s ([email protected])

Be part of our future Join the “Friends of i-Italy” program Thanks to our latest donors! Lidia Bastianich, John J. Caldwell, John and MAKE A TAX-FREE DONATION F. Calvelli, Patrizia di Carrobio, Anna Consoli, Dominic Massaro, David Lerner, For more info visit www.i-Italy.org/donate Laura Mattioli, Aileen Riotto Sirey ... and a friend named Michael who wishes to For donations of $99+ you get a year subscription to our magazine remain anonymous. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 7 ● ● I-ITALY AND ANFE LAUNCH THEIR NEW PROJECT A Fascinating Journey Into the Italian Soul of America

Watch the video on your smartphone

John D. Calvelli, with grandpa John P. and their historic Moto Guzzi

by Letizia Airos, Ottorino Cappelli Produced by i-Italy in collaboration with ANFE and Gaetano Calà * and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign ●● Let’s talk about generations. About Affairs this project documents the Italian generations who talk to one another. Who would like to get to know each other better. journey in the United States by way of a series of Everyone is aware that the close quarters conversations between grandparents and parents and children share can, on occasion, lead to major misunderstandings and grandchildren. We have only just begun this conflicts. But if we skip a generation, we find that grandparents and grandchildren new adventure with our first TV and Web series. share a rare kind of bond. Paradoxically, Now our hope is to continue the project in a truly distance facilitates communication, almost by magic, and understanding trumps time. “social” vein with your help. A suspended relationship, almost shielded by a cloud.

8 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org A special rapport Add to that an era of immigration, the gap ●● JOIN OUR PROJECT! between the old world and new – further augmented for Italian Americans by the language barrier – and the situation Grandparents becomes more peculiar. Grandparents really do become the “roots,” the element anchoring grandchildren to their fascinating, & Grandchildren mysterious ancestral identity. In fact, as has been noted, third generation Italian Americans are much more likely than in Italian America their own parents to develop an interest in rediscovering their roots, in visiting their ancestral land, and even in studying the Nonni e nipoti nell’America italiana language. In many cases, that interest is due to the special rapport they have with their grandparents. This project explores the relationship between different generations of Italians in America and This isn’t merely about affection or the is narrated firsthand by the protagonists. Grandparents and grandchildren tell their stories in a search for stability or a need for meaningful conversation that touches on central issues concerning Italian identity. landmarks – however important those We’d like to ask you all to help make this project a unique social and educational things are in our historical moment, when adventure that will bring together stories, pictures and videos made both by us every certainty seems to be going up in and by yourselves. Join us in this extraordinary journey into the Italian soul of smoke. There’s a genuine connection America! between grandparents and grandchildren in Italian-American culture. Having been There are several ways you can contribute born in America, the parents have lost their linguistic ties to Italy and cannot explain SUGGEST. Ask the i-ItalyTV crew to come to your place and film “where we come from.” Grandparents can. your conversations with your grandparents or grandchildren. In Whether they were born in Italy and came the next months our editors will start looking for stories to be here with their own parents or whether included in the project and aired on TV as part of our weekly show. they were born in America, grandparents Write to [email protected] represent the connection to our cultural identity, a connection that is vital for DO IT YOURSELF. Film your own stories and share them— even a smartphone will do. And if you are not into filming, you may grandchildren to face the present and create a slide show or you can even write your stories and email envision their future. them with your favorite pictures. We’ll screen, edit and collect all these materials in a social space on the Internet we are developing The magic of family for the project. Contact us via [email protected] Out of these considerations came the idea to launch our series of conversations DONATE! Help i-Italy raise funds to cover the costs of this between grandparents and grandchildren ambitious project. Filming, editing, collecting all the materials of Italian ancestry. The term “conversation” and managing the website—all this has a cost and we need your is central to the project, which grew out of support. So, make a donation. No amount is too small and every a wonderful collaboration between i-Italy dollar helps! This endeavor is supported by the Italian American Digital Project, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that may accept and ANFE, the national Italian Association donations by individuals, corporations and other non-profit entities. of Emigrant Families, and was supported by the Department for Italians Abroad of the All donations are tax-free. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Conversations then, not interviews. The format is neither journalistic nor documentarian. There are no interviewers posing questions, no professors giving ● DONATION GUIDELINES: The Italian American Digital Project, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation (tax ID: 262748551) and may accept donations by individuals, corporations, and other nonprofit organizations critiques, no experts interrupting to “explain” ● In compliance with the regulations established by the Internal Revenue Code, the gifts are tax-deductible things. There is a reason behind this ● Donations may be made by check, wire transfer, or online via payPal or Credit Card (please state as your reason: “Grandparents and Grandchildren in Italian America”) ● Checks: Make checks payable to: Italian decision. We want to allow grandparents and American Digital Project, Inc. and mail it to 140 Cabrini Blvd Suite 108, New York, NY, 10033 ● Money Transfer: Italian American Digital Project, Inc., Account # 7926035937; Routing # 026013673; TD Bank, 317 1120 Avenue grandchildren to tell their own story and ask Of The Americas, New York, NY, 10036 ● Online: (PayPal or Credit Card) please visit: www.i-Itay.org/donate each other questions, penning another page ● For more information on how to contribute please contact us via email: [email protected] of their relationship together, even if they happen to be on camera. The magic of their relationship is the star of the show. Did we succeed? Our audience will have to your smartphone. Our series begins with a Of course we directed the conversation. judge for themselves. They can follow us conversation between Matilda Raffa Cuomo But we did so in hands-off fashion, trying this summer, as they have for the past four and her granddaughter Amanda Cole, which not to intrude, allowing each grandparent- years, every Sunday at 1 pm on NYC Life, you can find in the following pages. grandchild pair to let their guard down, to New York’s public TV channel, as well as talk as leisurely as possible in the comfort of online. We will also publish some of the most * Letizia Airos is a co-founder and the Editor-in- their own homes. The intensity and ease of appealing extracts of these conversations in Chief of the i-Italy Network; Ottorino Cappelli is family, rather than sociology, set the tone of this magazine—and as always, you can watch its other co-founder as well as Project Manager. this journey into the Italian soul of America. the video by scanning the QR code with Gaetano Calà is the national director of ANFE. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 9 Scan the QR code to watch this video on your smartphone

● ● GRANDPARENTS AND GRANDCHILDREN IN ITALIAN AMERICA / 1 A Tale of Two Women: Matilda and Amanda In the first conversation of our series, Matilda and Amanda touched upon everything from immigration to religion, from language to cooking and traveling in Italy. Their extraordinary talk culminated in an emotional and unscripted moment when grandmother and granddaughter decided to read a letter written in 1999 by Governor Mario Cuomo, a kind of spiritual last will and testament for his thirteen granddaughters.

Despite the encumbrances of a TV crew, it mementos, a figurine of Pulcinella peeking in the Democratic Party back then. At the was a rare treat to hear Matilda and Amanda out from behind a shelf. In the opposite room same time all of his humanity was reflected retrace their history, its ties to Italy and their was Mario’s study, full of objects, books, in the faces of his wife and granddaughter, emotional memories. The place where the photographs. You couldn’t not sense the as well as in their words. Like a real Italian conversation was shot – the house where charismatic presence of the great politician grandfather. Below are a few brief excerpts to Matilda lived with her husband, Mario – was who, in the 1980s, was known as the great whet your appetite before you tune in on NYC also special: the two women seated on a sofa, communicator of his party, believed by many Life (Channel 25, every Sunday at 1PM) or behind them a credenza topped with Italian to be the only real man of presidential stature visit us online to watch the full video.

10 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org “A Letter To My Granddaughters”

Matilda: Every granddaughter got a copy of this letter, “A Letter to My Granddaughters”, written in November 1999. It begins like this: I’m writing this letter to you, and all our other granddaughters… I think this paragraph right here is very meaningful, listen:

At some point you will probably find that filling your own basket with goodies, satisfying your own winsome desires for personal comfort will not be enough to make you truly happy. Chances are you will discover that to be fulfilled you will have to lean on some fundamental belief some basic purpose in life that gives you a sense of meaningfulness and significance, and that answers the question: “Why were we born in the first place?” Without an answer, all the accumulating of material goods can become nothing more than a frantic attempt to fill the space between birth and eternity. appetites are left until there are no more the best you can do is comfort a single This is very deep. appetites or no strength to feed them. soul in need of simple friendship, that’s They look for answers in the world around wonderful too…If one does what one can Amanda: I read it once a week. And them, in the words of wiser people and the to make things better, it’s all God will then this is the best part, this is where leadership of some heroic figure. But the ask. It’s a job that you can work at every he breaks it down. answers prove elusive. No Moses comes minute that you live, and it’s a job that to them, and they die without ever having can make your life worth living, no matter It happens to a lot of people who spend an answer. Don’t let it happen to you. You what else happens. So live, learn, love. their whole life so involved with the don’t need another Moses… God knows And have a happy new millennium. - challenge of just staying alive in some how grand the world is and how small we — Grandpa Mario. decent condition that they don’t get to are. He’s not going to expect any miracles think much about why they were born from you, all he asks is that you do what It’s so simple and makes so much in the first place. Others get past the you can. If you rise to great power and are sense. And for a recent college struggle then wander aimlessly as they able to end a war - or be a governor - or graduate, they are the words of approach the end, satisfying whatever find a cure for cancer, wonderful. But if wisdom that you need.

Immigrant stories Amanda: [I remember you telling me] the story of our two great grandmothers, who both came here very young… Matilda: They were in their 20s … they both had a very terrible trip, on the steerage in the bottom of the ship. It was terrible. Amanda: That’s what blows me away, thinking about how they physically got here. [And then] in school learning about the conditions in the ships that people did come across in, and the length of that journey and how scary it must have been not knowing where they were going or if you could even get in once you got here. Matilda: That’s right. And they both went to Ellis Island and they were completely examined … And my mother would tell me the story of two young girls, two sisters… because they had a rash on their face, they www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 11

When my father came to this country he loved the freedom. That you could do anything you wanted. ‘If you had good ideas, nobody would stop you.’ And you could reach for the stars…

was so amazing about him is that, when I was younger, grandpa asked me how old I was, and I said “Eight.” And he said, “How do you know?” And I: “Because it was just my birthday.” And he said, “But how do you know you were Matilda Cuomo and Letizia Airos during a break from filming turning 8?” “Because I was born 8 years ago.” made them go back. That’s how strict the The Pope “How do you know that?” rules were at that time… But you know, they Amanda: You met the Pope… “Because my parents told me.” both had their first-born son here and they Matilda: Yes, Pope Francis. [It was] the very “How do you know that your parents weren’t came to make a new life. They had an uncle. first time I have met a pope. I was in Naples lying?” There’s always somebody who’s going to on a conference for Mentoring USA Italia and I “Because the birth certificate says so.” give them a little help in the family. So the heard that there was to be a yearly celebration “Well, how do you know that they didn’t make family—like the Pope says, “la famiglia”—is where the Pope had to come and speak to a mistake on the birth certificate?” very important. the people in Naples. And I mean there were And that was it — to really shake an 8 year The women [of course] … could not get a job 3,000 people, at least, if not more. And the old to truly understand that you don’t know at that time. It was unheard of, you know, so Pope came and spoke. It was something what you don’t know! The lesson of that story they would stay home and take care of the like a miracle to see him. He is the most to me is that you have to always be open- children. But the men [had] to get a job, and humanitarian pope I could ever think to meet. minded and never feel as if you know the to speak English as well as they could—and Amanda: What does the pope mean for right answer. For having the right answer isn’t they couldn’t at first but they did, gradually. Italians? Because I know here—I had some the way to win an argument, isn’t the way My father told me that they’d pick up some friends who didn’t totally understand why forward. words to make themselves understood, and we were making such a big deal, and I think Matilda: All the time. That’s right. And to they were lucky if they were working with that’s because religion is not as popular think about it and come to your own solution. some Italian people so they could [at least] among my generation, statistically. But when Amanda: Right, and he could argue any side understand each other. It wasn’t easy. It was you were growing up, you know … What did of an issue. And we are so unbelievably lucky very difficult, there’s no doubt about it. […] the pope mean to you growing up? to actually have a moral compass, a grandpa But when my father came to this country Matilda: Well, the pope is like the pinnacle who has set our sense of what is right and … he loved the freedom. … That you could of our religion. I mean, he is the speaking what is wrong. And it’s so simple. He does so do anything you wanted. “If you work hard, voice from God to all of us, to give us lessons in a way that enables any person, from any nobody will stop you,” [he said]. “And if you and the beliefs that we should continue religion, or from no religion, anyone who’s have good ideas, use them, and nobody would to emanate… And we happen to have one just a human, to understand… A humanist is stop you.” And you could reach for the stars… now who is a great humanitarian and he what I like to refer to him as. Amanda: I know that grandpa was quoted as understands that the basic unit of all societies Matilda: He would be very happy to hear you saying “after 100 years, we finally did it” when is la famiglia, the family. If you don’t take care say all this if he were here. he became governor. But I remember you of your family, everybody suffers within that both telling me the stories about how much scope of humanity. Never forget your heritage! Italians were discriminated against … It’s just Amanda: What is your lesson to your not the same today … and there are definitely Nonno Mario granddaughters today, your Italian American other marginalized groups. But did you feel Amanda: I’m sitting in his seat right now. granddaughters? What is one of the pieces of it? … Did you personally feel growing up with And this is the seat he would sit in every time wisdom that you want to tell us? Italian parents that you were discriminated you came into the house and I know that Matilda: Well, I think you should never forget against? when I’d call him he’d be sitting in this seat your heritage. I think that’s what you’ve Matilda: No. Because I lived in an Italian — we just have so many memories of sitting learned since you were a little girl and I think community, we were insulated. That was a right here, the hours going by. that stays; as a grandparent I’m thrilled good thing. But then when they say that they Matilda: And you could ask him any question that all of you get that, you understand and didn’t treat the Italian immigrants so well, it’s and he knew the answer. you’re faithful to your own heritage but you true. Also because of the lack of language. Amanda: Oh yes, of course. Or what I think are open to the heritage of others. ●●

Armando Varricchio speaks During his recent from the podium at the Italian Embassy in Washington D.C. visit to New York City Ambassador Armando Varricchio sat with i-ItalyTV for a long conversation about his new job. We touched upon a number of topics, spanning from culture to technology to the new wave of Italians coming to the US today. by Letizia Airos So you must have many memories linked new baseball stadium that wasn’t there ten to Washington and to the United States. years ago, and around the stadium they are ●● Could I ask you to briefly introduce Now having returned after a number of building houses, offices, shopping centers, yourself for those among our readers years, what have you found to be different? parks… so everything is moving along, and I who may not know who you are? Who is believe that’s typical of this country. Ambassador Armando Varricchio? Many things. We live in a rapid age. Everything changes at a frantic pace. You were recently on your first official visit I was born and grew up in Veneto. I Washington is indeed growing a lot; there to New York. Italy has a very, very strong studied and then worked at a private are entire urban areas that have changed, cultural presence in New York. The question business before deciding to begin my that are being developed. There is a terrific that springs to mind is: how can we use diplomatic career. After thirty years I can that presence to benefit our country? honestly say that I made the right choice because I am doing a profession that I New York certainly wouldn’t be the greatly enjoy! extraordinary city that we all love without Up until recently I was working in Rome as the contribution of Italians. Mayor De Blasio Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister reminded us of this during our meeting. and prior to that I worked a lot in Brussels. New York speaks Italian – whenever, I have dedicated myself considerably to wherever. There is no context in which the European issues, so I feel like Europe is my Italian culture is not present, whether it ideal – as well as professional – reference be music, cinema, literature, philosophy, point. But I know the US rather well or fashion. All of these aspects form part too. I moved here as Ambassador only of our identity and constitute a great a few months ago, but I worked in this opportunity for Italy. Our country lacks embassy about ten years ago as head of raw materials, so we have to rely instead the Economic Bureau. That job led me to on our intelligence and creativity. Italy’s travel throughout the United States and fate depends on its ability to be a beacon of get to know certain local dynamics of contemporary culture. Therefore I believe this incredibly diverse country. When it that for us culture is not secondary but came to nominating an ambassador of the rather essential to our way of being. United States I was considered the right person. Our profession is rather unique; How can we ensure that the Italian- every two, three, four years you pack your With President Obama American presence will be an asset to the at the White House bags and leave. community?

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Celebrating Italian National Day in Washington Amb. Armando Varricchio, his wife Micaela Barbagallo, and CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. Left: crowds fill the hall at the Italian Embassy on June 2, 2016, the day of the celebration.

I think it already is an asset! There are You have touched on an issue that is very Well they are certainly witnesses of Italy many different kinds of relationships with important to me. I’m speaking about the and Italian-ness. In Washington I happen to Italy. Maybe you’re a citizen of the country. language. I believe it is a great challenge be invited to the homes of important figures Maybe Italy is a sentimental-cultural for me, for the Consul General here in in the worlds of politics, economics, culture, reference for you. Or maybe it’s simply New York, as well as for all our diplomatic the media, and I’ve found many references a personal passion of yours. The Mayor network in the US, to promote the Italian to Italy in these homes: works of art, books, of New York, for instance, is “orgoglioso” language. Speaking a language means photographs… In the United States the love (proud) of his Italian surname and his identifying more intimately with a culture, of Italy is such that anyone can interpret it in Italian roots. Yet so many people who with another world. So many people want his or her own way. But all these people love don’t have a surname that sounds Italian to speak Italian, and we want to give them our country. I might even go so far as to say still identify with the idea of Italy, and the opportunity to learn how. I believe that they love it more than many Italians who they are all people that we consider our that is an essential tool of our diplomatic actually live there do. Immersed as they are in friends. endeavor. their everyday life – they no longer remember – and sometimes even forget – that they live Among many of these friends of Italy, Americans who love Italy, who are in a country that so many people consider to these American “Italophiles,” there seems somehow connected to it, might also be the most beautiful country in the world. to be a growing interest in the study of the represent an essential resource for the But those of us who have lived abroad for Italian language. How can you help? country. How do you cultivate that resource? fairly long periods of time have had the Today social media is our travel companion. We don’t do anything without using some form of digital communication. It has changed the essence of our work. It broke down our barriers so that now we work as a team and feel Armando Varricchio on i-Italy | TV connected to a much Scan the QR code to watch this interview or go to i-ItalyTV.com wider community. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 15 fortune of seeing our country from the Promoting Italian outside, like astronauts observing the Earth Culture in the US in orbit. From that vantage point, we have the Clockwise: Amb. good fortune to see the big picture, not just Varricchio speaking the grain of sand. at the ceremony where New York Beautiful landscape and gorgeous beaches, Times reporter Mark Renaissance and Baroque art, Dante and Mazzetti received the Toscanini, neo-realist cinema… Americans 2016 Urbino Press know all about those aspects of Italian Award; talking with RAI television about culture. But sometimes you notice that they Italian Internet Day; know much less about contemporary Italy. discussing the Italy-US What can we do so that Americans get to Memorandum of know more about the country today? Understanding to Prevent Art Trafficking We shoulder the weight of an extraordinary with Assistant Secretary culture and it is our duty to pass that down. of State for Educational The challenge we face on a daily basis is to and Cultural Affairs demonstrate that Italy doesn’t simply have Evan Ryan. an extraordinary past but that it is a modern country in step with the times. That’s why it Technology. A couple of months ago you We wanted to pay our own tribute to an is important not only to promote classic but celebrated the “Italian Internet Day” at the event that took place in Italy on April 30, contemporary culture as well… That’s the embassy. Could you tell us a little about celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first challenge embassies and cultural institutions what you did and why it was such an Internet connection to our country back in take up every day. We do it thanks to the important moment for us Italians? 1986. The world has changed in thirty years; great American cultural institutions, which the Internet has become a common staple constantly hold events linked to Italy. A of our daily lives. We decided to invite one of few weeks ago at the Library of Congress The embassy the founders of the Internet, Vint Cerf, to our in Washington, I presented a volume that embassy, to speak in a series of initiatives we contained memoirs and photographs of many intends to call “digital diplomacy.” Cerf told us about the works of art found in American museums. promote all of the beginnings of this extraordinary change that Our challenge is to remind people that Italy is has really defined the age in which we live. as great now as it always has been. In other young Italian artists He talked about his close collaboration with words, don’t ever take it for granted. living in the United Italian scientists and researchers. You might say the Internet speaks Italian too. Are there any particular initiatives that you feel States. I believe that as an Ambassador may be worth speaking If I’m not mistaken, for a couple of years about? Perhaps regarding young people. these people provide now the institutions and the Ministry of important examples Foreign Affairs have been actively using We are working hard to promote young Italian social media… artists. For example, the embassy wants to of what Italians are promote all of the young Italian artists living producing today, of Certainly. Today social media is our travel in the United States, especially in the two big companion. We don’t do anything without cities, New York and Los Angeles. I believe the energy to be found using some form of digital communication. that these people provide important examples It’s an important tool for getting closer to of what Italians are producing today, of the in contemporary society, to the community, for letting people energy to be found in contemporary Italian Italian art. know what we are and what we do. It has art. changed the way we work. I’d even say it has

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The Italian presence in the United States is various… The first group of Italians to arrive carried a one- way ticket. They were followed by new Italians, or as I refer to them, Italians of a new

Bridging old and new Italian Italy — students, communities researchers, Amb. Varricchio with John M. Viola, President of tha National professionals and Italian American Foundation entrepreneurs with a changed the essence of our work. It broke return ticket. These down our barriers so that now we work as I came across those kinds of Italians on the people are no longer a team and feel connected to a much wider West Coast and recently rediscovered them community. in Boston. There are also many such Italians leaving Italy behind. here in New York. They are Italians that bring The Consulate General in New York has been new ideas, who find an opportunity here to They’re leaving in organizing a series of events called “Meet develop new ideas and continuously show search of new the New Italians” in which young people the United States the quality education the get the chance to meet Italian professionals Italian system provides. They’ve studied at experiences, new from different fields who work in the city. Italian universities where they’ve been able people, new How can you relate to this new emigration to acquire very important skills. Yet these – or “mobility” as we call it today – of young are Italians who, understandably, consider opportunities. But people? themselves citizens of the world. They feel as at ease in the United States as they would their bond with Italy I’m totally for it. The Italian presence in the in France, Australia, Israel – anywhere that remains strong. They United States is various; it spans the oldest there are opportunities to develop new communities of Genoese in San Francisco initiatives. create opportunities to the Italians who arrived at the end of the that they can then 19th century in Chicago and New York to There is a lot of talk these days about those who joined them later, gradually in something called the “Sistema Italia.” What bring back to Italy, and different waves. But that first group, which does that mean? carried a one-way ticket, was followed by new then from Italy they Italians, or as I refer to them, Italians of a new Italians have long been considered take them abroad Italy – students, researchers, professionals extraordinary talented individuals who and entrepreneurs who have a round-trip bridle at being part of a team. In my opinion again. We need to reach ticket and later acquire another round-trip that isn’t exactly true. Take sports, for out to these Italians ticket so they can embark on another journey. example. We have been soccer champions There’s no such thing as a definitive choice numerous times, and soccer is a team while also recognizing anymore. These people are no longer leaving sport, traditionally speaking. Of course a Italy behind. They’re leaving in search of new great striker is essential, but you can’t win a that we mustn’t forget experiences, new people, new opportunities. game without a fullback or a goalkeeper or a those who came over But their bond with Italy remains strong. defensive midfielder. We know how to play They create opportunities that they can as a team. Each of us performs a role that we here in the past. then bring back to Italy, and then from Italy feel best suits our skills, but we can also unite they take them abroad again. This is a more around the same objective. dynamic presence, one that reflects a world Don’t hesitate to contact us, to tell us what of integration, a world encompassed by a Is there anything that you would like to say we could be doing better. We know that we single network. We need to reach out to to our readers, something that I might not have a big challenge ahead of us and that these Italians while also recognizing that we have asked? we must assume a lot of responsibility. But mustn’t forget those who came over here in with everyone’s help I believe that we can the past. I would like to convey a message of trust, of do it better. So I want to thank everyone closeness, and especially tell them all that who is watching and listening to us and What about the presence of young Italians the public institutions – the embassy and the impress upon them that we need their involved with start-ups in America? network of consulates – are open to everyone. help. ●● www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 17 ● ● ROME’S FACTORY OF DREAMS: THE MYTH REAWAKENS Cinecittà Summer Film Show

If you’re thinking of coming on vacation to Rome between June 16 and August 14, you want to come and visit Cinecittà Studios and stay for an evening movie. Here is why. by Giuseppe Basso* The ‘Venusia’ from the famous Federico Fellini film Production designer Dante Ferretti is working at ●● Dear friends, Casanova is on show at Cinecittà Studios Diabolik, a popular Italian comic book villain

Here we go again. Cinecittà is about to The engines of another important experience another busy summer. We production are also heating up; Diabolik were last talking about the Tarantino that will be produced by Sky. We preview and its enormous public success, announced this project a couple of years and we would never have even imagined ago, now finally – before the end of 2016 that we’d soon be organizing the Cinecittà – we will have the chance to start the Summer Film Show… And already the immense construction work that the summer edition of this greatly successful master Dante Ferretti is envisaging in event. We plan to do it in true New York his workshop at Cinecittà, to be built in style. The large 5600 meter squared lawn the studios at Via Tuscolana. It will be will be transformed into a wonderful a chance to get to know this character, area where, in the style of Bryant Park, so loved in Italy and France in the 70s, you will be able to watch films sat on the as well as in the rest of the world. I grass. Everything will be accompanied by believe that New Yorkers will be able to live radio while guests sip their aperitifs particularly appreciate this villainous (which can’t be done in New York parks) anti-hero. Indeed, Diabolik is certainly before the screening of the movie. not Arsenio Lupin, he is not a true gentleman. But we will enjoy building his So if you are thinking of coming on city, Clerville. Imaginary, inexistent, with vacation to Rome between June 16 and neither place nor time. Let’s all listen to August 14, come to visit us and stay for every word of the great Dante Ferretti. an evening movie. We also have some excellent news Cannes has just ended, and even our regarding regional funding. The Rome studios had their brilliant showcase. On and Lazio Film Commission announced in the May 16, in the beautiful terrace of the Cannes a significant increase in funding Majestic Hotel in the Italian Pavilion, we for projects filmed in Rome and Lazio, and participated in the press presentation I continue to believe – having experienced the Venusia from Casanova. And it was of Fatima, an Origin Entertainment it myself – that filming in Rome elevates such a great thing that it seemed only Ryan Gosling production that will be filmed at Cinecittà the quality of life of whoever for working right to take a photo of him underneath this year. Rose Ganguzza, a well-known on a film, and saves a lot of money for the words “Theatre 5”, Federico Fellini’s producer from New York, along with those producing it. favorite. Taken by me in person. James T. Volk, founder and president of In short, we are waiting for chance Origin, have chosen Marco Pontecorvo I almost forgot. Coincidentally last Saturday encounters like this one with Ryan; to see as director. This initiative intends to I had to accompany Ryan Gosling, who a movie or to film one. You decide. celebrate the centenary of the events was in Rome to present The Nice Guys, on See you soon. ●● narrated in the film and is another a visit to Cinecittà. Ryan is amazing; he is chance to host an original production in so knowledgeable on the works of Federico * Giuseppe Basso is the Chief Executive Officer, our studios. Fellini that he even recognized from afar Cinecittà Studios S.p.a.

18 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Darrell’s Corner

by Darrell Fusaro *

We don’t think twice about deleting a bad phrase from a Word doc, so why do we let them linger in our heads? If a thought isn’t making a positive contribution—delete it, and you’ll be pulled into the positive stream of Life. “When a thought feels depleting, then I start deleting.”

* Cartoonist, humor activist and great friend of i-Italy, Darrell lives in Los Angeles with his wife Lori and their furry four-legged friends, Mr. French, Gabby, Francis and Enzo. He is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug? and co-host of The Funniest Thing! with Darrell & Ed podcast. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | February-March 2016 | i-Italy ny | 19 ● ● ITALIAN CITIZENS OF THE WORLD: EMIGRANTS, EXPATS, FREQUENT FLYERS? Two Places to Call Home: Rome and New York

The first installment Mauro photographing the sunrise in Pienza, of a series about a Val D’Orcia (Tuscany). April 2014. By Claudia new breed of Italians. Technically they are neither emigrants nor expats, for—as Ambassador Varricchio remarks in this issue—“they carry a return ticket.” You might half-jokingly call them frequent flyers, defined as they are by easy mobility. Indeed they are the new Italian citizens of the world. Artists, professionals, students and entrepreneurs who straddle two worlds.

by Judith Harris *

●● Meet a couple for all seasons and two countries. American graphic artist Claudia Palmira Acunto and Italian photographer Mauro Benedetti have been based in Rome for the past decade. The two were married in Rome in 2008 in the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, followed by a reception at the Casina Valadier in Villa Borghese. For a while they managed to return to the U.S. four times a year every year. But after their son Ludovico Mauro, 2011. By Claudia Claudia, 2016. By Mauro entered pre-school last September in the

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In both the R ome, 2012 New York, 2013 Eternal City and ‘the City’ I spend countless hours exploring the urban landscape through the lens of my camera. I am fortunate to call both of these extraordinary places my home, and the background settings for my passion of photography. — Mauro

New York, 2014 Prati quarter of Rome, making more than two month-long visits a year to New York became impossible. However well integrated into Italian life she is (and she is), Claudia still works on a New York schedule with a New Yorker’s attitude. For her, this is a plus: “Here in Rome things don’t happen at the same fast pace as in New York, but on the other hand, living here has given me the opportunity to pursue many different projects in addition to my design career,” she told me when we met in Rome for this interview.

Exploring the urban landscape Photographs by husband Mauro Benedetti, New York, 2012. who was born in Palermo and moved to Published in Rome at age 13, have appeared in one-man We Street, 2015 and group showings in both New York and Rome. His multiple interests have taken him eastward to Israel and Palestine and, in America, to the Southwest. Speaking of the photo exhibition of his works held early this year at Rome’s Cafe Alfredo e Lia on Via Giovanni Bettolo, Benedetti said that, “In both the Eternal City and ‘the City’ [New York], I spend countless hours exploring the urban landscape through the lens of my camera. I am fortunate to call both of these extraordinary places my home, and the background settings for my passion of photography.” “From their main streets, with their symbols, to the most remote and least known corners, these two worlds offer my camera countless sequences of stories as well as special moments; on any street, people, emotion, and unexpected moments of beauty are always just around the Photos by Mauro Benedetti Mauro by Photos corner.” www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 21 From Italy to New York The site, slated to be and back and forth functional in the autumn, Palmira was born in will be called www. Bronxville, New York, and romeworkshop.com. studied at Mount Holyoke Another forward-looking College in Massachusetts. project, Claudia explains, is Her family background is to be called “Awakening the half Italian—her grandfather, Authentic Self.” “We hope Stephen B. Acunto, 99, was to attract people who are a noted boxer and college seekers -- that is, interested boxing coach. Her great- in self-development, who grandparents on her father’s will have a vision of their side emigrated from Abruzzo, lives. I myself have always Lipari and Sant’Abbondio sought to learn new things.” on Lago Maggiore. From These workshops will be held childhood Claudia, with her in the picturesque coastal parents, Steve and Carole Tuscan region known as the Haarmann Acunto of Park Maremma, near the small Hill, Yonkers, NY, was a hilltop town of Magliano, regular visitor to Italy—to which is overlooked by an Pescasseroli in the Abruzzo, amazingly tall medieval as well as to Milan and to tower. Rome. Claudia has also been active “I came to like Rome so as vice president of the Italian much that I decided to take Academy Foundation, Inc., a sabbatical leave from founded in 1947 and chaired my job as art director at by her father, Steve, founder an advertising agency in and president of the CINN New York to live in Rome Group, which has interests a year. And then I liked it in publishing, insurance, real so much that I stayed on. estate and entertainment. The city is simply full of The goal of the Academy surprises, there is so much Foundation is to bring Italian to discover!” culture to the U.S. and Claudia is best known as especially to the world of a designer for websites, New York. Claudia curates a including for the luxury quarterly magazine for the chain of Bulgari Hotels, and Foundation called the Italian for magazines and books. Benedetti Mauro by Photo Rome, 2015 Journal (now visible on line She is also a practicing as Italianjournal.it), which artist, creating collages and, covers everything from food most recently, a series of round paintings I came to like to fine art to Caravaggio. Steve Acunto is also in mixed media of varying sizes she calls chairman of La Scuola d’Italia New York. He is, “halos.” (For a sampler, see: www.claudia Rome so much in addition, a trustee of John Cabot University palmira.com). that I decided to take a in Rome and Honorary Vice Consul of Italy in Westchester. So many projects sabbatical leave from Together the talented team also organize Italian citizens of the world photography workshops. “We show people my job in New York to So the Eternal City and “the City” come how to photograph the city of Rome: where live here for a year. And together in the life of Mauro and Claudia, to stand and, most importantly, where and in their love, as well as in their continuous how to look.” (To see Mauro Benedetti and then I stayed on ... In search for beauty in both cities. They embody some of his current workshop participants Rome things don’t the new Italian citizens of the world. As does as they explore Rome, see: maurobenphoto. little Ludovico, who, by the way, is featured com. The video on the site is in Italian, but happen at the same fast on the cover of this issue of i-ItalyNY! He’s his workshops and photo tours of Rome are a lively Roman kid with a New York attitude also held in English.) pace as in New York, but ... not to mention an Abruzzese grandfather Future projects include expanding their on the other hand, and an American grandmother awaiting him workshops to embrace a more spiritual in Yonkers. ●● element via creation of a special website living here has given that pairs teachers and students in a broad me the opportunity to range of workshop topics. The idea behind this is that, as Italy transforms and adapts to pursue many different * Rome-based American expat Judith Harris has the digital world, many people are becoming projects. worked for major American, English and Italian hungry to learn new techniques and new newspapers, TV and radio stations for forty years. subjects; this project will match students — Claudia She has written a weekly column for i-Italy.org with the more knowledgeable,” said Claudia. since its inception.

22 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org An Agreeable Pope and a Disagreeable Clergy?

by Gennaro Matino *

The pope speaks, newspapers make provide implemented directions, rigorously activities. There is a law, but does the Vatican Aheadlines of his strong words – at times structured projects and clearly defined pastoral control the financial statements of the diocese? de-contextualizing them – and priests and the itineraries. Does it control their spending? And the Curia Church end up on trial every day, with the result I am not here to list all of Francis’s past that are put in charge of accompanying priests in of putting the popular Pope and unpopular comments, spoken in a revolutionary attempt asset management? And then who controls the clergy into the public eye. to change the Church; on divorce and marriage, controllers? Many of the children of the Church, There are those who will certainly say that we on family, on homosexuals, on politics, on the of evangelizers and pastoral workers, still have a Pope who speaks clearly, directly and role of women and laics in the church, and experience the Charism of the sending and the frankly and that this is most certainly a good finally on the poverty of priests and the need mission with great emotional momentum. For thing, but it is important this reason I think that to pay attention to it is too easy to blame the literary style of his priests if the Church speeches and understand doesn’t work. They if his exhortations can certainly still claim are then accordingly some responsibility, accompanied by though I believe that deliberations. if the priests and the I would welcome this parishes scattered prophetic pastoral around the country strategy if the church were to disappear the community were many joints of pastoral advantaged as a result, charity, the incessant even though the service of aid to the least purification of morals – fortunate and the state which the church desires of social assistance in – cannot be achieved Italy and even more simply by a striking so in Naples would sermon. I’m not saying collapse. that Francis is wrong and I’m not saying that the to purify the Church from its riches. In fact the By any means, we must recognize that the much- Church doesn’t need to reform; in fact I think that important themes that the pope confronts in needed structural reform that would make the a reform of the pastoral structures of governance his apostolic letters have certainly shaken the ecclesiastical institution more independent, in the Church is indeed inevitable and entirely laic and ecclesiastical world, at the very least as called for by the Second Vatican Council, is necessary for its survival. But I question whether for the language used. But to run this risk too still struggling to emerge. But the responsibility a lecturing and an exhortation – albeit provoking much means that these single phrases – good is not primarily at the base. The Church is by – will serve to revolutionize ancient and intentions left to the free implementation- nature hierarchical and it has laws that must be consolidated practices. interpretation of bishops, who transfer followed and respected, and if it didn’t have them The ecclesial world is complex, structured by a their definition to the territories under their it would have the task and the duty – for the good thousand joints and well beyond the individual jurisdiction; without a constitutional structure, of the faithful and the fidelity to the Gospel – of will of single pastoral workers. What further without a legal definition, without a final decree setting them itself for the better functioning of damages the governing structure is the lack of an – end up being brandished on the front pages its structure. The duty of whoever rules is to implemented plan, understood and shared, of its of newspapers. Even more so when the laws advise, accompany, rebuke, correct but then he governance. The fact that every territory, diocese already exist, when the decrees are already must decide, declare and confirm that what he or parish is placed under the rule of a leader implemented and are not respected. has decreed becomes successful, without then that is both unquestionable and untouchable I’m thinking about how much the Second leaving to the good will of certain figures the task makes the transparency of acts and the courage Vatican Council has decided with respect to and duty of deciding for themselves and then for invention difficult. Above all, it is almost the image of the Church, I’m thinking of the being held responsible for either the good or the impossible to comply with rules when they are diocesan and parish pastoral councils and that bad outcome. entirely devoid of verification. of Economic Affairs which could have changed Laws that are just, respected and verified make the faces of the diocese and parishes. All that * Gennaro Matino teaches Theology and History structures. Not everything can depend on was needed was to see if they worked, if they of Christianity in Naples. He collaborates extensively Canon Law, but those who govern – and this existed, if they had clear financial statements of with both traditional and new media. is valid even for the Pope – have the duty to apostolic and also economic and administrative

www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 23 ITALIAN CULTURE AT HOME IN NEW YORK LA CULTURA ITALIANA A NEW YORK

ITALIAN CULTURE AT HOME IN NEW YORK LA CULTURA ITALIANA A NEW YORK

The largest university-wide research institute

in the Americas24 West 12th Street, dedicated New York, NY, 10011 to the study of the Italianwww.CasaItalianaNYU.org American experience

24 West 12th Street www.casaitalianaNYU.org

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The largest university-wide research institute in the Americas dedicated to the study of the Italian American experience

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The largest university-wide research institute in the Americas dedicated to the study of the Italian American experience The Institute publishes three books series and a scholarly journal, Italian American Review. The Historical Monograph Series rescues from oblivion texts that have fallen out of print. Transactions publishes studies that are longer than the usual journal article but shorter than a monograph. Studies in Italian Americana publishes full-length books, be they single- 24 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyauthoredNY.com or collections of essays. www.i-Italy.org

qcpages.qc.edu/calandra

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The Institute publishes three books series and a scholarly journal, Italian American Review. The Historical Monograph Series rescues from oblivion texts that have fallen out of print. Transactions publishes studies that are longer than the usual journal article but shorter than a monograph. Studies in Italian Americana publishes full-length books, be they single- authored or collections of essays. 24 West 12th Street www.casaitalianaNYU.org

The Institute publishes three books series and a scholarly journal, Italian American Review. 06-13_SERVIZI.indd 11 1/22/13 1:58 AM The Historical Monograph Series rescues from oblivion texts that have fallen out of print. qcpages.qc.edu/calandra Transactions publishes studies that are longer than the usual journal article but shorter than a monograph. Studies in Italian Americana publishes full-length books, be they single- authored or collections of essays. 24 West 12th Street www.casaitalianaNYU.org

42-45_Bookshelf.indd 42 1/22/13 2:18 AM 06-13_SERVIZI.indd 11 qcpages.qc.edu/calandra 1/22/13 1:58 AM

42-45_Bookshelf.indd 42 1/22/13 2:18 AM ● ● MY MENTORS 7 / PATRIZIA DI CARROBIO Passionate Curiosity

Lucia Pasqualini What struck me most about Patrizia, from Patrizia di Carrobio and Lucia Pasqualini the very first time I met her, was her natural by Lucia Pasqualini * born in Canada to Italian parents, lived for curiosity for unknown many years in Brussels and, after marrying, ●● Before transferring from China to moved to New York where she has lived for situations. I was im- New York I thought that everything would almost her entire life. Ever since leaving be much easier: no problems with the China, I could not stop talking about it, and pressed by her open- language, no big adjustments to a different that night was no exception, as Patrizia was culture. I was wrong. New York was tough, genuinely curious about my experiences mindedness. … she was much tougher than I’d ever imagined. Even there. I look back on that night as the first though when I first arrived in Beijing I could time that I felt at ease since I had arrived in open to diversity as barely express myself with my very limited New York. It was a very pleasant evening. only a true citizen of Chinese and I did not know how to move There was an instant connection between around the city, after a short while I got used the two of us. That is how Patrizia and I the world can be. to my new world. My Chinese improved, and became friends. I discovered a universal language consisting What struck me most about Patrizia, from of gestures and smiles. In New York, on the very first time I met her, was her natural loved it just as much as I have always loved the contrary, I realized that knowing the curiosity for unknown situations and her it. That night indelibly marked the beginning language was not enough to communicate friendly, straight-forward attitude, traits of our friendship. with people. It took me some time to settle that have fascinated and influenced me in the city and begin to find my way. One very deeply. I remember that after some Reiscovering an Italian dimension person was instrumental in this process and time in New York, my Chinese friend Vickie For many years Patrizia has not had much gradually, spontaneously showed me how to Kan was visiting and had invited me to a contact with the Italian community of approach New York by opening my mind to party organized by her renowned sister Yue New York. She has never lived for long the infinite opportunities all around me. Sai. Given Patrizia’s curiosity about China, periods of time in Italy and her world has I thought she would have loved to get to gravitated around a rather international A natural curiosity for anything know my Beijing friend, and I invited her to community. I gradually introduced Patrizia unknown come along to the party. She accepted right to a more Italian dimension, and she was A few months after my arrival I was invited away even though she did not know the very pleased about getting to know it. It to a dinner where Patrizia was among the host or what kind of guests were attending. was as if she had suddenly felt the need to guests. A precious stones dealer, Patrizia Nonetheless she was open to diversity as reconnect with her roots, which she has started her career at Christie’s, where only a true citizen of the world can be. I was never completely pulled up; she spends all she became the first woman auctioneer impressed by Patrizia’s open-mindedness. I her summers in Sicily. At the same time, in the jewelry department. Now she is an brought her into a truly Chinese world that Patrizia spontaneously became my point of entrepreneur in the business. She was she had never experienced before and she reference and guided me through the many www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 25 situations I was faced with in New York. For many years Thanks to her I broadened my perspective and adopted a much more open-minded Patrizia has not philosophy toward life. She inspired me to had much contact with grow by helping me look inside myself and recognize my mistakes. the Italian community Elegant simplicity of New York and her Patrizia is a highly sophisticated yet at Adamczyk Iwona by Photo world has gravitated the same time unpretentious woman, a contrast I love. Despite being a “lady of the around a rather diamonds,” she rarely wears precious stones international herself. She only wears a very peculiar, nearly unnoticeable square diamond on her community. I gradually little finger to contrast the colored Swatch watch on her wrist. Diamonds and precious introduced her to a stones should not only be considered a form more Italian dimension of investment. Rather they should help us feel better and more beautiful. Every object, and she was very regardless of its value, can have the same pleased about getting effect. That’s her theory. Every day she walks from the Upper East Side where she lives to know it. It was as if down to her office in Midtown. She is always very elegant in her simplicity, sporting one she had suddenly felt of her numerous, variously colored pairs the need to reconnect of Toms’ shoes and toting her usual light backpack. When it rains you will find her with her roots . wearing a baseball cap and a Uniqlo’s coat. would make the perfect addition to Grazia At the same time, Under these layers she is always impeccably D’Annunzio’s fantastic presentation series dressed. Her style defines her true essence. AdDressing style at Casa Zerilli-Marimò, so Patrizia spontaneously I introduced Patrizia to the Casa’s director, Supporting young talents Stefano Albertini, and after few months became my point of Patrizia loves to organize events and Stefano asked Grazia to present Patrizia’s reference and guided concerts at her place. Her home is a harbor, book. Surprisingly, Grazia had already read a place of interesting and incredible it, and said that she would love to meet me through the many encounters. Music is at the center of her Patrizia! It was an incredible coincidence situations I was faced life and the frequent presence of marvelous and the beginning of a new, beautiful pianist and friend Mark Markham makes friendship. with in New York. her evenings even more special. She gets pure satisfaction in assisting young artists Missions-in-common and talented people who need advice and I had a lot of fun with Patrizia, and my he knew the designer. Saracino had already support. She is a generous mentor for experience in New York would not be the worked for Eni. Fate? I don’t know, but had everybody in need. Despite traveling a lot same without her. We shared projects and Patrizia not urged me to take action, I would for work, she is extremely efficient and friends and our lives intersected for four never have mentioned Antonio’s project to plans everything weeks in advance. Over years, almost becoming one. Year after Stefano. That was one of Patrizia’s many the years I have come to know when she’ll year, our group of friends and missions- great lessons: be curious and believe in be in New York and how to arrange our in-common grew. I remember very vividly yourself. meetings. When she was in town we often when she called me one night to tell me My friends are now Patrizia’s friends, and walked together down Madison Avenue and that she had seen the designer Antonio they continue to see each other. Patrizia had breakfast at the little coffee shop Bel Pio Saracino. I met him once at her home. continues to be the link between our two Ami close to the Italian Consulate. During She was enthusiastic about his beautiful worlds and I am happy that she is now our morning sessions we would share project “The Guardians”, two contemporary so deeply involved and committed to our thoughts and discuss our projects. It statues to be placed in Bryant Park, one the Italian Community. I am proud that came naturally for me to want to share my of which was inspired by Michelangelo’s after the passing of the beloved Mariuccia experiences with her and involve her in my David. The idea had come about as part of Zerilli-Marimò, Patrizia decided to make job, such as the time when we planned the the Year of Italian Culture in the United a contribution to her and take the lead in auction for the Gala of Scuola d’Italia. Her States. Nevertheless, Antonio needed to one of the most important Italian cultural approach is professional, and she is detail find a sponsor and Patrizia urged me to centers in New York—the Casa Italiana and goal oriented in the personal realm help him. I was skeptical about what I Zerilli-Marimò of NYU. as well. Life may serve us difficulties and could do, but I assured her that I would try Patrizia’s passionate curiosity has been and obstacles but it is up to us to face them. She my best to help him. I started to talk about continues to be an extraordinary source has always faced her life with courage and the project to anyone I thought might be of inspiration to me. She opened my eyes grace, turning pages and reinventing herself interested in it, but it was not an easy task. and my mind immensely and I will remain as a writer and a new person. Her example Then I met Stefano Lucchini, former head of forever grateful to her. has inspired me tremendously. communication for the Italian oil company Grazie Patrizia, ti voglio bene! ●● When I read her book “Conoscere i gioielli” Eni. I talked to him about the statue and, in (Knowing Jewels), I knew immediately it one of life’s odd coincidences, it turned out * Former Vice Consul in New York

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www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 27 Donald Trump Silvio Berlusconi ● ● ITALIAN-AMERICAN VOTERS BEFORE THE TRUMP PHENOMENON Explaining Italo-Trumpism

There is no shortage of Italian and Italian- seen as a somewhat perverse version of Silvio Berlusconi; a super-rich businessman, American comparisons to Trump in the press, who knew how to use the media, and who promised to make Italy great again via a “new from Silvio Berlusconi to Benito Mussolini to Italian miracle.” Having more than enough unflattering details, the similarities in their Frank L. Rizzo. But while many current Italian- mutually repugnant views of women and American politicians may favor Trump, there immigrants were left for a subsequent column, is also another side to the story... I suppose, on why “Italy Feels Our Pain.” It is not difficult to explain Trump’s exalted place in Presidential preference polls among by Jerry Krase * but since the U.S. Presidential campaign more or less likely Italian American voters. season began in earnest I’ve added “Lean Italian Americans have been moving over into ●● Every few years, because it makes little Forward” MSNBC and “All the news that’s the Republican and more Conservative ranks sense also to me, I feel the need to explain fit to print” The New York Times to my list of as registered voters for some time. Even when American politics to Italians and Italian unreliable sources. registered as Democrats (DINOs – Democrats In Americans alike. This year the center of my One Salon.com writer, Fedja Buric, thought Name Only) or simply “independent” they list attention is the inordinate support expressed Trump might be channeling Benito Mussolini, starboardly. There’s is not an ethnic preference by Italian Americans for the presumptive and with Trump’s chin skyward profile he vote. Today’s Italian American voters were as Republican Party Presidential candidate “The” might have a point. In “Trump’s not Hitler, likely to vote for their semi-co-ethnic Bill De Donald Trump. Thank God, for me it is only he’s Mussolini,” Buric also argued that the Blasio as for Barack Obama. His name also half of a reality check. A major part of the anti-intellectualism of the Republican Party ended in a vowel but many Italian Americans problem of deciphering his Italo-appeal is the has led to a modern fascist movement in I have had the pleasure (?) to meet continue to Huuuuge mountain of pseudo-journalistic America. Less ominously, Alan Rappeport of believe, as does birther Trump, that our current effluence that has inundated American The New York Times wrote that The Trumpster President is a Kenyan-born Muslim. mass media about the Trumpster. In the was “… reviving memories of someone who In my experience, where Staten Island (La entertainment business, and therefore it stirred local passions like few others: Frank L. Bella Isola) goes, so does the Italian vote. With follows—American politics —there is no such Rizzo of Philadelphia.” The popularity of the about a half a million residents, Staten Island thing as bad coverage even when it stinks to “Big Bambino” Mayor was based on his take is the most conservative borough in New high heavens. In the past I only complained no prisoners attitude toward law-breakers, as York City. As evidence, La Bella Isola has been in writing about the likes of the “Fair and well as social activists, and the noncompliant trying, unsuccessfully, to secede from the Balanced” Fox News and the “News doesn’t press. Most recently in the Times Frank Bruni “too liberal” Gotham City since the 1970s. In have to be boring to be news,” New York Post, provided the Italian take on Trump who is 1993, 65 percent of its voters said, “yes, we can

28 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org National; and Geert Wilders, the Dutch politician who single-headedly changed the perception of Holland as a leading nation of tolerance. Last but not the least is, on the order of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean News Agency, the Democratic Republic of Korea Today.

I am a supporter of Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Senator who is proud to call himself a Socialist. Most New York’s Italian American voters feel slight connection to him or those found in Gerald Meyer’s The Lost World of Italian American Radicalism: Politics, Labor, and Culture (Greenwood 2003). According to Meyer “Radicalism had a powerful but largely unacknowledged influence in the Italian-American community.” His book tried to “restore to Italian-American history the radical experience that has long remained suppressed, but that nevertheless helped shape both the Italian-American community and the American left.” Chief among New Benito Mussolini Frank L. Rizzo York City’s Italian American leftist heroes was Harlem Congressman Vito Marcantonio (1935 -37, 1939-1945). Ironically, Vito ran first (leave)” in a 1993 referendum. According to Given this Italic rightward lean, one might as a Republican when it was a “progressive” Politico, in Staten Island: “The mostly white, ask who are the most prominent of New York party, and later with the Social Party splinter middle- and working-class Republican voters Italian Americans supporters of The Donald? —the American Labor Party (ALP). Fiorello here have embraced the brash, Queens-born Googling on The Web I found, among many LaGuardia also was supported by the ALP. mogul as a hometown hero. So have some of others, Ex-America’s Mayor and failed 2008 Current Trumpers, NYC Council Members the top GOP officials on the island, including Presidential candidate Mayor Rudy Giuliani; Vincent Ignizio and Joe Borelli, contrast Councilman Joe Borelli, who’s become a go-to real estate mogul and failed New York State sharply with Peter Cacchione, a Brooklyn Trump surrogate on national television…” As Gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino; as Communist Party City Councilman, who to Borough or Countywide elected officials I well as current New Jersey Governor and Meyer wrote “… strengthened the presence think only one is a Democrat and he, ex- failed Republican Presidential candidate Chris of the left within New York City’s Italian Congressman Michael McMahon, also tilts Christie. Trump also has local support in the American communities.” Cacchione, popular much of the time to the right. As to prominent form of Republican Party Chairmen Arnaldo among Italian Brooklynites, was elected to Italian American elected officials representing Ferraro (Kings County—AKA Brooklyn), John three consecutive terms (1941 - 1947). Staten Islanders who are more likely to upset LaValle (Suffolk County—AKA White-Landia), Trump’s bandwagon than jump on it are New Joseph Mondello (Nassau County —AKA There is another element that must be York State Assemblyman Matthew Titone and White-Landia) and Nassau County Executive considered as to why Italian Americans, New York Sate Senator Diane Savino. Ed Mangano. especially Italian American men, support As to the confirmation of my earlier prediction; Donald Trump. A constant theme is how in the April 16, 2016 Republican Presidential Among entertainment luminaries is Scott he “speaks his mind,” “doesn’t take crap Primary about 80% of Staten Island’s Baio, AKA “Chachi (Ciacci) Arcola.” The from anybody,” and “says out loud what we Republican voters thought Donald Trump most controversial public figure is probably are thinking.” Despite all the distance that should be become the Leader of Free World, Joe Arpaio, “America’s Toughest” Sheriff of Italian Americans have travelled as far as and when necessary make decisions about Maricopa County, Arizona who, according education, income, and prestige “we” still whom to nuke. This was about the same to RealClear Politics, re-endorsed Trump at carry the scars of the poor and working outcome in other more or less identifiable a Las Vegas rally in February mumbling in class cultures in which we and/or our Italian American voting areas in New York part: “What I like about him, he tells it like it parents, and definitely our grandparents State. is, most politicians, they are very politically were raised. To quote one of “our” greatest correct, have you noticed? Nobody says cultural heroes: In contrast, all of the full and partial Italian anything, I can never understand. I can Americans in my immediate family voted in understand when he talks, some may not For what is a man, what has he got? the Democratic Presidential Primary for Bernie like it but that’s tough...” Arpaio is not bright If not himself, then he has naught Sanders (whose name like Barack’s ends in a enough to understand that the HUUUUGE To say the things he truly feels vowel). I had predicted he would get practically wall built by the Mexican government will and not the words of one who kneels bupkis (niente di niente) when it comes to Italian probably put him out of the job by keeping out The record shows I took the blows and did it my way! American voters. Bernie stopped for a visit Mexicans. with one of my neighbors on Ninth Street in However, the Frank Sinatra song I wish hyper-gentrified Park Slope, Brooklyn on his As for international supporters of Donald more Italian Americans would sing today is: way to a HUUUGE rally in Prospect Park that Trump there are many fellow anti-immigrant was steps away from my house. I didn’t get to Know Nothingers such as Matteo Salvini, The house I live in, a plot of earth, a street the rally but did manage to get a “FUTURE TO leader of the Italian secessionist Lega Nord; The grocer and the butcher, and the people that I meet BELIEVE IN” (UN FUTURO IN CUI CREDERE) sign Frenchman Jean-Marie le Pen founder The children in the playground, the faces that I see for my front window. and former leader of the neo-fascist Front All races and religions, that’s America to me! www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 29 www.eatalyny.com

EAT BETTER, LEARN BETTER July 19, 6:30PM - 8:00PM CHEF’S TABLE Perfect Pairings - $100 June 14, 6:30PM - 8:00PM July 21, 6:30PM - 8:00PM June 25, 6:30PM - 9:00PM All you Need to Know About Meat Il Primo Piatto - $100 A 4-Course Midsummer’s Night Dinner - $125 with Pat LaFrieda - $110 July 26,6:30PM - 8:00PM June 30, 6:30PM - 8:30PM June 20, 6:00PM - 8:00PM Market Math: Making the Most of Your Summer Seafood Feast - $125 La Scuola’s Master Class - $125 Summer Produce - $100 July 16, 6:30PM - 8:30PM June 21, 6:30PM - 8:00PM July 30,1:00PM - 2:30PM Chef’s Table: Summer on Lake Como - $125 Il Secondo Piatto - $100 Gelato, Granita & Sorbetto - $75 July 27, 6:30PM - 8:30PM June 23, 6:30PM - 8:00PM August 4, 6:30PM - 8:00PM A 4-Course Dinner From Around the Boot of Italy - $125 Feeding the Heart Cooking for a Crowd - $100 August 13, 6:30PM - 8:30PM with Cesare Casella - $110 August 5,6:30PM - 8:00PM A 4-Course Dinner Celebrating Ferragosto - $125 June 29, 6:30PM - 8:00PM The Cooking of Florence & Siena - $100 August 18, 6:30PM - 8:30PM Anatomy of the Antipasto - $100 August 6, 1:00PM - 2:30PM A 4-Course Dinner Celebrating Summer in Amalfi - $125 July 6, 6:30PM - 8:00PM Brunch “all’ Italiana” - $100 Lots of Mozz(arella) - $100 July 7, 6:30PM - 8:00PM DRINK BETTER, LEARN BETTER The Art of Summer Risotto - $100 July 8, 6:30PM - 8:00PM June 9, 6:30PM - 8:30PM Garden of Eataly - $100 How to Host a Wine Tasting Party with Dan Amatuzzi July 9, 1:00PM - 2:30PM COPY OF THE BOOK INCLUDED! - $95 Formaggio & Vino del Nord - $75 June 24, 6:30PM - 8:00PM July 9, 6:30PM - 8:00PM June 25, 1:00PM - 2:30PM Summer Seafood - $100 June 26, 1:00PM - 2:30PM This is only a selectionof the July 11, 6:30PM - 8:00PM EATALY’S CRUSH COURSE IN WINE: Everything You events at La Scuola di Eataly. Veg Out: Seasonal Vegetarian Cooking - $75 Wanted To Know About Wine - 3 parts - $90 each For more info check the website: July 16, 1:00PM - 2:30PM www.eataly.com/nyc-school Sunday Suppers - $100 Events This is only a selection of the forthcoming Italian events in New York. For the full calendar point and shoot with your smartphone, or go to www.i-italy.org

Conferences Book Arts & Cinema Music & Food Fashion

legend & Seminars presentation Exhibits & Theatre Concerts & Wine & Design

● ● MEET GIORGIO SPANU, THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF CASA ITALIANA ZERILLI-MARIMÒ Let’s Bring the Casa on Every Screen!

contemporary artists in our country are truly exceptional. I became interested in them by collecting... In fact, we initially began collecting Murano glass.

So Murano glass marked the

Photo by Lorenzo Lasagna Lorenzo by Photo birth of your passion...

Once again I have to thank my wife, because she was the first to pick out Murano glass at an auction. Back then there were no real detailed catalogs of the works, so we started cataloguing everything made in Murano from 1910 to the 1990s. We discovered all these artists through that process, including Carlo Scarpa, who had worked intensely for Venini and eventually became its artistic director for many years. Then Giorgio Spanu on i-Italy | TV there was Gio’ Ponti and Scan the QR code to watch this interview or go to YouTube.com/iitaly the great Massimo Vignelli, who has been of immense importance to us. He meant a by Stefano Albertini* Following the recent passing of its beloved founder, lot to us. And to our cultural Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò, the prestigious Casa education. Massimo was a ●● Let’s start with your (clearly Italiana of New York University elected as its new friend, an instigator, a mentor, Sardinian) last name. Tell president Giorgio Spanu—a longtime member of the a brother, a father. He helped us about your origins, your us design our first exhibit and education and training, what board who, along with his wife Nancy Olnick, has become my book Murano: Glass from the your cultural interests are. an enthusiastic proponent and collector of modern and Olnick Spanu Collection, which contemporary art. Here Spanu discusses his new served as a companion to our I was born in the province of responsibility as well as his lifelong passion for Italian various shows in America. Iglesias in the 1950s. I studied culture with Casa Director Professor Stefano Albertini. We had 12 shows in the US, in Cagliari and then at the one of which later traveled University of Pisa. I got my start to Spazio Oberdan in Milan, a in France with the Hachette acquaintances remark upon is contemporary art, especially space designed by architect Gae Group, specifically in the field your passion for contemporary after seeing a Paul Klee exhibit. Aulenti. From there the exhibit of communications. Then I Italian art. A passion you Since then I started to pay returned to the US and traveled came to the United States share with your wife. How did attention to what was being to many institutions and where since the late 80s I’ve that passion come about? Was made both in Italy and abroad. museums, the last one at the been helping my wife Nancy there a specific turning point? Meeting Nancy in New York manage a real estate practice. has me often going back to * Clinical Associate Professor of As a student in Florence Italy to see what is being Italian; Director of Casa Italiana The main thing your the 1970s, I fell in love with done today. I have to say that Zerilli-Marimò, NYU. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 31 Events

I will expand programs relating to contemporary art, including painting and sculpture, and I would like for students as well as big art collectors to become better aware of what is happening in Italy now. I really want to make that message more widely known, bring it to every screen, render it visible everywhere.

From left to right: Francesco Genuardi, Consul General of Italy in New York; Prof. Stefano Albertini, Director of Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò; ; Armando Varricchio, Ambassador of Italy to the United States; Giorgio Spanu , Chairman of the Spanu Art Program. It’s located Board, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, NYU. in Garrison, about an hour from New York, close to our Metropolitan Museum, which contemporary Italian art in all European – art, which focused house. A property of around dedicated two shows to the its forms: sculpture, painting, on the mid-90s up. It was 370 acres. We’ve established collection: one to Carlo Scarpa installation. How did you the Arte Povera Group born in a program that allows an and one to the architect Buzzi. develop that collection? Turin, and a group of young Italian artist to come live artists, of which there are with us and create, develop Your passion evolved from Initially it was a collection of now ten, that helped us and install a work of art on glass to encompassing American – and, naturally, develop a program: the Olnick the property.

Italy on the go: on cable, on the air, on the Web & on your iphone.

That’s right. You can catch us every Sunday at 1 pm on NYCTV Channel 25 (Time Warner – Verizon FiOS – RCN – Comcast – DirecTV & on air) or Channel 22 (Cablevision). And if you miss an episode, you can still download our free iphone app from iTunes and connect to any HD television with your Apple TV device. Got it? Buona visione!

32 | i-Italy NY | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Events

well aware, the French ruled Everything is over the European cultural done through landscape here in New York. screens today: What new things should our whether it’s an board members, friends, and iPhone, an iPad or a audiences expect from Casa? computer. What I will expand programs relating we’ve started doing to contemporary art, including —recording every- painting and sculpture, and thing and uploading I would like for students as well as big art collectors to it online—is extraor- become better aware of what is dinary, and we have happening in Italy now. I really to keep doing it. want to make that message more widely known, bring it to every screen, render it visible It’s a very ambitious and everywhere. Liuzzo & Associates is dedicated to securing beautiful project. A necessary nonimmigrant working visas and status, U.S. one from the perspective Bring it to every screen – that’s of those who, like me, are interesting. Over the last permanent residence, corporate compliance focused on the diffusion of few years Casa has tried to programs, citizenship, naturalization, and Italian culture in the United focus on all things pertaining expatriation matters for its clients. As a firm States. to new technology, audio- visual apparatuses, video whose practice is exclusively focused on U.S. We bought an old factory recordings… We’re the only Immigration and Naturalization law, we and decided to construct an entity in the US that records successfully represent all foreign individuals adjacent building that will serve all of our programs and makes and corporate entities. From artists to to house our collection as well them available for free on the as thematic exhibits featuring web. I’ve found in you an ally multinational corporate executives, Liuzzo & our young artists-in-residence. for these high-tech proposals. Associates assists its clients in determining It will also function as a library, Like me, you believe that Casa the most appropriate and efficient strategy to because we want all Italian art is wonderful as is but that it’s books to be here in the US and also important for it to stretch meet their objectives. get translated. It’s important beyond these walls. Given the prominence of immigration issues to facilitate knowledge so in today’s political climate, recent arrivals to that Americans can grow Everything is done through increasingly close to our art. screens today: whether the U.S. are in need of reliable and We would like it to become a it’s an iPhone, an iPad or a comprehensive advice upon which to base center dedicated entirely to computer. What we’ve started their future plans. Liuzzo & Associates is contemporary art from the doing – recording everything ideally positioned at the forefront of second part of the 20th century and uploading it online – is in the United States. extraordinary, and we have immigration regulatory changes, keeping pace to keep doing it. The website with evolving laws as well as our clients’ Let’s talk about Casa Italiana. is great and easy to navigate expectations. You’ve recently been elected but I’d like to see there be – unanimously – to chair our more things pertaining to board of directors. But your contemporary art and our relationship to Casa goes way exhibits. The exhibitions back. You’ve been on our board organized by Isabella del from the beginning. Frate are all beautiful and interesting. We have to make Practically since Casa was them even more broadly born. I met the Baroness known; their art must become Mariuccia Zerilli Marimo when increasingly accessible… in I was looking for a school for honor of our dear Baroness, my daughter Stella. We had who I think is following us decided to send her to the closely and listening to us word Scuola d’Italia “Guglielmo by word... ●● One Penn Plaza, Suite 2016 • New York, NY 10119 Marconi.” The baroness was on Tel: 212.736.2100 • Fax: 212.736.2159 the school’s board. She asked [email protected] • www.liuzzolaw.com me to become a part of Casa. I was especially fascinated by the Download our Baroness herself: her manner, iPhone app her strength, her drive to make Italian culture known. As you’re www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 33 Events ➜ Calendar

● Fascism and the 1938 race laws dramatically changed the scientific daily Until July 8 research and academic communities. Guarnieri focuses on its psycho- calendar It Occurs To Me That logical effects, from the movement’s promising origins to the end of WWII. I Am America He tracks the journeys of scholars like Renata Calabresi and Enzo Bo- June 17 Italian Cultural Institute Eight Italian artists and naventura, who emigrated to the 686 Park Avenue four curators speak to United States and Palestine, respec- ◗ Luca Ciarla: Violin, www.iicnewyork.esteri.it/ contemporary art in New tively. Guarnieri also investigates the IIC_NewYork/ Vocals, Live Loops & York in an exhibit which casts a help such men received from antifas- Electronics spotlight on artists and curators cist and Zionist networks as well as 6:30 pm who, for all their aesthetic differences, have all spent years ex- international organizations. Some Italian Cultural Institute of New succeeded, some didn’t, and next to ploring the city in their work. The spirit of the show is embodied York, 686 Park Avenue none returned. (With the participa- by Allen Ginsberg’s 1956 poem “America,” in which the Beat Gen- ◗ iicnewyork.esteri.it/IIC_Newyork tion of Guido Calabresi). ● Italian musician Luca Ciarla re- eration guru ironically probed America’s post-WWII generation. draws the borders of jazz violin with This group of expat artists poses similar political and cultural questions his loop pedal, voice and electron- about a country toward which they feel a belonging, even if by adoption July 7 ics. He performs each role live, one only, as the Cultural Institute seeks to spark a conversation between them. by one, playing his instrument like a Ludovica Capobianco, Alessandro Facente, Veronica Santi and Giulia Italian Art & Artist: guitar, bass or percussion, unearth- Trabaldo Togna came together to choose works whose focus was uni- Modigliani ing new improvisations and virtuoso fied yet diverse. The large luminous rooms on Park Avenue afford 6:00 pm Westchester Italian Cultural passages. In this imaginative land- 360-degree views of these stylistically, linguistically, dimensionally scape, Luca also sings, whistles, and Center, 24 Depot Square, different artworks. dabbles in other little instruments… Tuckanhoe ike the more descriptive creations of photographer Re- ◗ the music keeps evolving in this as- http://wiccny.org tonishing one-man band! nato D’Agostin and painter Matteo Callegari. Or Arianna ● Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian LCarossa’s site-specific installation, which speaks equally artist who worked mainly in France. to spectators and the space itself. Gian Maria Tosatti’s Polaroids, Primarily a figurative artist, he be- June 23 on the other hand, explore the relationship between architec- came known for paintings and sculpture and visual art, while Maria Domenica Rapicavoli, Danilo tures in a modern style, characterized Tour & Tea At Correale and Andrea Mastrovito make more politically engaged by mask-like faces and elongation of Caramoor House & contributions. And Alessandro Del Pero revisits classical art. form. He became the epitome of the Garden Variety exists among the four curators too, who have followed very tragic artist, creating a posthumous 11:15 am legend almost as well known as that different career paths. There are those who, like Alessandro Facente, Westchester Italian Cultural of van Gogh. His manner of paint- take a more academic approach to art; others more closely involved Center, 24 Depot Square, ing landscapes is similar to Chagall’s in the market and the art gallery scene, like Ludovica Capobianco; Tuckanhoe achievement, yet he was a real mas- ◗ http://wiccny.org still others like Giulia Trabaldo Togna who look at contemporary art ter of the female body. His surreal ● Setting foot on the grounds of the from a modern perspective; and finally those who represent the more portraits earned him widest acclaim. Caramoor House and Garden, you’re independent, less institutional side of curating, like Veronica Santi. greeted by Mediterranean-style architecture surrounded by 90 acres of July 10 cultivated and natural beauty. Ventur- ing indoors, you’ll find fine decorative CIMA Field Trip: Asian and Renaissance art. You can Depero Puppet also absorb the richness of a bygone Plays At Bard era by touring the Rosen House and Summerscape enjoying a delightful tea break in the 9:30 am - 7:00 pm house’s summer dining room that CIMA - Center for Italian Modern overlooks the romantic Spanish Court- Art, 421 Broome Street yard. Tea includes a variety of sand- ◗ italianmodernart.org wiches, scones, delicious desserts and ● Join CIMA for a special excursion to a variety of fragrant teas all served in Bard Summerscape to see Demolishing the most exquisite vintage china. Everything with Amazing Speed, a surreal puppet fantasia based on four wild and beautiful plays written in 1917 by June 29 the Italian futurist artist Fortunato Depero, created by award-winning Patrizia Guarneri puppeteer Dan Hurlin. Translated, Book Presentation designed, and directed by Dan Hurlin. 6:30 pm Original Music by Dan Moses Schrei- Italian Cultural Institute of New er. Created by the ensemble Produced Andrea Mastrovito, American Philosophy of Composition, 2008 York, 686 Park Avenue by MAPP International Productions. ◗ iicnewyork.esteri.it/IIC_Newyork Word Premiere.

34 | i-Italy NY | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Events ➜ Calendar

● This groundbreaking exhibition considers the ever-evolving ongoing Until July 17 identities of Rome during a piv- otal period in the city’s history, events Franco Costalonga: 1770–1870, when it was transformed from a Papal State to the Revolution capital of a unified, modern nation. Venerable monuments were Until Jul 30 GR Gallery The exhibition Revolu- demolished to make way for gov- 255 Bowery tion focus on the artist’s ernment ministries and arteries of ◗ Gianantonio Abate: gr-gallery.com most kinetic works, pow- commerce. Building projects and “Everything Is ered by motors and illuminated improvements in archaeological Illuminated” by light bulbs, such as “Riflex” and techniques revealed long forgot- Ierimonti Gallery, ten remnants of the ancient me- “Oggetti Cromocinetici.” Kinetic art, or kineticism, is an international 24W 57th Street tropolis. A tourist’s itinerary could movement that refers to art of both real and apparent motion. Its ◗ ierimontigalleryusa.com include magnificent ruins, eccle- core proponents were artists fascinated by the possibilities of move- ● Gianantonio Abate is an Italian siastical edifices, scenic vistas, artist who began exhibiting in the ment in art and its potential to create new and more interactive picturesque locales, fountains, 80s, gaining notoriety with a group relationships with the viewer. Kineticism went beyond the bound- gardens, and side trips to the sur- known as the New Futurists. Soon aries of traditional, handcrafted, static objects, engaging the view- rounding countryside. after the New Futurists experience, er and encouraging the idea that the beauty of an object could be he set out on a more intimate path manifested through an optical illusion or a mechanical movement. that led him to discover a form of Still producing art to this day, Costalonga’s initial research was first Until Aug 30 “digital” painting. Abate’s work aimed at the investigation of brightness gradients on kinetic objects. strives toward precision, a kind of Vito Acconci: Where hroughout his career, the artist has mainly sought painting of light, shapes, colors and We Are Now (Who to combine art, science and technology in a seam- rhythms, where beauty and wonder Are We Anyway?), less manner. Eventually, he shattered the confine- emerge in a gentle, harmonious way. T MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Part dazzling hallucination and part ments of painting with his chromo kinetic objects, creating Long Island City existential drama, Abate’s art has art that fluidly blends color, light, architecture and sculpture. ◗ momaps1.org increasingly gravitated toward the The artist has received many awards for his contributions to fur- ● As one of the exhibitions celebrat- spiritual dimension, in search of a niture and design. He has also participated in many national and ing the institution’s 40th anniver- self-consciousness that our contem- international art shows, including the 1966 Quadriennale of Rome, sary, MoMA PS1 presents a survey of porary world seems to have lost. The the moving exhibit of the Arts Council in Great Britain, the 1970 early works by Vito Acconci, whose artist spontaneously adopts an atti- Venice Biennale, the Grands et Jeunes d’aujourd’hui - Art cinet- projects exemplify the energy and tude that Nicola Vitale, in his seminal innovation of the decade that pre- ique- Peinture-Sculpture exhibit at the Grand Palais in Paris in essay Solar Figures, called “sunshine.” ceded the museum’s founding in 1972, and the Internationale Kunstmesse-Art5 in Basel in 1974. 1976. Titled after one of his iconic In 1978 he founded the group Verifica 8+1, focusing on concrete and pieces, Vito Acconci:Where We Are Aug 3 - Sep 4 structural art. In the 1980s and 1990s he took part in several Venice Now (Who Are We Anyway?), 1976, is Biennales. He currently lives in Venice. a solo exhibition of early works by Alberto Recchi: the unconventional writer, poet, de- Sexy Sharks signer/architect and performance, Ca’ D’oro Gallery, video and conceptual artist. 529 W 20th Street ◗ ca-doro.com/newyork ● Alberto Recchi is both an explorer Until Sep 30 and an artist whose love for sharks has endeared him to Italian Millen- Spring Sutras nials. His expeditions have become Exhibition photographs, videos, books, an exhibit John Cotton Dana with over 300,000 visitors, and even a Library, 185 University Avenue ◗ musical performed in theaters in Rome libraries.rutgers.edu/ and Milan. With his new exhibit, “Sexy ● On display on the fourth floor of Sharks,” now opening in New York, Rec- the John Cotton Dana Library at chi fishes out creatures from the depths Rutgers University–Newark, Karen of the ocean and his imagination. Guccione’s Spring Sutras features thousands of recycled catalog cards that cascade in hand-sewn, Until Sep 11 brilliantly translucent strands from a two-story-high skylight, City of the Soul: literally brushing shoulders with Rome and the viewers as they move through the Romantics space. Hundreds of faux flowers The Morgan Library and Museum, suspended in the accompanying 225 Madison Avenue Franco Costalonga: Lente Cromocinetica, 2004, display cases fill the gallery with ◗ themorgan.org swaths of vibrant color. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 35 Dining In taking italy to your family table

●● ITALY AT THE NEW YORK SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW 2016: an Inside Look Representing Italy’s Food Products in North America

In this interview, Italian Parma, Fiera di Milano, and Trade Commissioner Fiera di Verona. Furthermore, Maurizio Forte, presents his while the Italian pavillon will welcome about 270 his agency’s mission of companies, the overall Italian representing Italy in one of representation at the show North America’s greatest is even greater as plenty of other Italian producers are specialty food trade shows. participating outside the The Summer Fancy Food pavilion. “Some of them Show is a one of a kind already have local importers,” says Forte, “others are opportunity for Italian food represented by consortia and companies to gain real others yet simply want to access to the ever-changing maintain their individuality and stand on their own.” U.S. market. There, along So overall, Italy is bringing with traditional champions about 500 producers. All of of the Italian food industry, them presenting to buyers and retailers some of the country’s such as Grana Padano and best pastas, cheeses, olive oils, Prosciutto San Daniele, you cured meats, waters, pastries, can find products from juices, and more. Besides gross numbers, the dozens of small, family size of Italy’s participating owned companies. companies is interesting as Furthermore, it is the it reflects the peculiar nature of the food industry in the perfect spot to launch a new country. Indeed, as the Trade capaign against fake Commissioner emphasizes, “Italian sounding” products. the percentage of mass market companies is rather limited. by Natasha Lardera The Summer Fancy Food Show 500 Italian producers (June 26 – 28 in New York’s “As it’s been the case in THE NUMBERS “We must remember that our Javits Center) is not only the the past years, The Italian participation in the Summer largest specialty food trade Trade Commission works This year’s SFFS Fancy Food Show is part of a event in North America but with a group of Italian ● 180,000 products greater initiative, under the also a major showcase of the government and food industry ● 25,000 buyers banner The Extraordinary Italian state of the food industry. organizations, as well as the ● 2,500 exhibitors. Taste, that was developed It brings top producers, Specialty Food Association, by the Ministry of Economic manufacturers, and buyers in putting together an Italian The Italian attendance Development,” Forte explains. together under one roof. The pavilion that is getting bigger ● 270 companies “Attendance at trade shows estimates for this summer’s every year,” Forte continues. ● 500 producers overall is one of our core duties in show is more than 180,000 The Italian agencies involved ● 80% are small- to medium- representing the singularity products, 25,000 buyers, and in this work include include sized companies and quality of Italian food.” 2,500 exhibitors. Federalimentare, Fiera di

36 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

“Let’s say that 80% of all Many exhibitors are small to medium sized companies hailing from Americans all different Italian regions. consumers do try to In attendance there also are eat Italian but are Consortia that come together to either protect of promote unaware of the issue of certain products and there Italian-sounding are local, as well as regional products. Labelled entities such as Chambers of Commerce. They all come with Italian names and together because the U.S. misleading Italian is a key market for Italian words, images or products.” trademarks, these Fighting the “Italian products are simply sounding” phenomenon fake but, in some states American consumers are indeed more and more they are often easier to conscious of what they find than the original are eating, and in terms of ones. It is the so-called premium quality, certified origin, authenticity, and taste, phenomenon of Italian food products satisfy “Italian-sounding” all their needs. “We have conducted a survey and found products. It has been out that Italian food is loved around for ages, some first and foremost because it even say since the end is good, because it gives an idea of family, and because it is of the nineteenth simple and most of all healthy,” century, when Italian Forte tells us. “Italian cuisine emigrants began to follows the Mediterranean eating pattern, and focuses produce food with on natural ingredients and local products and simple flavors. Researches labelled them with the suggest that the benefits of a Mediterranean diet pattern names of the original may include weight loss, Italian ones or with reduced cholesterol levels, images reminiscent of reduced risk of coronary heart disease and of depression. How Italy. It’s easy to be do Italians stay so thin and tricked… happy?” Many Americans consumers however, do try to eat Italian THE VIDEO in cooking demos, or just but are unaware of the issue Three images from the commercial try out the winebar while of Italian-sounding products. created by Italian director and actor exchanging knowledge and Labelled with Italian names Silvio Muccino for the campaign learning about Italian food. “The Extraordinary Italian Taste” and misleading Italian words, “There will be an immense images or trademarks, these variety of products but I believe products are simply fake that close attention must be but, in some states they are paid to extra virgin olive oil,” often easier to find than Scan the QR code Forte emphasizes. “Lately the and watch the the original ones. It is the press has spoken ill of it and video on your so-called phenomenon of smartphone producers have been accused “Italian-sounding” products. of different issues. The truth It has been around for ages, is that, even though there some even say since the end are working hard on spreading to shows like the SFFS is one always are some scoundrels, of the nineteenth century, awareness to more American efficient way to do that.” the production of Italian when Italian emigrants began states and we are focusing on olive oil follows very strict to produce food with local Illinois, California, Texas and Supporting Italy’s EVOO rules, products must undergo products and labelled them the tri-state area. Consumers At the show, the Italian Trade plenty of quality control with the names of the original are willing to buy genuine Commission’s Italian Pavilion processes and the final product Italian ones or with images Italian quality at higher prices, will feature a small lounge is simply excellent. Italian reminiscent of Italy. “It’s easy so our mission is to fill those where trade insiders will olive oil now deserves better to be tricked,” Forte warns, “We market voids. Participation have the chance to participate representation.” ●●

www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 37 Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

● ● 200 ITALIAN CHEFS WHO WORK IN THE BIG APPLE PARTICIPATE TO THE CONTEST The Best Pasta Dish in NYC

Though it may A family of pasta artisans in Gragnano, Naples be ineptly (end of 18th century) criticized by some diets in the United States due to its carbohydrate content, pasta—the products par excellence of Campania and a main ingredient of the Mediterranean Diet— is actually a healthy, tasty, sustainable, democratic and versatile food, as well as being a UNESCO- protected tradition.

The constest During the Le Strade della Mozzarella (LDSM) event in May, a professional panel of judges On the 24th and 25th June, a contest will be held to find the Chefs in New York (AICNY), 200 examined and selected the ten best pasta dish in New York. The initiative comes about Italian chefs who live and work best pasta dishes. The winner will in the best restaurants in the Big be decided from this short-list and thanks to the Italian Association of Chefs in New York and Apple. announced on June 25. the Di Martino family, a pasta producer from Gragnano—a The president, Chef Massimo The judges are made up of both town by Naples also known as The City of Pasta. Carbone, who not long ago Italians and Americans: Giuseppe celebrated the 1st birthday of the Di Martino, CEO of the Di Martino association, welcomed the idea of Group; journalists Luciano by Luciano Pignataro and continues through bringing new recipes to New York Pignataro, Luciana Squadrilli innovation; today Di Martino with great enthusiasm. and Eleonora Cozzella; chef and ●● Talking about Italian food pasta is an authoritative reference writer Faith Willinger; creators of also means talking about Italian point in the world market of Pasta is good for you! the LDSM initiative Albert Sapere tradition, history and family, and Gragnano pasta. Though it may be ineptly and Barbara Guerra; and food it is through these principles that Here 8 million pasta dishes are criticized by some diets in journalists Channally Philipp, Italy stands out. produced every day, exporting the United States due to its Peter Smith and Carole Acunto. the Italian tradition to more than carbohydrate content, pasta The best pasta dish (and the chef From ‘The City of Pasta’ 32 countries. Pasta is produced is actually a healthy, tasty, who created it) will be awarded Gragnano is an Italian town near according to the policy of the IGP sustainable, democratic and 5,000 dollars, a professional Naples, in Campania. It is known (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) versatile food, as well as being a Pentole Agnelli saucepan with throughout Europe as the City of Production Regulations; using UNESCO-protected tradition. an engraved signature, a trip for Pasta, and is indeed the city that only 100% Italian durum wheat Pasta represents one of the two to Gragnano to get to know produces and exports the largest flour and water sourced from products par excellence of the great history of Di Martino amount of pasta in Italy. the Lattari mountains. It must be Campania – the home of IGP pasta, and will be invited to Gragnano pasta is also linked extruded through bronze dies and companies producing high participate as a speaker in the to 500 years of history with dried slowly at a low temperature. quality pasta, a cornerstone of next edition of the Le Strade della extraordinary companies. The Di Martino Pastificio in Italian competence. Mozzarella event. Amongst these is the Di Martino Gragnano can also be credited The chefs participating in the And for all of us there will be new family, who has produced pasta in with creating the Manhattan contest with their own recipes recipes in New York, chosen by Gragnano since 1912. A tradition Award, promoted in collaboration will use over 100 different types of experts – so many delicious pasta that has crossed three generations with the Italian Association of Gragnano Di Martino IGP pasta. dishes to enjoy. Buon appetito! ●●

38 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

cheese—that act with the same mechanism Grana Padano PDO of action as some antihypertensive drugs, such as ramipril, lisinopril and captopril, for example. Not Only Tasty, But Healthy The study began in 2013 in Piacenza, in the Unit of Hypertension at the Guglielmo ● We met Doctor Crippa at Eataly antihypertensive drugs to this trial, da Saliceto Hospital. The research was during the Grana Padano Cheese Health supplementing 1 ounce of Grana Padano carried out after another pilot study that presentation in which he explained to us or a placebo to the diet of patients with produced the same results as those that Dr. the research he has conducted over the arterial hypertension each day for 2 Crippa’s team has obtained today. The only last two years on this type of cheese. The months”. difference is that the placebo wasn’t used. results are remarkable, revealing that blood In other words, Grana Padano cheese According to his results—obtained under pressure can be notably reduced. Don’t you contains some ‘tripeptides’—protein strict investigational measures—the believe us? Read on to believe it. fragments that form during the aging of the supplement significantly reduces blood The saying goes that ‘an apple pressure in hypertensive a day keeps the doctor away’. patients whose blood pressure But what if we said that the is slightly higher than normal. same applies for the dietary Paradoxically, the study is more supplementation of 1 ounce of significant in the United States Grana Padano cheese? These than in Italy. “Americans are findings are confirmed by Dr. very attentive to this type of Giuseppe Crippa, who recently research” Dr. Crippa tells us, came to New York to present “I received a lot of offers to his study to the scientific present my work in the United community during a conference States and I will present it again held by the American Society of in Seoul, Korea. We also expect Hypertension and at Eataly “for to publish it in the biggest non-experts”. magazine on hypertension “In most Italian regions, Grana in the world.” Naturally the Padano cheese is part of an feedback has also been (and still habitual diet and is widely is) extremely good in Italy. If you available throughout the take a look on the Internet you Doctor Giuseppe Crippa at Eataly country. can see that nearly 900 quotes during the Grana Padano Cheese We applied the scientific Health presentation appeared in the first few days methods that are used after the publication of the to evaluate the effects of results.” We are... 200,000 on Facebook just about ;-) i-Italy Rocks! www.facebook.com/iitaly

www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 39 Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

●● MICHAEL WHITE, NEW YORK’S AUTHENTIC AMBASSADOR OF ITALIAN STYLE Learning (and Teaching) How to Become Italian

Musings on how much at Marea fondly. The original non-natives with a robust Italian dishes were perfectly knowledge of the culture and executed by a chef who places importance on using excellent language can help promote and authentic products and the lifestyle, riches, and knows how to combine the beauty of Italy all over the flavors in true Italian fashion. After that lunch, I chose world. to celebrate my husband’s birthday at Marea. By by Lucia Pasqualini night Marea has a unique atmosphere. I like the way ●● I remember vividly the the maître d’ and the waiters first time I lunched at Marea. welcome guests at the entrance I’d heard rave reviews of the and very elegantly guide them restaurant ever since arriving to the table. I have always felt a in New York and was curious to certain kind of magic, a special try it for myself. A few months music emanating from the after settling in, I found an ambience. excuse to go. I can still recall the Over the years Marea became table where I sat with two dear the restaurant closest to my friends and where we received heart and Michael a person who a special visit from chef and inspired me a lot. I consider owner Michael White. At the him one of the ambassadors of time I knew nothing about him. Italian gastronomy in New York. Surely I didn’t expect him to He is the one who made me pop into the dining room and aware just how much knowing introduce himself very politely the language can be the vehicle in impeccable Italian. He had to a deep understanding of the heard that there was a table of secrets of Italian creativity, and Italians, so he came out to greet I am convinced that Michael’s us. I could not help but ask him talent became more rounded where he learned to speak Italian flavors that he could taste and Marea, which exudes pure and refined thanks to his so well. He explained to me that breathe in thanks also to his Italian flavors and tastes. That knowledge of the language. he worked for many years at personal interactions while day, he proudly showed me This conviction grew within the renowned restaurant San discovering il Bel Paese. how every single piece of decor me and it is now a theory that Domenico in Imola. And it also happened that he in the restaurant comes from I have been trying to spread in fell in love with Giovanna. The Italy. The chairs, the lamps, my new position as head of the Becoming Italian couple met in Emilia Romagna. the tablecloths, the cutlery – promotion of Italian language Michael comes from Wisconsin, However, he specified, she is everything is Made in Italy, even abroad for the Ministry of where he studied to become a originally from Molise, just like the wood which decorates the Foreign Affairs. chef. After school, he decided to my husband. Molise is a tiny walls comes from Italy! In fact, spend three months in Italy to region little known abroad, but while I entered the restaurant, Magic atmosphere improve his culinary techniques. Michael was intimately familiar I was immediately struck by a A few weeks ago I went back Michael immediately fell in love with the best products in the small detail that only an Italian to New York for the first time with Italian cuisine and culture region. He even knew the little eye would recognize: Richard since returning to Italy almost and ultimately ended up staying pastry shop in my husband’s Ginori’s plates elegantly set on two years ago. I came back in Italy for 7 years. Under the hometown! the tables. The restaurant itself to visit old friends and old wing of Gianluigi Morini, the Michael speaks Italian with is an ode to the Italian lifestyle. haunts, Marea among them. I chef at San Domenico, Michael Giovanna and his daughter wrote to Michael a couple of gained a deep understanding of Francesca at home. Francesca The importance of months in advance to reserve all the secrets behind an Italian studied at the Scuola d’Italia. language a table and inform him that I dish, starting with a knowledge Italian language is part of his I was very impressed by Michael was returning and would love of Italy’s products and flavors, life, just like his restaurant and remember my first lunch to say hello to him. My first

40 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

I consider Michael White Michael one of cooked with Italian celebrity the ambassadors of chef Carlo Cracco Italian gastronomy in at the 2012 New York. He is the one international chef congress who made me aware “Identità NYC.” just how much knowing the language can be the vehicle to a deep understanding of the secrets of Italian creativity, and I am convinced that Michael’s talent became more rounded and refined thanks to his knowledge of the Photo by Francesca Brambilla, Serena Serrani language. This conviction grew While training at within me and it is now Ristorante San a theory that I have Domenico in Imola (Bologna, Italy) been trying to spread White shared in my new position as some of his secrets with Anthony head of the promotion Bourdain on of Italian language Travel Channel’s abroad for the “Cooking with Chef White.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

day in New York I happened to be passing in front of Marea and decided to enter to make sure that everything was fine with my reservation. I was still in the doorway when the maître d’ recognized me and welcomed me with a great smile, kindly pointing out that Watch the video at: http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/anthony-bourdain/video/cooking-with-chef-white I was few days early for my dinner! I had met the maître d’ that he was not sure if he was to introduce himself in Italian, authentic ambassadors of only a few times before leaving in New York. I asked him if he just like he did the first time Italy’s cuisine and lifestyle. I New York, yet he recognized could check, and he did. When we met, with the same grace know many more exist and I me right away. It felt as if I had he came back he told me that and modesty. Michael was in feel extremely proud whenever never left New York, and I was I was right: Michael was in the the kitchen the entire night I meet people from around the very happy to be back. kitchen! The waiter escorted and prepared a unique menu world who love Italy so much. On the evening of my dinner, me to the table and, as I entered for my friends. That night I Michael’s example opened my I was the first to arrive at the main dining room, I felt was overjoyed to have spent eyes to how much non-natives the restaurant. There was a the same magic I had felt every a very special evening with with a robust knowledge of the different maître d’. This time previous visit. some of my dearest friends culture and language can help I told him my name and he A short while later Michael and delighted to be in the great promote the lifestyle, riches, and immediately welcomed me as came to my table. We hugged hands of an exceptional chef beauty of Italy all over the world. if he knew everything about each other right in the middle and friend. Grazie Michael! ●● my dinner party, that I was of the room and exchanged a visiting again and how much I few words in Italian. Then he The Ambassadors we need * Head of the promotion of Italian loved Marea. I asked if Michael came back to the table later, I would love to meet other language abroad for the Ministry was at the restaurant. He said when all the guests had arrived, Michael Whites of the world, of Foreign Affairs. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 41 Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

●● ITALY ALONE PRODUCES AROUND 30 per cent OF THE WORD’S CAVIAR… Food Industry’s Black Gold

Caviar can be enjoyed eaten grains, that are in fact not on its own, given its value, spherical but dodecahedral. cost and the delicate aroma, Italy: the biggest producer but it is ideally accompanied in the world by cold foods such as fish Today, because of over-fishing, Carpaccio, and of course a a large part of the 26 species of sturgeon are considered bottle of cold Franciacorta endangered, and their capture Brut. But did you know that has been regulated since 1988. Italy is the biggest producer of But caviar can be produced caviar in the world? Italian in a sustainable way through farming. caviar is even exported to In Italy, at the end of the 1970s, Russia! the idea of farming sturgeons came about. Members of a

Poto by Catfisheye (Creative Commons, Wikimedia) Commons, (Creative Catfisheye by Poto steel mill saw the possibility of by Dino Borri using the waters for the cooling of steel, and then with a heat ●● The sturgeon: a mysterious exchanger transferring the fish, a prehistoric giant – similar surplus heat from the steel- to the shark with a long snout making process to the pure and a line of pronounced ridges spring waters of Calvisano in along its spine and sides. It the Canove area, near Brescia. takes at least 12 years for the This move would create an female sturgeon to be ready to environment suitable for Mother of Pearl produce the small dark pearls spoons with the farming of certain fish that appear on our tables as sturgeon caviar species. The idea of farming caviar. After the killing, the and salmon roe the white Pacific sturgeon eggs are separated through a came as a result of the meeting delicate massage carried out of Gino Ravegnan, a long- with a sieve; they are then became a delicacy of the court special attention from the time member and today the divided according to size and and aristocracy of Moscow Royal Family – managed honorary president of Agroittica salted. The salting can take and St Petersburg, when the to obtain exclusive rights Lombarda, with Professor place through an immersion Cossacks began to give the to Iranian caviar and even Serge Doroshov, a marine in brine or by using dry salt, Tsar the first caviar harvest of exported the famous eggs to biologist at the University of in which case the Master the year in spring. In the 19th America. At the end of the California--Davis. Now the Salter personally executes the century, Russian aristocrats 70s, however, following the company produces and farms very delicate art of salting by spread the fashion to Paris, Islamic Revolution and the the biggest variety of caviar in hand. This is how you make making it “à la page” amongst boycott by US authorities, the the world. Throughout the 90s caviar – a word of Turkish the bourgeoisie who until then relationship of exclusivity with the Calvisius Tradition was origin (“hayvar”) that was had only been curious about America broke down in favor of born, known more commonly already present in recipe books this particular delicacy. Europe and Japan. Europeans as the “black gold of Calvisano”; belonging to the courts of the In 1953, the Soviet Union, heir began to notice the difference caviar made with innovative Italian Renaissance. to the Tsarist monopoly on the in quality between Russian aquaculture techniques through production of caviar, gave Iran and Iranian caviar, with a the farming of sturgeons. A little history (and their fishmongers who operated particular appreciation for Today the production of caviar politics) on the Persian shores of the Garabrun caviar (also known as – from white, red, Siberian and Up until a few decades ago, Caspian Sea – the largest lake “Asetra Royal”) produced by the Adriatic sturgeons – amounts to both the Po and other large in the world. Since then both Acipenser Persicus sturgeon. 25 tons a year, meaning Italy is Western European rivers Russian and Iranian caviar has Although Russian caviar is still the biggest producer of caviar in permitted a small local appeared on world markets, today the most commercialized, the world, covering 30% of the production of caviar, but the while before that point the it is both softer and stickier due world’s production alone. Two fishing of the sturgeon and the caviar trade was an exclusively to the use of an already mature tons are sold in Italy the rest is conservation of its eggs has a Russian monopoly. egg. Iranian caviar, on the exported to Russia (who would strong tradition amongst the Following this, the personal other hand, is more valuable have thought!), France, the United Cossacks of Ural and Volga. pilot of the Shah – an American and remains crunchy with States, Germany, England and the From the 18th century, Caviar named Finsun who enjoyed consistent and well-defined United Arab Emirates. ●●

42 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

Where to find THEM Recognizing Caviar ● Oscietra: caviar with a smooth taste and slightly nutty flavor, and a color Eataly Fresh caviar is recognized by its ocean between dark brown and hazel. It is 200 5th Avenue fragrance and delicate taste; it mustn’t considered by many to be the finest caviar. ◗ www.eatalny.com have a fishy smell or a spicy flavor. At the same time the eggs must be well defined, ● Sevruga: characterized by a smaller uniform in shape and not pressed (so egg (2mm in diameter) and a color it is better bought in a glass jar). On a between light grey and charcoal. It is nutritional level, it is rich in vitamins, particularly aromatic protein, and phosphorous iron, and especially full of Omega-3 fatty acids that offset the negative effects of high DiPalo’s cholesterol. 200 Grand St. (at Mott St.) ◗ www.dipaloselects.com There are different types of caviar available on the market, each of which is named after the fish from which the egg is extracted:

● Beluga: the most rare and therefore Citarella the most expensive. This is large-grained 2135 Broadway caviar (over 3mm in diameter) with a pearl 1313 Third Avenue grey to dark grey color. 424 Ave of the Americas ◗ www.citarella.com

How to Prepare Agata & Valentina Linguine with Salmon and 1505 First Avenue 64 University Place Caviar ◗www.agatavalentina.com

by Rosanna Di Michele

SERVES 4 PEOPLE

8 oz. Linguine n 2 oz. Tin of caviar n 100g Smoked salmon n 2 fresh zucchine n ½ small fresh onion n 30g Extra-virgin olive oil n Salt n Morton Williams 908 2nd Avenue Directions 311 East 23rd Street 1565 1st Avenue ● Wash the zucchine, cut into strips and ◗www.mortonwilliams.com cook in boiling water for 2 minutes ● Bring another pot of water to boil and cook the pasta ● Pour the oil into a pan and add

the onion, sliced into rounds. Cook for 1 minute ● Add the salmon—cut into strips—and continue to cook for another 2 minutes ● Pour the cooked pasta into the pan with salmon and add the zucchine Jerry’sGourmet strips ● Once the pasta is plated, add the 410 South Dean Street ● caviar and a drop of oil Buon appetito! Englewood, NJ ◗www.jerryshomemade.com

www.rosannacooking.it

www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 43 Dining In ➜ Taking Italy to your family table

A favorite dish...... Paired with the right wine by Michele Scicolone by Charles Scicolone From Puglia ‘Bombette’ Understanding for Summer Grilling Primitivo

● Bombette are small rolls of ing before grilling, and others l find it in NYC thinly sliced pork wrapped prefer to bake the bombette in Astor Wines & Spirits 399 Follow Charles around a tasty filling. These the oven. Use your imagination Lafayette Street (212) 674-7500 n on i-Italy.org “little bombs” are popular at and the ingredients you have Bottlerocket Wines and Spirit 5 street fairs in Puglia where they on hand. Serve bombette at West 19th Street (212) 929-2323 n are grilled over hot coals, served your next barbecue with a crisp up in a paper cone, and eaten arugula salad and a Primitivo ● When I worked as the with bread. The hot bombette wine from Puglia. wine director for I Trulli explode in your mouth releas- Restaurant and Enoteca in ing a wave of melted cheese Lay the pork slices on a flat sur- New York City, we offered and delicious flavors. face. Gently pound each piece many wines from the The most typical filling for to an even thinness. Sprinkle region of Puglia. Located bombette is with salt and in the heel of the Italian sliced pancetta Serves 4 pepper. “boot”, Puglia borders on and caciocavallo, n 1-1/4 pounds pork Toss together the the Adriatic Sea. One of my but there are tenderloin, cut into 16 thin parsley and gar- favorites wines was made many variations. slices n Salt and freshly lic and sprinkle from the Primitivo grape. It Butcher shops ground pepper n 4 ounces the mixture over is a big, dark red wine with sell prepared caciocavallo, provolone or the meat. hints of plum, spice, rustic bombette stuffed mild pecorino cheese, cut into Place a piece of earthy notes and tannin with diverse 16 sticks n 8 thin slices pancetta on each when it is vinified secco (dry). fillings such as pancetta or prosciutto, cut slice and a piece The name of the Primitivo sausage meat, in half crosswise n 2 table of cheese on top. grape may come from the salame, grilled spoons chopped fresh parsley Roll up the pork fact that it ripens earlier eggplant, pesto, n 1 garlic clove, minced n slices, tucking than other varieties in dried figs, spin- Olive oil n in the ends to Puglia, as early as the last ach, mushrooms, form neat rolls. week of August. The DOC roasted peppers Thread the rolls zone of Manduria, around and all kinds of cheese, ready on skewers. Brush the rolls the town of Sava, in the to take home and cook. Some lightly with olive oil. province of Taranto, is cooks roll the bombette in Place a barbecue grill or broiler where many believe the best breadcrumbs for a crusty coat- rack about 5 inches from the Primitivo is produced. It is Primitivo wine made in the heat source. Preheat the grill or also grown in the Gioia del Gioia del Colle zone must broiler. Colle DOC in the Province of have a minimum alcohol Follow Michele Grill or broil until the meat is Bari. The grape has a high content of 13%, and 14% for on i-Italy.org lightly browned and the cheese sugar content due to its thin the riserva. In the Manduria has melted, about 5 minutes on skin, which allows for the zone the wine must be made each side. Serve hot. evaporation of the water from 100% Primitivo to be content in the berries. DOC. Primitivo has the ability to Primitivo can be made into produce two crops during several types of wine, secco a season, but the second (dry), amabile (semi-sweet), is not used because of the and dolce (sweet). There lower sugar content and are also liquoroso (fortified) higher acidity. The latest versions both dry and sweet. studies show that Primitivo Primitivo di Manduria Dolce probably came to Puglia Naturale (made from late from Croatia. It has also harvest grapes) was the first been proven that Primitivo wine from Puglia to receive is related to Zinfandel, a the DOCG certification. grape that came to the US Serve a dry Primitivo with in the mid 19th century and barbecued meats, such as the made its way to California. Pugliese favorite, bombette.

For more about cooking, go to www.MicheleScicolone.com For more about wine, go to charlesscicolone.wordpress.com.

44 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org From Italy with love!

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●● HOW CIRO AND FABIO CASELLA, THANKS TO A SAINT, OPENED THREE RESTAURANTS IN NYC Two Brothers from Salerno, the Panuozzo and the Saint

This is a story of emigration like so many others, or so it may seem. But in our opinion, this one has a special determination. We are talking about two brothers originally from Salerno, Fabio and Ciro Casella. About the patron saint of their city, San Ciro Casella Matteo, who “protected” at the original San Matteo. Above: the famous “panuozzo” —pizza their business in New York. dough in sandwich-form We are talking about their family bonds, about panuozzo – a sandwich restaurants, it is clear that made with pizza dough, and Ciro has most affection for the original San Matteo. “I worked about their passion for there while it was being built, I coffee amongst so many took care of the interior so it has a real identity. Everything that other things. ALL ON 2ND AVENUE happened afterwards originated San Matteo from this place.” by A.L.S. Pizzeria e Cucina The cuisine that they decided to 1559 2nd Ave make is from the Salerno area. ●● “I am from Salerno, I came (at 81th St.) But everything comes under here for the first time in 1986, but the “protection” of a saint… we then I went back to Italy,” Ciro San Matteo talk about it half-jokingly and Casella begins telling us while Pizza Espresso Bar half-seriously. San Matteo is in 1739 2nd Ave sipping a coffee. “Ever since my fact the Patron Saint of Salerno (at 90th St.) brother and I were young boys and his image is found all over we chased the American Dream… the first restaurant. “We started Il Salumaio Also my grandma is American 1731 2nd Ave with nine tables and the image and my mother’s four brothers all (btw 89th & 90th St.) of the saint, a simple cuisine live here.” Photo: Iwona Adamczyk made inside a wood-fire oven, But Ciro wasn’t ready for America offering everything that could the first time he came here. He to go back, to go back to Fabio. two and a half years later they be done with that oven.” Then, went back to Salerno, did his After several years, he left again opened the second, Il Salumaio. almost like a ‘miracle’, the other military service and got married. for New York, this time to stay Then in 2015 they fulfilled a restaurants came… His life seemed like it would for good. new dream by opening the unfold there – but that wasn’t San Matteo Pizza Espresso How difficult was it? to be the case. The American With the Saint’s protection Bar, a place that unites the It was difficult, but it was also Dream was always in his heart, The two brothers opened their pizza of San Matteo and the easy. The biggest challenge was especially because his brother first restaurant on 2nd Avenue, cuisine of Salumaio with a bar that six years ago no one knew had stayed in America. He had the original San Matteo, and serving alcohol. But of the three who we were, but we believed in

46 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining Out ➜ Restaurants+Pizzerias+Wine Bars our project and in our product. day and the end of a meal, it is Right now people like the place; essential. You may eat because they have a good time here, you are hungry or stressed, but almost as if they were at home. you drink a coffee to enjoy it, It is a small restaurant, but like a dessert – you know if it’s actually New York City is like good and if it’s not good. I have that – made up of small spaces. put a lot of effort into my coffee, Critics responded well, from and I have had some great Zagat to Michelin and the New recognition. York Times. This is my next project. A classic Campania-style coffee From panuozzo to coffee shop, not based on alcohol but Let’s talk about food. You on a good breakfast, coffee brought over the panuozzo—a and excellent paninis. We are product from Gragnano, on looking for a location. the Sorrento coastline, which wasn’t known here. What is it? Salerno and the family It is pizza dough in sandwich- It is undoubtedly because of form. It is put in the oven, you and your brother Fabio that stretched, and comes out like New York knows more about a sandwich. Then you open Salerno today. You are great it, season it and either eat promoters of your city. it as it is—with mozzarella, Salerno has a coastline, the prosciutto, or caprese style—or Amalfi Coast, famous all over instead you put it back in the the world, with thirteen Blue oven with various fillings. Our Flag beaches. But we promote most successful panuozzo is internal Campania too, which the Bartolomei that comes is also full of beauty, like all of with roast pork from Ariccia, Italy. We are not parochial. arugula and mozzarella. It is dedicated to the great football However strong your ancestral player, Agostino Di Bartolomei Ciro’s daughter Marika followed her father from Salerno to New York to take bond with your land of origin, [1955-1994 editor’s note], an care of the family business. She works at San Matteo with her boyfriend. it is family that is actually at international sportsman who the center of your life. began his career with my One of my two daughters, favorite team, Salernitana. Alessia, stayed in Salerno while the other, Marika, came to New Is there another dish that may York. She works with me and make our readers want to visit attends an English school. She you even more? wants to carry on our project, At San Matteo we make an she has taken the business to eggplant parmigiana, baked heart, she likes it; her fiancé is in the oven with caciocavallo also here and so is my nephew, cheese. Everything that we cook Vincenzo. in the restaurant is made in our wood-fired oven. At Salumaio What do your parents think we make a typical Campania about their American children cuisine instead: Scialatielli ai and grandchildren? Frutti del Mare, for example, and They are proud. In Italy we then various different antipasti. know how many problems there In the new venue, the San are for young people finding Matteo Pizza Espresso Bar you work. My parents worked all can enjoy the specialties of both their lives and now they can the other restaurants, in a better enjoy their retirement, without location with greater comfort. having to help their children We are in the process of opening financially. This is a great other commercial realties, but I satisfaction for them. don’t want to lose the identity of San Matteo, it will never be a And what’s the secret of franchise. success for anyone who wants to come here? And what about coffee? You You must be patient, you can’t are known to be a great coffee have everything in life all at lover, have you also produced once. I worked for months as a your own blend? dishwasher and it was the best Coffee is indeed my passion. I Photos by Iwona Adamczyk job because it taught me how think of coffee as the start of a the business works. ●● www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 47 Dining Out ➜ Restaurants+Pizzerias+Wine Bars

Dining Out Special Authentic Italian Panini by Tommaso Cartia Panini. The word defines a food trend whose thought of taking a piece of bread and putting an ordinary afternoon during my childhood popularity seems endless and one of the it between two slices of meat. But how can I when my mom would set out a panino for me favorite fast food options among New Yorkers. call this dish?” when I returned from school. Every time I ate But what exactly is an authentic Italian The answer came two centuries later with a panino in New York while researching this panino? You have to cut through ancient mists Lord Sandwich, the British Earl so obsessed article I was transported back to that memory to locate its origins. with card playing he wouldn’t even pause to of Italy. The Romans were the first to cook up a simple eat! So he pulled a rapid solution out of his A panino is indeed simple – stuffed bread – but street side meal called panis ac perna, bread sleeve, creating his version of a panino and in that small loaf of bread lies the full taste of with wort and cooked ham in dried fig water. naming it after himself. the Tuscan countryside or the flavors and Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the greatest minds You could draw a line from the Romans to spices of a folkloric Neapolitan street market. of all times, invented something similar: “I Leonardo Da Vinci to Britain all the way to A big taste of Italy in a small loaf bread.

● Antica Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto was founded in Parma in the early thirties by Cesare Bocchi, an enter- prising businessman who had the idea to open a trattoria with an ad- joining salumeria next to it. It was an immediate and long-lasting success. During the sixties Bocchi sold his business to Faimali, a pork butcher who helped make the trattoria a com- pulsory stop for anyone passionate about good cooking and traditional products from Parma. Later the Picchi sisters arrived, and in 2008 Parmacot- to bought the business, transforming it into a trendy global brand. Now the best in Parma’s cuisine is just a train Iconic Alberto Sordi and Anna Longhi devour enormous panini in Piazza San Marco (Vacanze Intelligenti, 1978) ride away. Super fresh ingredients are the simple but massive trend of this salumeria, offering a selection selection of hot and cold panini made Chef Claudio Meneghini makes his own of panini assembled right in front of Upper with the freshest ingredients on a version of chisolino, modifying the ris- your eyes to preserve their “just-cut” East Side hero, ciabatta or focaccia. One tasty ing process so that the bread has more quality. Their signature sandwiches standby is “il Salumaio” (prosciutto, mollica (the soft inside of the bread). are made with homemade focaccia. Il Salumaio fresh mozzarella and roasted pep- Over this circular shaped, “naked” fo- Along with the famous Prosciutto di 1731 2nd Avenuee pers). For a more sophisticated pal- caccia he spreads ingredients like robi- Parma, you certainly don’t want to (646) 852-6876 % ate, savor the “Bari” (dry cured filet ola cheese and black truffles. Another miss their exquisite bresaola panini. ◗www.ilsalumaiony.com mignon, Parmigiano Reggiano and version is the co-called pizzolino made cuisine traditional Arugula). But you can’t beat their hot with the crunchier part of chisolino and ambience trendy eggplant or chicken parmesan Panini baked like a small pizza, with tomato, Midtown price $$ – Fabio and Ciro score the best parme- mozzarella, oregano, and topped with West ● Brothers Fabio and Ciro Casella are san in the city. pesto – a favorite with the kids. A sin- an institution in the world of Italian fully delicious chisolino with nutella is Casa Toscana restaurants in New York. San Mat- Uva Wine Bar& also available as a late night snack after 1000 8th Avenue Columbus Circle teo, their historical restaurant which Restaurant 11pm. % (212) 247-9600 ◗ www.casatoscana.com brought the best and most enduring 1486 2nd Avenue traditions of Salernitano cooking to % (212) 472-4552 cuisine traditional ◗ the city, is a bona fide little Italy ex- www.uvanyc.com Upper ambience modern price $$ travaganza. It’s hard to find a more cuisine traditional West Side rustic Italian place in the city serving ambience sophisticated stellar products and providing elegant price $$ Salumeria Rosi ● In the heart of Italy, the scenic Val service. In the tradition of San Matteo, Parmacotto di Chiana appears to be the place Il Salumaio takes the Casella business ● This elegant wine bar and restau- 283 Amsterdam Avenue where all the exquisite food and wines to new heights and new standards of rant boasts an enchanting backyard % (212) 877-4800 have been kept, and it’s not a secret ◗ www.salumeriarosi.com luxury service, introducing the most patio and serves great Emilian cooking. anymore. In their new home, under- refined selection of Italian wines Chisolino, fried focaccia, is the unique cuisine traditional ground gourmets Luca Meacci, the along with classic dishes from the ingredient of their gourmet panini, re- ambience rustic Tuscan restaurateur who moved to price $$$ Neapolitan area. They have a wide interpreted with an innovative twist. New York twelve years ago, fueled by

48 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining Out ➜ Restaurants+Pizzerias+Wine Bars

the American dream, met Luca Paci, an- they enjoy every bite,” stays Momentè. other Tuscan who shares with him the You definitely won’t be disappointed same passion for Tuscan cuisine. Casa by the explosions of tastes when you Toscana, an offshoot of Meacci’s suc- bite into a cold Frugoletto (sopressata, cessful “Gelato Ti Amo” in Lower Man- smoked mozzarella, artichokes and hattan, imports all-biological ingredi- arugula) or a warm Fratelli d’Italia (por- ents directly from Tuscany and bakes chetta, basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, hot its own stoneground bread to produce sauce, sweet peppers and arugula). the restaurant’s signature schiacciata (flatbread pizza), both with white and whole wheat organic flour. Tuscany’s Upper idea of a treat. The schiacciata comes East Side in two additional versions: as an open sandwich with raw ingredients, or Piada as a sandwich served hot. They also 601 Lexington Avenue prepare savory gourmet croissants % (212) 752-2727 ◗ www.piadanyc.com with prosciutto, cheese and arugula, and the so-called “Tuscan-New York cuisine typical breakfast,” San Daniele prosciutto, ambience friendly price $$ shaved Parmesan, scrambled eggs and heirloom cherry tomatoes. ● This flatbread filled with a variety La panineria italiana of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and 410 West 36th Street vegetables is a classic Italian sand- % (917) 639-3441 wich inherited from Emilia Romagna ◗ www.lapanineria.com cooking. After realizing that piada cuisine traditional was completely unknown to the New ambience friendly York culinary scene, in 2004 Giovanni price $$ Attilio and Daniele Buraschi, two Emil- ian piada lovers, joined forces with en- ● This brand new eatery shares the trepreneur Sebastiano Peluso, the ge- same genuine, friendly and young vibe nius businessman who has been key to of the trendy “La panineria” in Green- building a vast network of supporters wich Village. Owner “Super” Mario of Italy’s traditions in New York City, Pesce exudes the kind of Neapolitan to open this unique sandwich shop warmth that immediately puts you at that has become a favorite lunch spot ease. You feel like he’s a pal you could for the business crowd in Midtown. chew the fat with over a panino. And Panini Italiani. Sandwiches made at La Panineria, 410 West 36th Street Stop by and get a real taste of Emilia this young, driven guy is definitely Photo by Lorenzo Lasagna Romagna with the classic “Amarcord” equipped with super powers. He moved piadina (prosciutto di Parma, moz- to New York when he was just 22 on zarella cheese, arugula) or the “Dolce a dream and a prayer. Like something Sergimmo Salumeria mix, extra virgin oil and fig spread. It Vita” (bresaola, shaved parmigiano, out of a movie. One day, while he was 456 9th Avenue is served with extra virgin oil and a arugula, extra-virgin oil). You can also (212) 967-4212 enjoying a panino in a park, he had an % balsamic dressing. find Piada at the Plaza Food Hall at 1 ◗www.sergimmo.com epiphany. A panino with high-quality W 58th Street. Parma prosciutto and a great cheese, cuisine typical Alidoro he reasoned, is always a pleasure for ambience rustic 18 East 39th Street price $$ the senses, and it could be a winning %(646) 692-4330 Flatiron ◗ www.alidoronyc.com formula in a city like New York where ● An authentic local salumeria with I Panini (at Eataly) eateries always tend to pile on the in- traditional Italian countryside décor, cuisine traditional 200 5th Avenue gredients rather than keep it simple. offering the best selection of cured ambience friendly %(212) 229-2560 Therein lies the secret of La Panineria. It meats, regional cheeses, pastas and price $$ ◗ www.eataly.com serves high quality products in freshly olive oils. In 1970 brothers Giovanni cuisine modern baked bread. Easy but tasty. The way and Filippo Badalamenti brought their ● This midtown offshoot of the famous ambience contemporary a panino should be. Their panino with mozzarella-making craft to New York sandwich shop in Soho dispenses a wide price $$ “burrata” cheese is a specialty you can’t all the way from Sicily and started variety of panini stuffed with mouthwa- find elsewhere in New York, as are their a successful business, first located tering original Italian ingredients. Wal- ● Eataly has become a landmark for signature black truffle oil sandwiches. in Astoria, Queens, and now in the ter Momentè, originally from Venice yet Italian food and culture, a phenom- Big on take-outs, La Panineria also pro- glamorous Hell’s Kitchen area with proud to call himself a true New Yorker, enon that continues to captivate cos- vides a useful app for delivery. Giovanni’s sons Massimo and Sergio, comes from a family of restaurateurs tumers all over the world. The perfect who have taken the business to new who opened this panini mecca in 1986. mix of high quality organic products heights. Their fresh ciabatta crunchy Every morning he wakes up and goes and Italian gastronomic tradition re- bread is delivered daily from a bakery shopping for the best Italian cheeses, interpreted in a hip and cool environ- Download our in Tribeca and used to prepare a vari- meats and bread to make his signature ment is also the winning formula of iPhone app ety of 25 different paninis. Their spe- Italian heroes. “I put the same passion Eataly’s “I panini” counter. Recently cial is Il Vip, prepared with Prosciutto that I have for food into my customers revamped in order to identify local di Parma, fresh mozzarella, spring and you can see from their expression New York ingredients like the heir- www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 49 Dining Out ➜ Restaurants+Pizzerias+Wine Bars

loom tomato from New Jersey, the “I tion over the years as being the best sciutto from Parma, Südtiroler speck first authentic piadineria in NYC. Mas- Panini” menu presents a unique com- dairy shop for Italian cheese in New are combined with fragrant bread similiano Nanni, affectionately known bination of Italian and American ingre- York. Originally from Montemilone, delivered daily from one of the finest as Chicco Piadina, has transported the dients served on homemade ciabatta, Basilicata, South of Italy, Lou di Palo, bakeries in Brooklyn, which has been goods from his mother’s “Piada e baguette or piadina. The Campano the owner of this old- fashioned latte- in the business for 30 years. . Cassoni dalla Lella”, one of the most (heirloom tomato with fresh mozza- ria, comes from a generation of Italian famous Rimini piadinerie, to Williams- rella and pesto) is a favorite among the immigrants that settled in Little Italy in burg, with his cozy, family-run bistro. clientele, but there’s a whole variety of 1903. His great-grandfather Savino Di The Bronx A piadina is a variation of the typical different combinations available and Palo, a cheese maker, started the busi- Mike’s Deli Italian sandwich. Composed with thin you can customize. This summer the ness which he later passed down to his 2344 Arthur Avenue flatbread (made with white flour, lard menu will capitalize on grilled ingre- daughter Concetta and her husband % (718) 295-5033 or olive oil, salt and water), it’s usu- dients like eggplants, mushrooms and Luigi, who imported all of the best high ◗ www..mikesdelionline.com ally stuffed with prosciutto di Parma, vegetables along with cold sandwiches. quality cheeses from the south of Italy stracchino (Italian cow-milk cheese), cuisine italian & american The breakfast panini selection inspired like Caciocavallo, Provolone and Pecori- and arugula. Among the many variet- ambience casual by colazione all’americana is also an no Romano. The shop has survived the price $ ies of piadina on the menu, this sum- Eataly staple, made with wholesome test of time, having witnessed several mer you’ll fall in love with the seasonal local eggs from Arcadian Pastures, local wars and the Depression. It remains an ● If you’re looking for the real vibe, heirloom tomato piadina. Great fresh meats and Italian salumi and formaggi undeniable gem, not only for the qual- the true scents and flavors of an Ital- ingredients are shipped in every month on ciabatta. ity of its food but the history it stands ian neighborhood, hop a train to the from the West Wind Orchard Farm up- testimony to. Like an Italian kid on his Bronx and pay a visit to Mike’s Deli in state. If you’re keen on sweets, make school break, you can go to Lou Di Palo the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. You’ll the Nutella piadina your new naughty Lower and ask for a simple traditional Italian be inundated by the vivacious energy pleasure. East Side panino. Some of their specialties are of a storybook Southern Italian market. panini with fresh roasted porchetta on Owners Mike and David Greco have a Gaia Italian Café rosetta bread, fresh made and cubed family history that dates back to a time Staten 251 East Houston Street with sea-salt; or the pizza Bianca, with when Italian immigrants were shuttled Island % (646) 350-3977 rosemary, sea salt, olive oil spread. Add through Ellis Island. Their grandfather ◗ www.gaiaitaliancafe.com prosciutto cotto, mortadella, provolone Gennaro moved to New York from Panini Grill cuisine traditional dolce or fresh mozzarella.. Naples in 1915, settled in the Bronx, 538 Foster Avenue ambience rustic and opened a butcher shop with the %(718) 981-2999 price $$ ◗ www.paninigrillsi.com Financial help of his wife, the incredibly deter- District mined and kind-hearted ‘Nonnabella.’ cuisine homemade ● The personification of earth in Greek Those qualities run in the family and ambience friendly price $$ mythology, Gaia is not just an evocative Pisillo Italian Panini are the key to the brothers’ success: Da- brand name for this lovely Italian spot; 97 Nassau Street vid won the prestigious “Throwdown! it’s also the entire philosophy behind % (212) 227-3104 with Bobby Flay” challenge, and their ● Three Italian brothers decided to in- ◗ www.pisillopanini.com how the café operates. Everything from devoted clients include Hilary Clinton, troduce their mamma’s home cooking the homemade fresh bread to the non- cuisine traditional Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. to Staten Island. They keep it simple, processed foods to the recipes based on ambience friendly Their sandwich menu appears tradi- offering large portions in a cozy family- price $$ the perfectly balanced Mediterranean tional and original at the same time, style atmosphere. Their just-heated, diet hinges on the assumption that we a unique fusion of Italian-American pressed, brick-oven bread – acquired are all connected to the earth. Milan na- ● Located in the heart of New York’s tastes and stellar quality products. daily from Royal Crown Baker – forms tive Gaia Bagnasco has travelled across Financial District, Pisillo Italian Panini Each panino has a specific story be- the foundation of 32 varieties of Ital- her native region to collect its gastro- is a gastronomical jewel, the number hind it, like the “Hilary Clinton favorite” ian sammies served on a panini, focac- nomic secrets and bring them to the one Italian fast food joint on Tripadvi- made with salami, smoked mozzarella, cia, hero or wrap. Portions may be big Big Apple. Gaia’s special panini is made sor’s list, and one of New York’s mayors sundried tomatoes, sweet peppers and enough to split but you’re going to have with panfocaccia (thin, crunchy and favorite places to lunch. Owners Car- olive oil on Italian bread. Or the Paula a hard time sharing some of the Grill’s cracker like toasted bread) is filled with melo Nazzaro and his wife Antonella Deen, with prosciutto di Parma, hot so- delicacies, like the “Turkey Artichoke” different combinations of ingredients. Silvio opened the place in November pressata, radicchio, fresh mozzarella, (caramelized onions and artichoke) or The famous Milanese – chicken cutlet, 2012, the month de Blasio was elected. sun-dried tomatoes and truffle oil on the “Rosario Protein” (grilled chicken, arugula, tomatoes and pesto sauce – is Coincidentally, Silvio’s hometown, focaccia. white beans, avocado, broccoli rabe, a classic. If you’re feeling weary, take a Sant’Agata dei Goti, Naples, is where Swiss cheese and chipotle mayo). With break with a fine cup of Illy Espresso and de Blasio’s grandfather Giovanni came a day’s notice you can order a 3, 4, & a tantalizing Nutella pastry. from. Let’s just say the Nazzaro’s jour- Brooklyn foot-long hero – brick-oven bread filled ney was written in the stars. The cou- Williamsburg with vegetables, Boar’s Head meats ple fought hard to promote their idea of and cheeses or chicken cutlets. Their Little Italy an authentic Italian panineria, which Lella Alimentari prix fixe Sunday brunch and dinner is 325 Manhattan Avenue Di Palo’s is not to be mistaken for a restaurant perfect for family events. or a deli. Proud of the fact that they % (718) 599-1986 200 Grand Street ◗ www.dallalella.it % (212) 226-1033 maintained their Italian name and ◗ www.dipaloselects.com their brand in a jungle of fake Italian cuisine traditional delis, they have often been imitated ambience cozy cuisine traditional price $ but never matched. Carmelo, a profes- ambience homey price $$ sional buyer of high quality products, ● If you’ve never had the chance to Download our knows exactly what is fresh and genu- taste the typical piadina in Northern iPhone app ● A traditional Italian mom and pop ine. He imports everything from Italy. Italy’s Romagna region itself, don’t shop, Di Palo’s established a reputa- Buffalo mozzarella from Naples, pro- miss Lella Alimentari, one of the very

50 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Dining Out ➜ Restaurants+Pizzerias+Wine Bars

●● A NEW 40000-square-foot, third-floor outpost at 4 World Trade Center Eataly #2 Is Ready to Open

That’s right. A new branch of the chain store founded by Oscar Farinetti will be opening at the World Trade Center this summer. We went to speak to Nicola Farinetti, CEO for the USA, to get a taste of the new store. The new feature of breakfast, for example, and the special role assigned to bread—a unifying element for all food cultures around the world. by Bianca Soria

●● “We’ll be there… This summer a second Eataly will be opening in New York. The news has been in the air for months, but now it is much more than just a rumor—it’s almost ready. The location is rather interesting: the Four World Trade Center. “We don’t have an exact date Nicola Farinetti, CEO of Eataly USA with i-Italy’s Editor- yet, really because we are trying in-Chief Letizia Airos to organize a grand and stylish opening”, says Nicola Farinetti, from whom we are trying to get della Nonna” is to have five hundred people some sort of preview. The CEO (‘Grandma’s inside our store at 8 o’clock in the of Eataly USA – son of Oscar Breakfast’) in morning for the first time.” Farinetti, the father-founder of the bakery, with Nicola is passionate and Eataly – manages to make us cakes, pastries, enthusiastic. We remember him even more curious. We can’t etc. Naturally from the opening of the first store wait! there will also in the Flatiron district six years be an “American ago; he has the same adrenaline. The central role of Breakfast” that And he has the smile of someone breakfast they are trying who, despite being young, knows “Colazione (breakfast) is out now with an egg a lot. The Farinetti family has not something we have never sandwich in the classic yet put a foot wrong with any of dealt with before,” says Nicola. Italian ‘panini’ bread. its stores, now found all over the “The World Trade Center (“We are experimenting world. The opening of the New opens at 7:00AM, so it will be and changing what York store in 2010 undoubtedly fascinating. We are going to we don’t like,” Nicola brought them luck. Today it is a have four different types of tells us). And last but place where you simply must go, breakfast. The first will be a full not least, there will of even if only for a visit. breakfast service, at which you course be the classic But there won’t only be breakfast can book business meetings. Lavazza coffee bar served at this new spot… “Of It is a challenge that we like; where you can have course, but you could say that something we have never tried a traditional Italian breakfast is the new, big feature. and that we want to concentrate breakfast; a quick At the end of the day our format on a great deal.” cappuccino and a is this: eat, buy and learn – all Then there will be the “Colazione croissant, “Our aim under the same roof.” www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 51 Dining Out ➜ Restaurants+Pizzerias+Wine Bars

We decided we wanted to tell the story of a food that unites the whole world; that isn’t born naturally like an apple or chicken, but that is created by man – bread. We want to re-unite the world’s populations through their individual breads. All the different types of bread in the world will be made here – from America, South Asia, South America, along with our Italian ‘panini’, naturally.

A store dedicated to bread will tell the story of Nigerian the memorial is we’ll have this lucky because Olive Garden We tried to get another bread alongside that from New incredible glass window that produced an advert stating that sneak-peak out of him, and York, because all types of bread overlooks the pools. We will put a piadina was a ‘quesadilla that we succeeded. This store in the world have one thing in the restaurant there and the spoke Italian,’ so they eliminated will be dedicated to bread; common… the use of grain.” market on the other side, so you the problem of communication, an important ingredient of will feel the division between and now all we have to do is an Italian breakfast…“The More and more inside market and restaurant much explain exactly why ours is so World Trade Center was once news… more than in the Flatiron store.” delicious and unique. So that will a market,” Nicola tells us, “and The new Eataly will have all And Nicola gives us some more be a regional Italian development also a place where something of the third floor of the fourth news. He is too excited not to tell that we hope to be able to terrible happened – born out of tower, around 40,000 square us. “We’re going to have a ‘quick- illustrate well, again linked to the an incomprehension between feet. And it is going to be a service’. For the first time we are concept of bread, but a different cultures and the madness of a different kind of store. “It will bringing the Maioli brothers over type – flat.” few individuals. We decided we have a horseshoe shape,” says from Cervia to make piadina And will they organize wanted to tell the story of a food Nicola, “and on the side where from Romagna. We are incredibly educational events like at La that unites the whole world; that Scuola in the other store? “We isn’t born naturally like an apple won’t have a school like that, we or chicken, but that is created by will have something different,” man – bread. We want to re-unite Nicola reveals. “But I can’t tell the world’s populations through you everything now… I can only their individual breads.” tell you that while at the Flatiron All the different types of bread store we have focused on recipes in the world will be made here for their educational aspect, – from America, South Asia, downtown we will focus on the South America, along with our product…” Italian ‘panini’, naturally. In fact The final sample he gives us there will be breads from all is regarding the Italian bakery, Italian regions, with a program which there is such a shortage that will change every two to of in New York. If they succeed, three months according to what we may just have to move our the bakers manage to produce whole newsroom… “We are from their ovens. And there’s going to make pastries! We will something else important, “we have a crazy selection of pastries, will try to invite communities the classic type that are sold by to tell us about their breads, weight. That is if we don’t end up because we like the idea of going crazy in the process, since explaining why a given type it is so difficult to make them like of bread exists… At Eataly we the Italian ones.” ●●

● ● AMERICANS IN LOVE WITH ITALY: Francine SEGAN meets MATTHEW WHITE Loving Italy, Saving Venice

Matthew White and Francine Segan on i-Italy | TV Scan the QR code to watch the video on your smartphone, or go to YouTube/iitaly

Matthew White is an interior designer, author and I believe, 30 years and I’ve been Well you know, I have a very dear chairman of the board of Save Venice, the American chairman for the last five years. friend in California, Terry Stanfill, nonprofit founded to help restore the damage done after who introduced me to Save Venice Tell us a little bit about Save who invited me to my first gala the devastating floods of 1966. Over the last 43 years, Venice. in Venice. Now every two years Save Venice has raised more than $20 million and helped Well, Save Venice is an American we hold these 4-day galas, with to restore more than 400 works of art and architecture. nonprofit started up after the a spectacular series of parties in Italy of My Dreams floods of 1966 that devastated private homes to raise money for Matthew has written a book, , about the city. Many countries came our restoration projects. I’d really the profound influence Italy has had on design and in to help restore the arts and not heard of Save Venice before architecture in America. documents that were lost, and this, I didn’t know anything about over the last 40 years it has just it, she introduced me to it, I was been incredible to see the works invited to the gala, I went – and byFrancine Segan my late 20s and I think like most of art re-restored. This is a small believe me, it was like nothing I’ve people just completely fell in group of passionate Americans ever been to before. ●● Let’s start from the love, you know - so that’s where and we’re led by a smaller group beginning. How did you fall in it began and sort of snowballed of very well known historians Nobody parties like the love with Italy? to this passion for everything and art historians who lead us Venetians... Well, you know it’s odd because Italian. and through whose guidance we Well, nobody does, nobody in my background is Irish, English, select the projects we’ll take on. America parties like Save Venice, and German and I have nothing And you were first on the board nobody. We throw fabulous to do genetically with Italy at all. of Save Venice? How did you first get connected parties and it’s all of course to But I went to Italy years ago in Yes, I’ve been on the board for, with the projects? raise money for our mission.

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There isn’t a real understanding here in America of the importance of Italian style on the world’s taste. That’s because we were born in the eighteenth century, and as a result we were very influenced Matthew White’s book Italy of My by the great powers Dreams (Pointed Leaf Press, 2010) of the time, France and England. But the French went to Italy the window and illuminates the painting. Titian really for their inspiration, understood the effect of his and the English were work in this room. So we inspired by Italy, too! restored the entire room and the ceiling, the Titian, and we brought into two paintings that were created for this room Are you still doing the parties 500 years ago that had been in here in the States? storage for more than a century We have a ball in New York City – and we brought them back to every year and it’s a spectacular, hang in the room. They are not you know, social event. Every as great as the Titian, but they’re two years we have the art fabulous paintings. We also events in Venice, that’s four moved another painting to its days and it includes lunches original position in the room. and balls and dinners and lectures, sites visits, restoration Speaking of work, your book site visits. We’re looking to grow, is so amazing. Tell me a little Matthew White’s interiors so it’s very exciting. about the influence that Italy from Italy of My Dreams (Photo by Art Gray) has had in your work. Tell me about one of the pieces Well I think going back just a you’ve restored that means bit you see that there isn’t a something special to you. real understanding here of the Recently we restored an entire importance of Italian style on room and this project resonates the world’s taste, because here with me because I’m an interior in America, we were born in designer and I love spaces. And the eighteenth century, and the spectacular thing about were as a result very influenced Venice is, you can go into rooms by the great powers of the where a Titian is hanging in time, France and England. But the place that it was designed French went to Italy for their to hang, while when you go inspiration, and the English to the Metropolitan Museum were inspired by Italy, too. This of Art, which is fabulous, a book is really a personal, sort of great museum, you see pieces an almost designed biography plucked from their original in a way, about how I have been room and put into a beautiful influenced in my own way by room, but it’s never the same. Italian style. At the Gallerie dell’Accademia and I’m always there. We have Now I want to go to one in Venice, there is a room called Do you have a favorite spot or a lot of projects. We have thirty of those galas, so put me “Sala dell’Albergo.” It’s a room two in Venice? projects going on in Venice on your list! We hope that with the most spectacular This is so hard to answer right now. So the Santa Maria everyone can support Save fifteenth-century ceiling – one because there are so many. I dei Miracoli, a little church, in Venice, because it’s such of the most beautiful in all mean… Venice is an old project that we a wonderfully worthy Venice – and it has a Titian restored a few decades ago but organization that does so on one wall that was painted Just walking the streets? it’s such a jewel box of a church. much great work. Grazie! for that spot. And you can Just walking the streets. I mean Of course, restaurants, since I see how the light comes from the Accademia of course I love love good food… Thank you for having me! ●● www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 55 Ideas ➜ Style

This Italian Summer 3 Shades of Yellow, Ocher and Gold

by Camilla Santinelli Who said that gold is only a Christmassy color? It is also the color of sunsets, of the wheat fields of Tuscany, and of the sun-kissed sand of the Italian beaches - just for a few examples. This summer, following the seasonal trend, Italian designers seem willing to boost our mood bringing the shades of yellow, ocher and gold to a whole new level. Here is a selection of the items we fell in love with, so have a look and shine with us!

❝1❞ 1 Going to the beach Verdissima ◗ www. verdissima.com

● Of course summer means heat. And hot temperatures mean a get- away to the seaside. This is the right time of the year to show off some skin and let the sun rays kiss our pale, escape-from-winter bod- ies. What better than this lovely green, floral swimsuit to do that? 2 (Match it with a simple yellow or violet sarong for a sensational beach outfit). ❝2❞ Precious feet ◗ www.gucci.com ● These “Willow” Gucci sandals look like a real treasure, don’t you think? The pearls perfectly coordinate with the golden leather strips creating an unique combination of brightness. Whether you match them with a total black/white outfit, or with other golden accessories, ❝4❞ people will not take their eyes off Italy in the City of your feet. What is more, there’s Mariana Antinori also a flat version of them. ◗ www.marianaantinori.com ● Mariana Antinori’s shop sells bags, jewelry and accessories all charac- ❝3❞ terized by a distinctive Italian taste Italia is love and signed Made in Italy. Among Dolce e Gabbana other things, we find this resin, brass ◗ www.dolcegabbana.com and Swarovski stones bracelet par- ● We cannot think of another col- ticularly captivating and able to give lection that can depict the Italian that glamorous touch every summer essence and love of the Bel Paese outfit needs. Find this and other cre- better than this one. The stunning ations at 1242 Madison Avenue, New Spring/Summer 2016 runway is York. You will not be disappointed. a triumph of bright colors, showy accessories and precious dresses displaying the most iconic Italian locations. A real tribute to Italy, Download our making the concept “Italia is love” iPhone app a real “statement, a mental attitude and a declaration of love.”

56 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Ideas ➜ Style

Summer-TIME Designed by Studio Job

Alessi ● This is just one of the products ◗ www.alessi.com of the collaboration between the Alessi studio and international designers, that led to the creation of five unique clocks. This one is Comtoise by Studio Job, who cooperated with the Italian brand for the first time this year. The Amsterdam-based duo decided to rein- terpret an old item in modern key of a pendulum clock from the 17th century. It is entirely made of white latten: a light material that creates a nice contrast with Job Smeets and Nyn- ke Tynagel’s typical neo-Baroque graph- 4 ic, characterized by a notable prosperity of symbolism. At this point we can’t help asking ourselves: How many hours until summer?

5 6

❝5❞ ❝6❞ Sophisticated appeal Simplicity at its best Fendi Alberta Ferretti ◗ www.fendi.com ◗ www.albertaferretti.com

● Sophistication plays a strong ● Here it is another demonstration game here. This short cotton-silk of Alberta Ferretti’s love for simple fil coupé dress intrigued us, and but beautiful things. Lace and em- its Bird of Paradise print did the broidery are the protagonists of this rest. Although it may not be to dress. Its transparencies beautifully everyone’s taste, it cannot be de- balance the simplicity of the shape, nied that it is perfect for a cocktail creating a linear but sophisticated party in the City. We plan to wear item of clothing which we think the whole outfit, but we would will look great on tanned skin and imagine it looking great also with it is perfect for both day and night a pair of flats and hair tied in a events. And while the dress plays its pony tail, for a fresher and more part, the choice of shoes, accessories low-key look. and hairdo is totally up to you! www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 57 Ideas ➜ Style

● ● From Rome to New York via Miami: The story of the Ca’ d’Oro Gallery When Art Is in Your Blood

For four generations Gloria The Power of Public Art Porcella’s family has “I remember when I studied followed an artistic and the art of my homeland, Italy, in San Diego. It was an cultural path in Rome. Here incredible experience and it Gloria tells us a little about shaped me as a person. But her cultured childhood, her the greatest lessons about art and life came from my family; subsequent career in through the things that I saw Europe, and her decision to and experienced, because really open the Ca’ d’Oro Art the most important thing in this Gallery—founded by her craft is the eye. You must know how to choose, identify and father Antonio—also in recognize valid artists.” Miami and New York. Gloria’s grit and passion have pushed her to carry out projects that she would once have never by Mila Tenaglia even dreamed about, and she tells us that she isn’t afraid of ●● “When I was a little girl, anything anymore. As proof of my father, Antonio, often took the eclecticism and dynamism me to Piazza di Spagna, to the of her journey, just behind us home of Giorgio De Chirico, a there is a sculpture by Andrea rather unusual and eccentric Stanislav of a life-sized horse man. I remember their long adorned with diamonds. encounters in that beautiful Yet her challenge is not just to house, the view of the piazza… bring artists from all around the That ancient Rome that once world to her gallery, but to get belonged to the great artists like sculptures especially outside De Chirico and Guttuso doesn’t into the open-air where “unlike exist anymore.” Gloria Porcella at museums, people must This passion for art has evolved Galleria Ca’ d’Oro have a reaction – be it positive in different ways over time, 529 W 20th St. Manhattan or negative. I am a pioneer since each member of the of public art, in 1997 I built a Porcella family brought their huge installation at Piazza di own talent depending on the Spagna and everyone was very era in which they lived. Gloria’s surprised.” great grandfather, Alpinolo, Then, in the first few years of was an artist and an important this millennium Gloria went member of the Roman elite, international. She opened two while her grandfather, Amadore, galleries in eastern Berlin and was an historian and critic of was also involved in shows 16th and 17th century art. In in Montecarlo that were the 1970s her father, Antonio, inaugurated in the square by opened the Ca’ d’Oro gallery Prince Albert. And, in 2011, in Rome, a city that was then she organized the first biennial the center of the world – totally Festival of Sculpture in Rome different from today. It was a (“but Roman politicians Rome of a different social fabric, destroyed everything. It was anchored to the art of the great disgraceful,” she recalls with a and ancient masters of the past, tone of resignation). not particularly well known for its contemporary art market. To Miami, via Sicily Gloria, in turn, has taken Also during this period Gloria An ectoplasmic flower from Ada her expertise beyond the Mazzei ‘s exhibit “Instagram_mi.” took her first step towards Roman walls, offering it to It has been on show at Ca’ d’Oro Miami via Sicily. In 2009 she an international audience by gallery in Rome from January was an advisor for Minister moving the gallery overseas and to March 2016. Stefania Prestigiacomo and coming to the United States. was commissioned to organize

58 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Ideas ➜ Style

Dalya Luttwak’s metal sculptures (MAN = UPSIDE – DOWN TREE) have been at Ca’ d’Oro Art Gallery in Miami in November and December 2015. Below: Blue and Joy “An Inevitable Success” has traveled all around the globe. The exhibit of the Berlin-based, Italian-born duo Fabio La Fauci and Daniele Sigalot has been on show at Ca’ d’Oro in New York and Rome.

“has served me very well in my international experience and I owe this to my family and to their teachings.” One of the innovations introduced by her New York gallery sounds very Italian. Indeed Ca’ d’Oro has a different system of opening that doesn’t include the classic Thursdays, when you usually have so many people in attendance, but sometimes at the expense of quality. Ca’ d’Oro does it on Wednesdays, instead. “I make Gloria’s great dinner in the gallery; I cook grandfather Italian dishes and I put out seats for about 35-36 people. Alpinolo was an The guests enjoy food, good artist; her grand- company and works of art.” father Amadore was We are left with the promise an historian and that the i-Italy team will come soon to savor some of her critic of 16th and 17th dishes and she gives us a small century art. In the introduction to the next show 1970s her father in August. In a true summer tone, there will be a spectacular Antonio opened the show by Alberto Lucarecchi— Ca’ d’Oro gallery in an exceptional photographer Rome. Gloria has and one of the greatest shark biologists, living on a boat for taken her expertise 6 months per year. There will abroad, opening Ca’ be photographs and the biggest d’Oro in the U.S. too. shark in the world mummified… “If we manage to get it through the door…” says Gloria. But an installation show for the G8 never been to America but I told paintings, to furniture made knowing her strength of will, we Environment Ministers’ Meeting myself that I could do it, and from recycled materials. are sure they will manage it. ●● in Ortigia, Siracusa. The symbol so I did. In 2010 I filled Miami “All my clients who buy art in of G8 was a blue tortoise, and on Beach with giant, fuchsia snails.” Miami are New Yorkers and that occasion the Minister had She smiles, “even though I have for a long time I had wanted I like things managed to renovate the Ortigia brought so many projects and to dive into what is the new that are young Castle and open it for foreign installations to Miami since cradle of contemporary art. and contemporary. delegations. “I selected some then, I am still remembered And what better place than artists, among which there was there as the snail woman!” New York, the center of the art We don’t only talk a group called Cracking Art, five world?” Compared to the Miami about painting and Italians and a Belgian who create New York, the new world gallery, which is more focused sculptures anymore… installations with recyclable and capital of art on European and Italian artists, It is the idea that is recycled plastic; they filled the Today Ca’ d’Oro is located in here in New York she wanted to castle with so many little blue the heart of Chelsea, in one of reflect the cosmopolitan vision most important, tortoises, it was fantastic!” the most important buildings of the city by bringing artists bringing new That idea also turned out to be for hosting art exhibitions. from all over the world. “It techniques and new, a good fit for Miami, where she There it organizes different wouldn’t be fair to do exhibitions had just opened a new branch kinds of exhibits; from visual with only Italians! Yet Italian effective ideas. It’s all of the Ca’ d’Oro gallery. “I had installations, to sculptures and culture,” Gloria is keen to stress, one great experiment. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 59 Ideas ❱❱ Bookshelf italIAN readS AND listenS

● ● A BOOK BY GIORGIO VAN STRATEN, DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE OFN EW YORK Eight Tales of Lost Books

Storie di libri perduti Giorgio Van Straten Laterza 2016 ➤ pages 256 ➤ € 11.90 (hardback)

Giorgio Van Straten by Tiziana Rinaldi Castro

●● Words’ Final Destiny Van Straten tells the story of eight lost books—books that were burned, destroyed or locked I believe it was Ptolemy II away for decades. What to make of these eight stories? If we are dumb-founded by chance, Philadelphus who thought of writing a letter to every ruler on when faced with the desire of those who would destroy books, we can’t help but take a position earth exhorting them to send one way or the other. Van Straten falls squarely on the side of the reader. For him, books the original works of their poets, belong to us readers who, deprived of the material, are impoverished. Our loss is therefore astronomers, doctors, historians, immeasurable. A book, he argues, should under no circumstance be destroyed. mathematicians and geniuses to Alexandria. Under him a “ships’ collection” was also amassed, civilization actually puts the existed. They don’t become “pure Van Straten tells the story of given the strict observance of an latter at risk of catching fire; of nothingness; on the contrary, eight lost books in clear, linear edict requiring ships docking in being scattered to the winds at they remain suspended in prose, which encompasses the Alexandria’s port to provide the any moment! universal literature.” writer’s own compassion as original of any book they had And it manages to, more often Enter Tales of Lost Books, well as the scorn of the events on board in exchange for a copy. than not. Giorgio Van Straten’s beautiful, leading up to the silencing of During his reign (283 BC – 246 BC) And surely, in the anguish thoughtful study published each work. The first is a book the scrolls of the two libraries following such thought, there by Laterza and released this he himself had read and loved, amounted to over half a million lies also the warning of an spring (the book is still only a novel by his friend, the writer texts, the largest holding 490,000 unspeakable vertigo, of Borgesian available in Italian). It spans three Romano Bilenchi, which was and the Serapeum temple 42,000. quality, as if in our foolish effort centuries, two continents and destroyed by Bilenchi’s wife after “All that disappeared,” writes to preserve things at all cost, eight countries. In more than one the author died. The act was Vila-Matas in Bartleby & Co. “Fire we couldn’t avoid providing an instance, fire is involved, here neither thoughtless nor mean- appears to be a library’s final answer dripping with volatile spontaneously, there deliberately, spirited. On the contrary, it was destiny.” unpredictability. and in this last instance, prompted by love and respect for How ironic. In establishing a But Vila-Matas reminds us of an undeniably, not always free of a the writer’s wishes. But whatever place to protect beauty, our essential fact: lost books once lucid folly. the reason, it was also informed

60 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Ideas ➜ Bookshelf by an incomprehensibly rigid to Byron’s friends and family, before he was to escape the The Words We Love attitude toward readers, who who agreed that the poet’s dirty country. For a year Schulz had What to make of these eight remain deprived of the writer’s laundry should never be aired. “found protection,” living in the stories? If we are dumbfounded words. It raises the question, who When flames consumed Malcolm home of another Nazi officer in by chance, when faced with does a book belong to, once it has Lowry’s shed on the Canadian exchange for painting the walls of the desire of those who would been written down? When do coast, the alcoholic’s own shaky the officer’s son’s room, frescoes destroy books, we can’t help but words stop being the writer’s and hands tried desperately and in which are now kept in the Yad take a position one way or the start being the reader’s? vain to rescue the last version of Vashem museum in Israel. And other. Van Straten walks along this In Ballast to the White Sea, which The Messiah? Did the author Van Straten falls squarely on path of forced silences, following had taken him nine years of himself hide it so well that it the side of the reader. For him, the tracks of books that have intense work to compose. would never be found again? No books belong to us readers been lost but never forgotten. But fire isn’t the only obliterator one has ever read it. Yet despite who, deprived of the material, Protagonists, in fact, of an of words. As Van Straten reminds doubts about the tremendous are impoverished. Our loss is therefore immeasurable. Van Straten argues that a book should under no circumstance be destroyed. He’s not alone in his thinking. For Benjamin too “it was more important that the manuscript reach America than that he live,” writes Van Straten, recalling how the tenacious philosopher hauled that heavy suitcase containing his writings up the steep mountainside, despite the terrible physical demand it made on a man that sickly. So a writer becomes a voice, and only through that voice lives and finds meaning, to the point that without it he or she would feel incomplete. It is the urgency of that voice that we gravitate toward every time we read; it is its strength and its authenticity that we make our own. We feel moved to join Van Straten in defending it at all costs, even from the writers Giorgio Van Straten presenting his book at Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò of New York University with writers themselves if they are the ones Jhumpa Lahiri (left) and Tiziana Rinaldi Castro (right) trying to silence it. Because in the end what we fall in love with overwhelming invisibility, like the us, books can also be lost by mere circumstances surrounding its is the very ephemerality of that long shadow a tree under the sun distraction. Like Hemingway’s inception, the book has had a rich voice, its pure humanity, which is casts. stories, packed in a suitcase that legacy, inspiring at least five other why we aspire to the impossible his wife Hadley left unguarded works of literature in several task of ensuring a safe place for Of Fire, Fate, and Folly for a few fateful minutes on a languages, a German-language beauty, one that will outlast us. Among the burned books is the train headed for Lausanne, where documentary and a Polish rock Schulz supports our endeavor. second volume of Gogol’s Dead Hemingway was awaiting them band. Burned, destroyed or, In a story called “The Book” from Souls. One heartbreaking night, to show to an agent. locked away for decades. As his collection The Cinnamon Shops, the author himself – prey to a Or they can be pulped in the with Sylvia Plath’s last diary, he compares books to meteors: sinister madness, that history war mill, like Walter Benjamin’s novel and other documents. In “Each has its moment, that has never forgiven – burnt his manuscript. It too disappeared in this case it was at the hands instant when it explodes in the work in the fireplace a sheaf at a suitcase, on the border between of her husband Ted Hughes, air, shrieking like the phoenix, a time, crying, while his young France and Spain, the day after who was anxious to destroy or all its pages ablaze. For that servant looked on helplessly. A the philosopher killed himself withhold as far as possible the moment, for that single instant, benevolent fever would devour when he realized he would not traces of a malaise considered we love it forever, although by the writer for the next ten days make it to salvation- America- unseemly even for a poet. And then it’s nothing but ashes.” ●● until he died. and that he was being shipped maybe suspend judgment as to In May 1824, a month after the back to Nazi-occupied France. the motivations with respect death of Lord Byron, similarly The Messiah, a novel by the to her call to die, which could * Tiziana Rinaldi Castro lives in feverish hands, but much less extraordinarily multifaceted have deeply scarred their young Brooklyn. She is a novelist, poet, and spiritually tormented, set fire Polish artist Bruno Schulz, children, whom he left instead op-ed writer for several magazines to the blistering memoir that met a similar end. Schulz was to interpret the mystery of their and newspapers from Italy. She the poet had sold to editor John murdered in cold blood in 1942 mother’s suicide without the aid teaches Ancient Greek Literature Murray. Those hands belonged by a Nazi officer just one day of her own words. at Montclair State University. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 61 Ideas ➜ Bookshelf

● ● EXPLORING SOLITUDE IN THE “CITY OF LONERS” Between Faith and Guilt

The fourth of Antonio never know his father. Despite Monda’s ten-volume New the Jewish origins attested to by his name, Abram decides to York saga has just been become a practicing Catholic published in Italy. Based on like his mother, enrolls in a recurring cast of a seminary, and eventually characters, each volume is pursues a career as a pastor in bustling 1970s New York City. set in a different decade of His choice may be prompted by the 20th century. This last is his search for a male role model, set in the 1970s and it by the fact that he has never had someone whom he could examines the complicated call “father.” relationship between faith Abram is a good priest. He and guilt. patiently hears confession, delivers vivid and passionate homilies and helps the needy. by Maria Rita Latto Yet he is also a very tortured man, constantly striving to be ●● Last March the Italian virtuous yet prey to temptations L’indegno publisher Mondadori released of the flesh. When earthly love Antonio Monda Antonio Monda’s latest novel, enters his life, it causes him to Mondadori L’indegno (The Shameful). The break his vows, to renege on the ➤ pages 156 book is part of a ten-volume very meaning of his mission. Antonio Monda Photo: Iwona Adamczyk ➤ € 18.00 saga of subtly linked stories all set in New York with a recurring Enters sweet Lisa faith and sin. The clash is the Profound solitude cast of characters: a project that Lisa, the object of his affection, source of his morbid suffering, Then one day Lisa is diagnosed Antonio Monda—journalist, will lead him to commit sins, morbid because he can’t stop with cancer, a sickness that for novelist and professor at NYU’s including lying and stealing. sinning or lusting after women Abram is both a punishment Tisch School of the Arts—has Abram is overwhelmed by the or acting on his lust. There had and a means to expiate his been nurturing for some years drama and sense of absolute been women before Lisa, but sins... But we don’t want to now. Each volume is set in a evil he experiences as a man then the attraction was purely spoil the whole book. Suffice different decade of the 20th living in sin, as someone who physical, nothing more. Instead, it to say that the finale is century. Of the four books that allows the world to drag him to since the first time he met her, bittersweet, leaving the have been published, Ota Benga the brink of eternal damnation, Abram has been deeply drawn reader with a taste of Abram’s took place in the 1910s, L’America which shame supplies the novel to the young volunteer, who solitude, the book’s leitmotif. non esiste (America Doesn’t Exist) with its potent title. His spiritual stimulates him intellectually It is a profound solitude, one in the 1950s, La casa sulla roccia struggle is metaphorically with her talk of the Scrovegni experienced in New York, a (The House on the Rocks) in the reflected in a boxing match he Chapel, of Botticelli and “city of loners,” as Abram calls ‘60s, and this last in the 1970s. watches in his parish refectory Bronzino, Pontormo and Lotti, it. Before he becomes a priest, As with previous volumes, the with three of his fellow priests, of the beauties to be found we see him as a young man cover is immediately striking, a young Jamaican student, and in art. Sweet Lisa loves him assisting in the construction featuring an intense and blurry two nuns. The match happens unconditionally. She accepts the of the Twin Towers, symbol shot of New York’s Twin Towers. to be the historic Rumble in the fact that he is and will remain of a city that challenged the Written as an impassioned Jungle between the thirty-four- a priest. She doesn’t ask him to sky, which people believed monologue, L’indegno examines year-old challenger Muhammad abandon the Church. So strong would last forever. We see him the complicated relationship Ali and the world heavyweight is her love that she is willing at 21, the city’s famous fancy between faith and guilt. champion George Foreman. to give up their unborn child, restaurant, or in front of Studio Round after round, Abram choosing to commit the sin 54. We also see him in his little A very tortured man grows more and more excited Abram’s mother had refused to room in the shabby church. Abram Singer is a priest, a man watching the feather-footed Ali commit, bearing him into the Wherever he is, Abram is alone who has chosen to dedicate and the powerful Foreman. In world despite the knowledge and tortured, incapable of living his life to God and the Catholic the end Ali’s cunning prevails that her son would never have life lightly, conscious of his faith. Conceived during a brief over Foreman’s blind rage. a father. And cowardly Abram inability to change the world but intense affair between his What upsets Abram so much does nothing to challenge Lisa’s and, more importantly, himself mother and an artistic drifter is the metaphorical equivalent decision. On the contrary, he – a human made of mud and named Nathan, little Abram of David versus Goliath, the celebrates mass – to his shame spirit, condemned to be what will be raised by his mother and clash between good and evil, and horror – the day after. he is. ●●

62 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Ideas ➜ Bookshelf

● ● A COLLECTIVE PORTRAIT OF ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE Americordo. The Italian Jewish Exiles in America

When Fascism came to power in 1922—with no anti-Semitic platform to speak of—some Italian Jewish families welcomed the new regime. But by the mid-1930s all had changed. By the fall of 1938, thousands were faced with a wrenching decision: to stay or go into exile? It was a disparate group. In addition to architects, musicians, artists, journalists, designers, mathematicians, and no less than three later Nobel Prize winners, there was a seamstress, a door-to-door salesman... Gianna Pontecorboli’s book is a collective portrait of ordinary and extraordinary people; a polyphonic biography. by Stanislao Pugliese to our public programing, to our online activities, and to the ●● Some Americans are readers synergies between the two. As of Primo Levi, especially after our web presence grew through his extraordinary Periodic Table the online monthly Printed was translated into English and Matter, we realized that the more praised by such writers as Susan content we provided the more Sontag, Philip Roth and Saul interest we stimulated. In other Bellow. And some Americans are words, publishing books is a conscious of the long-running natural extension of our website.” debate on the role of the Vatican “One of our objectives,” Cassin and Pius XII during the Nazi continued, “is to present the occupation of Italy. But few history, culture and traditions of Americans—or Italian-Americans the Jews of Italy, as to stimulate for that matter—are familiar further study in this field. One with the plight and influence of the main problems is that few of 2,000 Italian Jews who fled of the texts—both classics and fascist Italy under the most new—are available in English, Tanaquil Le Clercq with George Balanchine (right) and two prominent difficult circumstances after the so we began translating a Jewish-Italian Exiles, composer Vittorio Rieti (left), who composed music appearance of the “Manifesto selection of books we believe are for George Balanchine’s ballets, and artist Corrado Cagli (middle) who was of the Racial Scientists” in important.” among the founders of The Ballet Society (today’s New York City Ballet) the summer of 1938 and the Pontecorboli’s writing—admirably with George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein (Photo by Irving Penn, 1948). subsequent promulgation of anti- translated by Marion Lignana Semitic legislation—based on the Rosenberg (who died tragically never been told in its entirety, Italy had Jewish prime ministers notorious Nuremberg Laws of during the project) and Steve though many of the exiles have and Rome had a Jewish mayor Nazi Germany—several months Baker of Columbia University—is written books and personal when France—home of the later. clear and direct, thankfully free memoirs. Enlightenment—was convulsed Now, Centro Primo Levi of the rhetorical excess that When fascism came to power by the Dreyfuss Affair. Were not Editions has published an sometimes accompanies the in 1922, some Italian Jewish the Jews of Rome the “Pope’s English translation of Gianna subject. families welcomed the new Jews”? Had not Mussolini Pontecorboli’s Americordo, and the This book is a humble homage to regime, an indication of how promised to protect Italian Jews story should be better known. the history of some 2,000 Italian assimilated into the communities since “they had wept at Caesar’s When asked to explain the Jews who crossed the ocean to they had become. With no anti- tomb”? genesis and project of CPL flee the Fascist regime’s unjust Semitic platform to speak of But by the mid-1930s all had Editions, Alessandro Cassin, racial laws, having understood (but numerous anti-Semites in changed and the first Italian Director of Publishing, recalled early on the tragedy in which their ranks), the fascists didn’t translation of The Protocols of the “For about 10 years, the activities those laws would culminate only appear at first to be as dangerous Elders of Zion, while little noticed of Primo Levi Center were tied a few years later. This story has as their German counterparts. at the time, was an ominous shot www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 63 Ideas ➜ Bookshelf

across the bow. By the fall of 1938, thousands were faced with a wrenching decision: to stay or go into exile? It was a disparate group. In addition to architects, musicians, artists, journalists, designers, mathematicians, and no less than three later Nobel Prize winners, there was a seamstress, a door-to-door salesman ... This is a collective portrait of ordinary and extraordinary people; a polyphonic biography. Appropriately enough, the story begins with Pontecorboli recalling the arrival back in Italy of an aunt The presentation of Americordo at the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò of NYU Americordo and uncle who had fled in 1938. last March. Author Gianna Pontecorboli in conversation with Judge Guido Gianna Pontecorboli Giuseppe Prezzolini, one of the Calabresi (right) and Alessandro Cassin, Director of Publishing for Centro Centro Primo Levi Editions ➤ $ 9.00 prominenti in his role as Director Primo Levi Editions (left). of the Casa Italiana at Columbia University, astutely observed a certain point the conversation was not yet the interest there and Portuguese synagogue were that “These Italian Jews were came around to the “American is now in revisiting that period crucial to reassure the weakest. . . . entirely different. They uncle,” my mother’s brother in time and because I realized constituted a special emigration. who had decided to move to immediately that the experience How is this history of Italian Once arrived they never set about the US together with a cousin and suffering of the past still Jewish exiles understood today asking for assistance; instead, shortly after the passage of the haunted many of them and it in Italy? they actually gave assistance, Racial Laws. At that moment would be difficult to for them to I had a lot of interest when the each helping the others. They we realized that all five of us tell an impartial and serene tale. book came out in Italy. It is a new didn’t mingle with New York Jews had incredibly vivid memories story for the larger Italian public. or even with Italian-Americans of when he and his wife visited Do you discern a difference ... As far as Jews were concerned, Italy. We were all children, but (ideological, psychological, they were Italians, and Italian- none of us forgot the excitement political, cultural) between those Alessandro Cassin promises Americans considered them Jews. that enlivened the family and who choose exile and those who that “CPL Editions will continue For Americans they were the especially their fascinating remained behind? Was there to expand our offering of subject of wonder and awe.” stories. And, at the same time, any antagonism between the books that relate to the Jewish we remembered the tension two groups? presence in Italy, from ancient Author Gianna Pontecorboli was we perceived in our parents’ The exiles who chose America time to the present, from a born in Camogli (Genova), earned questions. belonged primarily to the Jewish variety of points of view.” They a degree in Economics from the When I came to NY at the end upper middle class, which had have also created a CPL Editions University of Genova in 1968 and of the 1970s the environment in the money and the contacts to APP—which can be downloaded has had a distinguished career which my aunt and uncle had take a real leap into darkness. for free at iTunes or Google as a journalist in Italy and the lived was still largely intact and The majority were professionals Play—and “allows our readers United States. She writes often so it was natural that it aroused or intellectuals who had lost to be updated on our new books about politics, culture and the my curiosity and the emotions their work because of the racial and read Printed Matter on their economy. Currently, she is the of my childhood. I had the laws. Many—but not all of them- phones and electronic devices.” UN and US correspondent for opportunity to meet many of the -were antifascists. As far as I The nearly four-dozen black the Swiss newspaper Corriere del Italian Jews who had arrived after know, their decision to leave was and white photographs evoke Ticino; she is also a writer and 1938 thanks to my work, and I received with sorrow but also a world we forget at our peril. founding partner of the online was fascinated by the fact that with understanding by those who From Rome, Milan, Fiume, Venice paper Lettera 22. they were perfectly integrated decided to stay and they were and dozens of other Italian She kindly and graciously with Americans, Jews, and received with open arms when towns and cities, to New Haven, responded to several questions Italians, while at the same time they went back after the war. CT, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, about the book. remaining ‘different.’ And I was Princeton, NJ, the book recounts impressed by the success that What personal and intellectual another chapter in the millennial Obviously, this is a very personal many of them had had, in spite of qualities did the exiles carry that history of the Diaspora. With work. Can you explain how the the difficulties they encountered. helped them become successful a useful bibliography, 80 short idea came to you and your own I immediately understood that in America? biographies and a preface by history? their story deserved to be told. I Obviously cultural and Furio Colombo, this is a valuable I think the most interesting thing still remember perfectly visiting intellectual qualities played a and necessary book that will may be to talk about how this one of them in his house in major role. One of the factors was appeal to both scholars and book was born. I’d like to start Larchmont, outside of NYC. On the idea that they had lost their general readers alike. ●● with a small, personal story. A the way back I told the person support system and they had few years ago we organized a who was accompanying me, ‘this to prove themselves in the new * Stanislao Pugliese is the Queensboro family dinner in Genova. We story deserves a book. I will have world. The friendship of the other UNICO Distinguished Professor of were five cousins who came to write it.’ However the time was exiles and the help of different Italian & Italian American Studies at from three different families. At not yet ripe, both because there organizations like the Spanish Hofstra University.

64 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Ideas ➜ Bookshelf

● ● A NEW ELIOT CONTE MYSTERY FROM ACCLAIMED AUTHOR FRANK LETRICCHIA Riding the Streets of Utica

The actual unsolved murder 5:30 a.m. of one Fred Morelli, whose Sleep is immigrant father had his impossible. Conte cigar business busted by the paces under the state for withholding sales overhead light in the tax, an act that drives Fred to front room. With a the dark side of Italian power. sudden move, turns out the light and by Fred Gardaphe paces faster in the dark. Stops. At a ●● The third installment of Frank loss. Goes to the big Lentricchia’s Eliot Conte mystery picture window—a series, following The Accidental Pallbearer and The Dog Killers, finds violent yank on the the ex-professor turned private cord as he raises the eye a stay-at-home father to a blinds on deserted newborn daughter. Baby Ann, the result of his cohabitation Mary [St.]—Mary with Catherine Cruz, is in his illuminated on this care and keeps him at his wit’s overcast night by end. Without much of a track only a dying street record in the father business, Eliot struggles to keep the kid fed, lamp. For a long time in clean diapers, and not crying he stands frozen at as he muddles around his Utica the window, staring home, waiting for Catherine to return from a visit to her older at nothing, until a daughter. When he gets a call late model, black from Caruso’s Café telling him The Morelli Thing Cadillac SUV rolls to the news, he begins to sizzle. Frank Lentricchia a stop in front of his Victor Bocca, a local lout and Guernica Editions angry old man smashed the ➤ pages 222 house. A quick step guitar of one Angel Moreno, after ➤ $ 20.00 back. the seventeen year old uses this new gift from his adopted father Eliot to amuse Utica’s Golden is Eliot’s charge. Taking care Lentricchia keeps the story Boys, local retirees, as they debate of a newborn, and this genius moving and the plot from giving the most famous unsolved crime enact whatever physical response computer whiz home from the itself away. His sleuth is someone in Utica history, the 1947 murder his twisted mind can conceive, he Ivy League school that awarded you love to hate and are afraid to of Fred Morelli. Assumed all finds Victor’s body sprawled over him a major in computer science love, and yet, you can’t help but along to be a mob hit, Angel ruins his front stoop; someone more before he even takes a class, wonder just how will Eliot get out the old men’s theories as he professionally prepared than is more than Eliot can handle. of this one. While the solution presents evidence he’s managed Eliot, got there first, yet Eliot will Under the stress, he drifts toward is ingenious, the action makes to get through use of his be suspected of the crime until the old habits that got the best of us think, could this be the end superhuman skills as a computer he can prove he had nothing to him in the past, and keeps him of Lentricchia’s detective work? hacker that links Morelli to none do with it. from finding normal work. What could Eliot Conte possibly other than Thomas E. Dewey, the With this plot, Lentricchia takes Lentricchia has centered this do next if he must stay in Utica as famous New York crime fighter us on another wild ride through novel around an actual unsolved he reaches the age when health turned politician. Angel, home the streets of Utica, New York, murder of one Fred Morelli, problems arrive unexpectedly to from college, must have struck as wild man Eliot, part Sherlock whose immigrant father had his normal seniors, not to mention a wrong chord for Bocca to have Holmes, more Dirty Harry, flits cigar business busted by the state those who are trouble magnets. behaved so violently, and leaves about town in an effort to keep for withholding sales tax, an act And just how much mystery can the café to sulk in his room. Eliot his family alive and together. that drives Fred to the dark side even a powerful writer such as seeks vengeance for the wrong Angel, whose family was of Italian power. With punchy Lentricchia draw from one small done to his son, but before he can murdered in the last novel, now dialogue and fast-paced action, American city? ●● www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 65 Ideas ➜ Bookshelf

Inside Venice: A Private Le cose che non ho View of the City’s Most Marco Mengoni Beautiful Interiors Import Toto Bergamo Rossi “Sicilian in the truest sense” ➤ $ 34.99 Rizzoli USA Poems that needed to be written ➤ pages 310 ➤ $ 38.00 music ● Le cose che non ho (Things I guai della pigniata sabe sol’ o cucchiao BOOK ● The su- Birds of Sicily I don’t have) is perb private in- Michelle Reale (The troubles deep in the pot are known only the fourth studio Aldrich Books teriors of Venice by the spoon. Sicilian proverb) album by Italian ➤ pages 144 are revealed in singer-songwriter ➤ $ 18.95 this lavishly pho- It is not difficult to imagine what life in Sic- Marco Mengoni. A single, “Ti ho voluto tographed book. ily must have been like in the 1920’s. The bene veramente,” was released in Oc- This gorgeously tober 2015. The album is the second minds’ eye can imagine in a small town photographed of a two-album project with his third high above in the Madonie mountains: ach- journey through studio album Parole in circolo. During entrancingly beautiful Venetian inte- ingly beautiful hills, lives’ ruled by fear , his career, Mengoni has received sev- riors is sure to appeal to Venice’s many superstition, with the trait of rebellious- eral awards, including two TRL Awards, admirers interested in the elegance ness, coiled in the DNA of a people whose nine Wind Music Awards and nine MTV and refinement of classical Old World lineage has survived many invasions. Italian Music Awards. interior design. The private properties The poems in Birds of Sicily needed to be featured in this handsome volume are written, a story that needed to see the light Breaking Bread in L’Aquila Maria Filice not accessible to the public and most of day. A young man lives in a very small are published here for the first time. Food and Fate Publishing town in Sicily with his mother; his father ➤ ➤ (Foreword by Diane Von Furstenberg and pages 142 $ 29.95 having gone to America a few years before. Peter Marino, Photographs by Jean-Fran- Grapes were grown and brought to the mar- çois Jaussaud, Introduction by James Ivory). BOOK ● This ket. Their small lives’ were guided by su- book was Bellissima! The Italian perstition. They lived by their wits. The son worshipped Mussolini, published on Automotive Renaissance, wore a black band on his arm, marched with him when he came April 6, 2010, 1945 to 1975 to the region; a young boy’s dream. Land extortion, fear and two on the first Ken Gross, Robert Cumberford murders later, he and his mother purchased tickets and embarked anniversary and Winston Goodfellow on a dock in Palermo for the long trip to America. The photo on of the earth- Rizzoli USA his passport is long gone. But one wonders what he might have quake that devastated the Abruzzo ➤ pages 176 ➤ $ 45.00 looked like then: a mixture of fear? Relief? Exhilaration? But life region. Releasing the book on the earth- quake’s anniversary was a message in the new country would prove to be a beast that he could never BOOK ● A to the people of the region that “we quite manage to tame. He had never wanted to leave Sicily; to stay beautifully have not forgotten.” Additionally, the designed would have meant to die. He changed his name; feared vendetta author— a first-generation Canadian- volume for his entire life. To tell the story of a life with poems is, perhaps, American Italian—donated the book’s devoted to Sicilian in the truest sense. A story that can be best understood not net proceeds to the restoration efforts the most as a straight narrative, but rather through words carefully chosen. and the assistance still desperately collectible needed in the heavily damaged regional and rare mid-century Italian cars Michelle Reale is an Assistant Professor at Arcadia University in the capital, L’Aquila. and motorcycles, Bellissima! pres- suburbs of Philadelphia. She is the author of four collections of fiction ents some of the most breathtaking and prose poems and has been published in a wide variety of publica- Architecture: Movements Italian-designed automobiles and tions both online and in print. She has twice been nominated for a and Trends from the 19th motorcycles of the post–World War Pushcart Prize. She does ethnography among African refugees in Sicily Century to the Present II era, a series of visionary designs and blogs about some of her experiences. For more see: https://sempre- Luca Molinari that thrilled the world and signaled sicilia.wordpress.com. Rizzoli USA / Skira ➤ ➤ a period of remarkable industrial re- pages 320 $ 25.86 birth. All-new photographs featuring pioneering masterpieces by Ferrari, BOOK ● The lead- Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, ing movements, and others, trace a remarkable lineage major figures, of design that captivated buyers and works, and ideas greatly influenced mid-century indus- that shaped the trial design, architecture, aeronautics, architecture of the furniture, and fashion. (Photographed by twentieth century Michael Furman and Peter Harholdt). and the first decade of the new millennium, one of the richest and most complex periods in human history. This volume offers a Download our 360-degree review of the architectural developments of the twentieth centu- iPhone app Watercolor by Cristina Mazzoni for Birds of Sicily ry, tracing the best-known groups and movements that played a significant

66 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Ideas ➜ Bookshelf

role in the rise and evolution of modern The Maciste Films of Italian trends in the discipline. Silent Cinema Jacqueline Reich ITALIAN JAZZ Gonzo Girl: A Novel Indiana University Press Cheryl Della Pietra ➤ pages 432 ➤ $ 35.00 The clarinet was invented by the devil Touchstone ➤ ➤ pages 288 $ 16.00 BOOK ● Italian film star Bartolomeo BOOK ● Alley Russo Pagano’s “Maciste” is a young aspiring played a key role novelist who arrives in his nation’s nar- at Walker Reade’s ratives of identity compound in the Col- during World War orado Rockies hoping I and after. Jacque- by Enzo Capua to win the job as his line Reich traces the racial, class, and assistant. Aging literary lion Reade has national transformations undergone There was a time, around the 1930s, when jazz music became so popular gone off the deep end. Struggling to by this Italian strongman from Afri- and recognizable that even today it is still described as the peak of the finish his overdue manuscript, he falls can slave in Cabiria (1914), his first film, “Jazz Era”, which in fact began around a decade before. That pinnacle into the wild lifestyle that made him a to bourgeois gentleman, to Alpine of fame for the genre – which has perhaps never been reached again legend. Alley tries to coax a novel out soldier of the Great War, to colonial since – was known as the “Swing Era,” drawing a link between these two of Reade while battling his procrasti- officer in Italy’s African adventures. historical periods, a little like the zipper of a dress, was a dramatic event nation, vampiric schedule, substance (Winner, American Association of Ital- in American history: the Great Depression. Yet, miraculously, jazz music abuse, and casual gunplay. ian Studies 2016 Book Prize for Film and seemed at first – during the Jazz Era – to represent a new desire for crazy, Media). unbridled joy after the gloom of World War I, while after – in the Swing Tasting Rome: Fresh Era – it became a wild, uninhibited reaction to the sadness of hunger, and Flavors & Forgotten Aperitivo. The Cocktail the absence of work. All this came before another tragedy that would Recipes from an Ancient Culture of Italy affect the entire world: World War II. Thus we can say that jazz, together City Marisa Huff with other art forms (though for different reasons), represented in the Katie Parla and Kristina Gill (Foreword by Joe Bastianich) first half of the 20th century an exuberant, imaginative and unifying bond Clarkson Potter Rizzoli USA between the people who wanted to react with vital force to the tragedies ➤ pages 2560 ➤ $ 20.26 ➤ pages 224 ➤ $ 14.95 currently happening or threatening the future. The symbolic instrument of those decades was certainly the clarinet: BOOK ● This book BOOK ● Kick off so strongly symbolic that jazz itself can be identified with its sound. by the Rome-based the evening as the There were two absolute protagonists of the clarinet in jazz: Benny journalist and food Italians do with Goodman and Artie Shaw. Both men were white, with very different expert Katie Parla these recipes for personalities, though equally capable and extraordinarily talented. Of was recently pre- drinks and small sented by editor dishes from the course before them there were other ingenious clarinetists, for example Kristina Gill in con- best bars and res- Jimmie Noone from New Orleans, and then Pee Wee Russell and Eric versation with food taurants of Venice, Dolphy, but the great popularity of both jazz music and the clarinet is enthusiast Jacqueline Greaves Monda Milan, Turin, and beyond. Aperitivo owed to those two players. at Casa Italiana Zerilli Marimò. A love takes the reader on a spirited ride And what about Italians? Well, there were at least three great Ital- letter from two Americans to their ad- through this cocktail culture, cover- ian players of American jazz, extraordinary clarinetists and all sons of opted city, showcasing modern dishes ing variations on all the classics in- immigrants: Jimmy Giuffre, Buddy De Franco and Tony Scott (whose influenced by tradition, as well as the cluding the Negroni, the Bellini, and real name was Anthony Joseph Sciacca). So Italians evidently had a rich culture of their surroundings. Even the spritz and stopping at the choic- particular fondness for the clarinet, as evidenced by a famous show- 150 years after unification, Italy is still a est bars that have elevated this ritual man of today, a certain Renzo Arbore, so dedicated to his music that divided nation where individual regions to an art form. Many of the drinks are his business card reads “Jazz Clarinetist”. One of the greats among Ital- are defined by their local cuisine– mirrors structured around vermouths and ians in the modern age, Baldo Maestri, who unfortunately has long of their culture, history, and geography. other botanical-infused liqueurs, disappeared, said to me once, “the clarinet was invented by the devil!” which offer a new world of complex referring to the countless difficulties of playing it, especially with regard flavors. They yield enticingly simple Black Cat to intonation. Woody Allen knows something about that, insisting on cocktails that refresh—without stun- Zucchero performing in public despite having many problems with tone, instead Import ning the palate (thanks to a lighter al- of dedicating himself completely to the thing that he knows how to do ➤ $ 19.99 cohol content). But Aperitivo is just as better by far, directing films. Nevertheless, this beautiful instrument of much about the food because in Italy, ebony and reed, so difficult to play yet with such a soothing sound, is not MUSIC ● This is drinking and eating go hand in hand. currently going through a period of great popularity. The famous jazz the twelfth studio Recipes feature fried sage leaves, album by the Italian oven-roasted eggplant, and carbon- musicians who still play it are somewhat scarce. In Italy however we blues rock singer- ara tramezzini, as well as many de- have four of them that we could place at the top of the list of the best songwriter Zucchero licious riffs on crostini, frittata, and on the world: Gabriele Mirabassi, Daniele D’Agaro, Mauro Negri and Fornaciari. It was re- focaccia. Whether planning a party or Nico Gori. All excellent musicians who have raised the flag of Italian leased in three different versions; Italian, just having a friend over for a quick jazz music. Because of them, the sound of the clarinet has undergone International (with English and Spanish drink, Aperitivo brings a whole new a magnificent rebirth, completely Italian, fascinating and inviting. It version), and Japanese. The song “Par- spirit of conviviality and true Italian wouldn’t be otherwise, would it? tigiano Reggiano” is album’s first single style to the occasion. (Photographed in Italy. by Andrea Fazzari). www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 67 Monte Sant’Angelo Photo by Beatrice (Wikicommons)

68 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Tourism ❱❱ Gargano Are you going to Italy SOON?

●● DISCOVERING THE WONDERS OF THE SPUR OF ITALY’S BOOT An Intriguing Spot in Apulia

A journey through the “spur Transumanza of Italy’s boot,” tracing the Photo Archivio d’Abruzzo path of transhumance in discovery of ancient and evocative sites. The journey begins in Abruzzo and passes through Molise before reaching the rolling hills of Tavoliere delle Puglie, where you will find the Gargano Promontory overlooking the sea. A place of wonderful little villages, ancient cathedrals and deep spirituality, today Gargano is a flourishing tourist For two millennia, transhumance has united the region of destination – a seaside Abruzzo with Tavoliere of Apulia. Guided by their shepherds, resort with an artistic and millions of sheep have descended from the plateaus in the gastronomic itinerary of Appennines to the great, boundless plain at the foot of Gargano. exceptional interest. Today the area is an untouched paradise where tourists can enjoy the crystal clear waters, little charming villages, stunning by Goffredo Palmerini * architecture and a simple yet ancient cuisine.

●● From the gates of L’Aquila, the beautiful capital of Abruzzo, the ancient cattle-trail led all the way to the city of Foggia in Puglia. Over 300 feet wide and 150 miles long, it was the largest and most important of the five trails connecting Abruzzo with Puglia. For that reason it was known as the Great Cattle-Trail (‘Tratturo Magno’); an arterial road leading the essential traffic of enormous herds of sheep in transhumance towards Puglia’s flat lands. Guided by their shepherds, the sheep descended from the mountains of Gran Sasso, Sirente and Majella to reach Gargano: The Architello (Little Arch) the green pastures of Tavoliere delle Puglie, the great and * A prolific writer and journalist, former deputy Mayor of L’Aquila and president of the Abruzzo chapter of ANFE (Associazione boundless plain at the foot Nazionale Famiglie Emigranti) Goffredo Palmerini takes us to a fascinating journey from Abruzzo to Puglia, and back. www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 69 Tourism ➜ Gargano of Gargano. Millions of sheep From the would descend each year from summit of the plateaus of Abruzzo and Molise to spend their winters Mount Calvo the there, always finding fresh grass Gargano Promontory to feed on. often appears to be Two thousand years of right on the edge the transhumance sea, decorating the “September’s come, let’s go: coastline with migration time. In the Abruzzi lands my shepherds now enchanting rocky are leaving their summer coves, embroidered folds: down they climb” (tr. by waves, with caves, Geoffrey Brock). So begins the charming poem by Gabriele gorges, cliffs and deep D’Annunzio. The shepherds valleys. As a result of indeed left with their herds in these natural marvels September, walking for days and days on the route marked and the beauty of the out by centuries, dating back to villages that line the even before the domination of shores, the coast is a Rome. On reaching the Adriatic Sea and Tavoliere delle Puglie strong attraction for the herds and their shepherds beach tourism. would stay for the whole winter until April, sleeping under the starlit sky. Throughout the long the final destination. For two and tiresome journey from the millennia, this great highway high plateaus, both the animals of earth and grass has united and their shepherds would the transhumance of Abruzzo often rest next to churches and with Tavoliere of Puglia, other places of worship. When nourishing a combination of the first shepherd noticed the greatly impressive cultures and sea on the horizon his heart traditions. would jump with joy, and then they would continue to walk From Tavoliere to for days along the marvelous Gargano coastline bathed by the emerald The foothills of Gargano begin Adriatic Sea. Yet the greatest precisely from Tavoliere—once joy for the shepherds was when the land of the ancient Dauni the green Gargano Promontory people. This wide, limestone could be seen looming on the mass creates the perfect shape horizon, like an announcement of a spur on the boot-shaped of their imminent arrival at map of Italy. A vast forest

Peschici San Nicandro Garganico

70 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Tourism ➜ Gargano

Three views of the Vieste, the Vieste coastline capital city” of Gargano is a magnificent town of white houses clinging to the coastline, narrow cobbled streets leading to stairways and agave covered arches. For centuries this medieval neighborhood has stood boldly on the coarse cliff, yet Vieste was once a Greek colony before becoming a Roman municipium. From here—the furthest point east of the promontory—you can admire a marvelous view of the sea and, to the south, the bright coastline of White Beach.. Vieste is truly enchanting, especially at night Lake Varano, almost touching reach Manfredonia. We will when seen from sea. the sea. From here we will then go from Mattinata to begin our circumnavigation Monte Sant’Angelo, then to around the marvels of Gargano, San Giovanni Rotondo before clear waters, the charming travelling along the coastal descending to San Marco villages and the cheerful and road that follows the contour in Lamis and ending in San welcoming characters of the of the promontory, until we Severo. people who live there. They of beech, maple, oak and can also enjoy a richness Vieste holm oak trees overlooks the of flavors from a simple yet promontory; a green paradise ancient cuisine and a prolific of flora and fauna, today a flourishing of architecture National Park known as the that tells a thousand-year Foresta Umbra (or Shaded old history, a place so full of Woods). From the summit of culture and strong spirituality. Mount Calvo, 3,460 feet high, The calcareous nature the Gargano Promontory of Gargano’s land means often appears to be right on that little can be used for the edge the sea, decorating agriculture. Strips of earth the coastline with enchanting have been allocated to the rocky coves, embroidered by cultivation of olive groves and waves, with caves, gorges, cliffs grapevines, providing good and deep valleys. As a result of wines like the typical “Trojan these natural marvels and the Black” (Nero di Troia), and on beauty of the villages that line the coast there are also citrus the shores, the coast is a strong groves. Vegetable crops are attraction for beach tourism. only grown on the foothills of Tourists and vacationers the promontory and on the alike can enjoy the crystal shores of Lake Lesina and www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 71 Tourism ➜ Gargano

A tangle of pretty little Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Rotondo, home of Padre Pio villages built in the 13th century for many years; the highly The narrow and winding road esteemed Capuchin monk to Rodi Garganico, a beautiful recently elevated to the altars, village nestled on a rocky cliff, but already considered holy will certainly keep you awake. for decades. Having lived in This populous seaside town the convent of San Giovanni features a maze of alleyways Rotondo since 1916, Padre Pio and is dominated by the Castle had a large hospital built next- and the Church of Santa Maria door for the relief of sufferers. della Libera, inside of which a Because of the miraculous beautiful byzantine image of the virtues of Padre Pio, San Virgin Mary can be found. From Giovanni Rotondo immediately the marina, hydrofoils depart for became a destination for the magnificentTremiti Islands, pilgrims strongly devoted to the five small gems of the Adriatic. monk. This was a phenomenon A little beyond Rodi Garganico that grew right up until his you will reach Peschici; old death in 1968, and exploded walls surround this ancient further still afterwards with village of gray-domed houses, the start of his process of grouped together on an outcrop canonization. These days the overlooking the sea. city has become a destination After around 12 more miles for pilgrimage and healthcare, you will arrive in Vieste, a with newly established magnificent town of white accommodation facilities and houses clinging to the coastline, hotels for visitors. The original narrow cobbled streets leading church of the Convent has been to stairways and agave covered joined by an imposing structure arches. For centuries this designed by famed architect medieval neighborhood has Renzo Piano (designer of many stood boldly on the coarse cliff, works around the world, yet Vieste was once a Greek including in New York City) colony before becoming a Roman to welcome the thousands of municipium. To resist attacks pilgrims who every day come to from the sea, Emperor Federico San Giovanni Rotondo to pray II built the mighty Castle in around the urn which houses defense of the Saracens, later the uncorrupted remains reinforced with pentagonal of the Saint. Indeed just as bastions built by the Spanish. Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church in more remote times, even designed by Renzo Piano From here—the furthest point was inaugurated in 2004 today Gargano is a destination east of the promontory—you can of pilgrimage, characterized admire a marvelous view of the for centuries by silence and sea and, to the south, the bright son of Federico II. Surrounded is Monte Sant’Angelo. From meditation. These are very coastline of White Beach. At by walls, with an orthogonal this town you will discover the common characteristics of the top of a steep staircase, the urban layout and a castle on the beauty of the gulf, and looking internal Abruzzo, a land of central doorway of the splendid edge of the sea, Manfredonia to the west the vast clearing of contemplation, prayer, hermits Roman Cathedral dominates was a flourishing city in Roman, Tavoliere. Monte Sant’Angelo and saints. the scene, dating back to the Byzantine and Norman times, owes its name to St. Michael the 11th century. Opposite is the before becoming exposed Archangel, who appeared here So we can now head back Episcopal Palace, with a grand to Saracen invasions. The in a grotto in the year 493 while over the old cattle-trail that interior of three naves and Cathedral is beautiful and inside Siponto battled victoriously to we followed into the heart columns with incredibly thin the Museum of Gargano you defend itself against barbarians. of Abruzzo; back to the high capitals. The rich late-baroque will find precious archaeological A 13th century sanctuary built plateaus and their long winters, wooden ceiling hides the original relics of great interest, dating on the remains of one of the into the charming villages trusses, while other traces of back as far as Neolithic times. older temples of Christianity has clinging to the mountain the original structure, having Furthermore, right next to been dedicated to St. Michael slopes, right up to the L’Aquila survived fires and earthquakes, Manfredonia is ancient Siponto the Archangel. These temples basin where our journey can be admired on the north where the Siponto saints (“Santi are incredibly beautiful and have began, tracing the route of side of the building. Here you siponti”) originated. In the third been places of strong spirituality transhumance. A journey of will find a magnificent, ornate century these saints famously for centuries. memory that took us into door decorated with exquisitely climbed back up the cattle-trail a portion of Puglia; rich in crafted bas-reliefs. Vieste is truly to evangelize the people of The birthplace of Padre ambiance, beauty, charm and enchanting, especially at night L’Aquila in Abruzzo. Pio, healer and saint of spirituality. Gargano deserves when seen from sea. Returning almost as far as our time to be visited, for people to Cruising south along the coast Mattinata you will meet the Now we must climb further discover the extraordinary you will reach Manfredonia, a intercepting road that climbs still, along the spine of Gargano richness of its endless city founded by King Manfredi, to Gargano, and halfway up until we reach San Giovanni attractions. ● ●

72 | i-Italy ny | June-July 2016 | www.i-ItalyNY.com www.i-Italy.org Tourism ➜ Gargano

●● FROM “THE POET OF TWO LANDS,” NATIVE OF APULIA. ESPECIALLY FOR I-ITALY Quartetto Garganico by Joseph Tusiani

SWALLOWS IN PADULA On this page we offer four short poems by Joseph Tusiani, the “Poet of Two Lands” STREET renowned worldwide for writing in four languages – English, Italian, Latin and Pugliese

Swallows swallows everywhere, dialect. Recently honored as New York State Poet Laureate Emeritus by Governor Andrew and not only in the air Cuomo, “in recognition of contributions to the international literary community,” but now also on the ground Joseph is above all someone I am enormously proud to call a friend (L.A.) to be graciously around. Look at some of them right here in my street and near my home, ULIVI DEL GARGANO LI VUCELLE ‘LU hopping happy, maybe looking CAMPANARE for some welcome easy crumb. Non come noi, han secoli gli ulivi, One of them comes closer closer fissi contorti nella dura scorza Me mpaccesse not for food as I surmise pe qquessi but perhaps to bring to me che ne cattura la forza. Privi bbelle just its precious company. sono gli ulivi di mollezze lievi vucelle But can such a thing be true e stagionali appariscenze rare, che vvòlene nturne that a creature of the skies nati a restar come restano gli evi. tuttu lu jurne. is not only down on earth Sono gli ulivi della terra mia, Nu mare de vote but is eager now to be l’ej viste recòte just with me and only me? sono la terra mia stessa, riarsa, come na squatra Welcome, welcome, little bird, fiera e ferrigna e feconda e forte sope lu campanare and be not at all afraid. nella calura maligna, e gentile ‘la Cchjesia Matra. It is I who strongly fear nella breve frescura mattinale Ma joje me pare that, if only I come near, che nell’ora serale è lieta sorte. che vvonne dice you will quickly fly away, propia accuscì: thinking wrongly—God forbid— “Sinte, Peppì, I don’t want you here to stay. VIR MONTANUS non t’avvelenne. Little bird, what did I do Li male venne, that so fast away you flew? Montis imago tenet mentem, tenet omnia nota venne e vvanne. I was just about to tell you Atque ignota meae vitae quae monte creatast. Lu jurne àdda menì— that your hopping I enjoy. Durae sunt cautes qui stant in pectore sensus ma crìdece, Peppì— It reminds me of the time Ac durissima nunc et semper praefero verba. quanne pure tu, when, like any healthy boy, Sum petreus sicut mons ille, tenax quoque vivo vu’ o no vvu’, I would run and sing and play. Ut vivit ventus per viva cacumina spirans. cu ttutte lu bbone, But a more important thing, Sum qui sum, vir montanus de rupibus altus, ha’ lenzà ssu bastone little bird, I would have said: e, cchjù de prima, Cortex rugosus, lignum pluviis obsistens. “Promise me to come right back, àda fà rima to come often back to me Atqui cur, mihi dicite, cur coram indice lucis cu vvucelle just to keep me company.” Matutinae sum mollis mitisque poeta? e ccose bbelle.” www.i-Italy.org www.i-ItalyNY.com | June-July 2016 | i-Italy ny | 73 Tourism ➜ Gargano

●● WHERE TO STAY AND EAT IN GARGANO Relax and Enjoy

or some years now, Gargano has striven to become restaurants are opening or being renovated on every Fa superior tourist destination. Its historical centers street corner. Finally, handicraft is being reintroduced have been restored, giving rise to popular hotels and with all the charm it once had. Here we propose just unique B&Bs. Talented chefs have introduced a cui- a few places to stay and eat that will get your mouth sine that blends tradition with innovation, and small watering.

B&B Casanita n the rugged coast- Zia Nì Via Simone Vestano 16 Oline of Vieste, with Localita Valle Sant’Elia Vieste (Foggia) white walls overlooking Peschici (Foggia) ◗ www.bbcasanita.com the sea and lush green- ◗ www.ziani.it ery, you will find some of the most popular tourist properties in Gargano. Not ario and his wife, Lynse, far from the lively historical center, situated right in Mare the owners of the Zia front of the Castello di Federico II, there is a B&B with Nì B&B, a countryside villa with only four rooms and two spacious terraces, from which four contemporary-style rooms. you can enjoy spectacular views. B&B Casanita will Located amongst six hectares of provide a rare experience due to the particular atten- olive groves and orchards, Zia Nì tion it has paid to conserving the typical architectural features a charming swimming characteristics of the town. pool surrounded by olive trees and a splendid view of the Fores- ta Umbra, the thousand-year old Trabucco: a gastronomic experience not to be missed oasis in the heart of the Gargano he ‘trabucco’ is an ancient construction designed ber. Indeed, the trabucco is built entirely with wooden National Park. Here, luxury is Tfor fishing, typical of our coasts. Its name derives beams supported by steel tie-rods. We suggest that combined with a respect for the from the Latin, “Trabs-Trabis”, or rather beam or tim- you visit these two: neighboring nature.

FOR LUNCH he restaurant opened in Trabucco di Monte Pucci T1970 when Biagio Fasanella Località Montepucci – a grandfather – would spend Peschici (Foggia) his days on the trabucco with ◗ www.trabuccodimontepucci.com his family, and then began to grill the fish he caught to allow passers-by to sample. The outdoor room, mounted on the beams of the trabucco, is surrounded by the sea and offers a charming view of Peschichi to the east with Calenella and Rodi Garganico to the west. The indoor room, more sheltered and ideal for cool evenings, looks out to the west in the direction of Rodi and is set on the smaller trabucco, offering clients marvelous ocean sunsets. Locanda della Castellana Località Valle Castellana FOR DINNER efore becom- Peschici (Foggia) Al Trabucco Jazz da Mimì Bing chefs, the ◗ www.lalocandadellacastellana.it Localitá Punta San Nicola Ottaviano family Peschici (Foggia) were master car- ith its little white houses, ◗ www.altrabucco.it penters, one of WPeschici is best discovered the oldest fami- by taking your time; wandering lies of trabucco builders in the entire Gargano promon- through the narrow streets and tory. Today they own a restaurant nestled on the rocky stopping to admire panoramic cliffs of San Nicola, just over a mile from the white views. We recommend visiting town of Peschici. The outdoor patios are made from La Locanda della Castellana, just the beams of old trabucchi, poles that have held through a little over half a mile from the winter storms and logs that are contorted and sculptured. It town center; fifteen apartments is further decorated with buoys, fish traps and nets, while the with all the necessary comforts, interior room resembles a small sea museum – filled with a small but well-equipped fit- memorabilia, old tools and photos of successful catches. We ness center and a restaurant. particularly recommend visiting in the evening, when you The cuisine is authentically will almost certainly have the fortune of dining with music, Pugliese with local products col- since this is also the home of Trabucco Jazz Live. lected by Signor Mario.

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This material has been prepared solely for information purposes. The products and services featured above are offered by a network of banks and representative offices of UniCredit S.p.A. or its affiliates (the “UniCredit Group”) in accordance with appropriate local legislation and regulation. UniCredit Corporate & Investment Banking is a trademark of UniCredit S.p.A. Nothing in this publication is intended to create contractual obligations on any of the entities composing Corporate & Investment Banking Area of UniCredit Group. Corporate & Investment Banking of UniCredit Group consists of UniCredit Bank AG, Munich, UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Vienna, UniCredit S.p.A., Rome and other members of the UniCredit Group. Investment Banking, Capital Markets and Investment Services are provided in the US by UniCredit Capital Markets LLC, a member of FINRA and SIPC. UniCredit Group and its subsidiaries are subject to regulation by the European Central Bank. In addition UniCredit Bank AG is regulated by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin),UniCredit Bank Austria AG is regulated by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA), and UniCredit S.p.A. is regulated by both the Banca d’Italia and the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB).

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