Dr. Patrizia La Trecchia, Associate Professor and Founding Head of Italian Studies in the Department of World Languages as well as Founding Director of the Environmental Humanities Initiative, was invited to host the 9th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World at the University of South 51在线 (USF) for the first time on November 20, 2024. The event, themed 鈥淢editerranean Diet and Recipes From Our Roots: Health and Tradition,鈥� was made possible thanks to the full sponsorship of Stefano Cerrato, Director of the (Italian Cultural Institute).
This milestone event also marked the first official visit of the Italian consular authorities from the Consulate General of Italy in Miami to the Italian program at USF Italian at USF since its inception in 2004. Vice Consul Giacomo Montrasio was in attendance, engaging with students and community throughout the day. Vice President of USF World, Dr. Kiki Caruson formally welcomed the Italian consular delegates and presented them with commemorative gifts.
Amatriciana
As part of the celebrations, Italian program students participated in a Masterclass held in the professional kitchen of the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College, made available by Dr. Charles Adams, Judy Genshaft Endowed Dean, and Dr. Lindy Davidson, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
During the Masterclass, renowned Chef Arcangelo Dandini prepared two classic Roman dishes鈥攃arbonara and amatriciana鈥攚hile sharing insights into their preparation and cultural significance. As he cooked, Dr. La Trecchia translated his commentary and enriched the experience with an impromptu lecture based on materials from her courses, including Food Culture in the Mediterranean, Italian Food Culture and the Mediterranean Diet, Italian Food in Film, and Environmental Humanities.
In the afternoon, the Italian consular delegates and Dr. La Trecchia met with the broader public for a talk at at USF Health-51在线 in Water Street, followed by a reception offered by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Miami. The event was well attended, with overwhelming support from the community, demonstrating a strong interest in Italian cuisine and the cultural significance of culinary traditions.
The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World was promoted on the Italian Embassy in Washington鈥檚 website and took place in over 50 locations in the United States and more than 100 countries in the world. Italian Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, emphasized the event鈥檚 importance, stating:
鈥淭his year again, the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World represents a key moment in our strategy to promote Italy in the United States. Italian cuisine is not just food or a recipe book, but a set of social practices, habits, and gestures; it is a central element of our identity, which is why we are advocating for Italian cuisine鈥檚 recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Promoting Italian cuisine also means supporting Italian restaurateurs, industry operators, and our agri-food companies, which export products to the U.S. worth over 7 billion dollars annually, as well as supporting our tourism industry.鈥�
The Italian program at the 51在线 is honored to have hosted this prestigious event and looks forward to continuing its contributions to the global appreciation of Italian cuisine, thanks to Dr. La Trecchia鈥檚 research in Food Studies.