3.6.12 Mangia piano: The Internationalization of Italian Local Foodways

Stimulated by the explosion of interest in the Italian diet over the past couple of decades, this panel seeks to contextualize and re-assess the meaning of Italian food, the philosophy of environmental sensitivity that it embodies, and the lifestyle of unhurried convivial enjoyment attached to it. The panelists will adopt historical, cultural and applied approaches in discussing a variety of topics: the preservation of old forms of food production as both a cultural desire and an economic need; the establishment of Italian food in foreign markets through the channels of the country’s diaspora as well as the forces of globalization; the popularization of “Slow Food” since the mid-80s and the different forms it has taken in the U.S.; and finally, the environmentally sustainable opportunities offered by traditional Italian practices when applied abroad.

Tuesday March 6, 2012 at 6:30pm (University Hall Conference Center 7th floor, Montclair State University)
A Panel of Italian and American Experts on Food History, Distribution, and Consumption.
RSVP required at inserra@montclair.edu

Speakers:

• Donna Gabaccia (Vecoli Endowed Chair, University of Minnesota): “Globalizing and Nationalizing ‘Italian’ Food in the Diaspora”
• Cristina Grasseni (Università di Bergamo, Italy/Harvard University): “Food Activism and Alternative Food Networks: Models from Contemporary Italy”
• Fabrizia Lanza (Chef and Sicilian gastronomy expert, Anna Tasca Lanza School, Italy): “Socio-Cultural Rituals and Sustainable Practices in Sicilian Cuisine”
• Respondent: Pietro Frassica (Princeton University)

Light refreshments will be served, accompanied by an introduction:
“Illustration of an Organic Menu Based on Local Resources and Fair Trade” by Grace Grund (Food activist and educator, Montclair)

Wednesday March 7, 2012 (Montclair State University campus)
“The St. Joseph’s Tables in Sicilian Cuisine”: A Talk/Demonstration by chef Fabrizia Lanza (followed by food samplings)
RSVP for this event is closed (since space is limited, there will be no admission without prior RSVP)

Sponsored by the Inserra Chair in Italian and Italian American Studies
Co-sponsored by the Global Education Center and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, in collaboration with the Food Management Program (Health and Nutrition Sciences Department) at Montclair State University.
In-kind donors: Fazio Wines and Inserra Supermarkets.