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without a mention <strong>of</strong> the white truffl es from Alba in Piedmont or b<strong>la</strong>ck truffl es,<br />

perhaps not as prized but equally a delicacy. Then there are the balsamic vinegars<br />

from Modena -- aged for 12 to 25 years or more in wood essence barrels -- that<br />

are safeguarded by various local consortiums that compete for the honor <strong>of</strong> the<br />

best product. Various cheeses are yet another expression <strong>of</strong> Italy’s most illustrious<br />

gourmet ambassadors. Examples include the Red Cow variety <strong>of</strong> Parmigiano<br />

Reggiano, which comes from a protected bovine race that was already utilized in<br />

ancient times for the production <strong>of</strong> th<strong>is</strong> king <strong>of</strong> cheeses, as well as the Parmigiano<br />

Reggiano produced from the milk <strong>of</strong> cows ra<strong>is</strong>ed in the wild amongst rolling hills<br />

and sprawling meadows. Finally, a salute to the absolute king <strong>of</strong> spices, saffron,<br />

<strong>is</strong> in order. Saffron, a spice which originated in Asia and <strong>is</strong> patiently gathered<br />

by hand from the delicate p<strong>is</strong>tils <strong>of</strong> a fl ower, has been used since antiquity as<br />

a natural colorant, pharmaceutical remedy, cosmetic, and prized alimentary<br />

ingredient. Within Italy, the Regions <strong>of</strong> Abruzzo and Sardenia boast the most<br />

fragrant varieties <strong>of</strong> saffron.<br />

To th<strong>is</strong> already exhaustive l<strong>is</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Italian gourmet products one must consider all<br />

those products, once associated with humble cooking traditions, which have now<br />

entered the kitchens <strong>of</strong> famous chefs and reappeared at dinner parties across<br />

the country. One example <strong>is</strong> the soph<strong>is</strong>ticated salted anchovy water, the result<br />

<strong>of</strong> a process which baths salted anchovies in water-fi lled wooden barrels. The<br />

savory water, which <strong>is</strong> then fi ltered into containers below, <strong>is</strong> a secret ingredient for<br />

fabulous r<strong>is</strong>otti and seafood pasta.<br />

Those who come to know Italian culinary traditions fi rst hand will learn to appreciate<br />

all the soph<strong>is</strong>ticated nuances and rich variations <strong>of</strong> Italian regional delicacies, each<br />

one with its noble heritage and tradition <strong>of</strong> gourmet excellence. The proliferation<br />

<strong>of</strong> exceptional Italian restaurants throughout the U.S. will certainly aide in th<strong>is</strong><br />

refi ned and diversifi ed cultural enrichment process that <strong>is</strong> already taking shape all<br />

across the country.<br />

There <strong>is</strong> no doubt that the circu<strong>la</strong>tion <strong>of</strong> an increasingly greater number, variety,<br />

and quality <strong>of</strong> Italy’s most prized gastronomic gems in the general gourmet food<br />

market will instill in the Amerian public a greater knowledge <strong>of</strong> and appreciation<br />

for Italy’s exqu<strong>is</strong>ite culinary treasures. Surely, friends and re<strong>la</strong>tives who have<br />

the privilege <strong>of</strong> partaking in an Italian inspired dinner party will experience an<br />

unforgettable culinary journey <strong>of</strong> the pa<strong>la</strong>te that reeks <strong>of</strong> <strong>luxury</strong> and good living<br />

in d<strong>is</strong>tinct Italian <strong>style</strong>.<br />

In essence, when it comes to rich culinary traditions and culture, Italy has a<br />

plethora <strong>of</strong> superb gourmet products for even the most d<strong>is</strong>cerning tastes. I have<br />

been fortunate enough to work in th<strong>is</strong> fantastic and rewarding sector. Looking<br />

back, it may have been an insightful premonition that led me to p<strong>la</strong>ce that wedge<br />

<strong>of</strong> Parmigiano Reggiano in my suitcase on my fateful journey to the United States<br />

years ago.<br />

For information on cooking c<strong>la</strong>sses, culinary journeys, and products v<strong>is</strong>it: www.<br />

academiabaril<strong>la</strong>.com and www.ditalia.com.<br />

sottostanti. Quest’acqua é un ingrediente segreto<br />

per favolosi r<strong>is</strong>otti e paste ai frutti di mare.<br />

Avvicinarsi al<strong>la</strong> cucina italiana tradizionale e<br />

frequentar<strong>la</strong> consente di coglierne tutte le più<br />

s<strong>of</strong>i sticate sfumature ed apprezzarne con grande<br />

sodd<strong>is</strong>fazione del pa<strong>la</strong>to le numerose varianti<br />

regionali, ciascuna delle quali presenta nobili retaggi<br />

e continui affi namenti di costante, alta qualità.<br />

La frequentazione dei numerosi ed ottimi R<strong>is</strong>toranti<br />

italiani in USA faciliterà questo s<strong>of</strong>i sticato e<br />

diversifi cato arricchimento culturale.<br />

La sempre più penetrante diffusione dei prodotti<br />

di lusso del<strong>la</strong> gastronomia italiana sul mercato<br />

del cibo gourmet, consentirà a ciascuno di poter<br />

coltivare personalmente queste esperienze del<strong>la</strong><br />

migliore tradizione culinaria italiana, con grande<br />

sodd<strong>is</strong>fazione degli amici ed ospiti che avranno<br />

il privilegio di essere in<strong>vita</strong>ti alle nostre allegre<br />

cene domestiche, che sicuramente resteranno<br />

indimenticabili.<br />

Insomma, l’Italia per tradizione e cultura ha,<br />

davvero, tanti prodotti alimentari squ<strong>is</strong>iti e di<br />

lusso che possono essere utilizzati con grande<br />

sodd<strong>is</strong>fazione del gusto. La fortuna mi ha<br />

consentito di <strong>la</strong>vorare in questo settore fantastico<br />

ed appagante, e ritengo che ne ebbi <strong>la</strong> mia<br />

fortunosa premonizione quando m<strong>is</strong>i il pezzo di<br />

Parmigiano Reggiano nel<strong>la</strong> mia valigia verso gli Stati<br />

Uniti.<br />

Per scuo<strong>la</strong> di cucina, esplorazioni culinarie, e<br />

prodotti potete collegarvi con i seguenti web sites:<br />

www.academiabaril<strong>la</strong>.com e con www.ditalia.com<br />

.15

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