World Week of Italian Cuisine An evening dedicated to Pizza Napoletana

Italian cuisine has established itself as one of the tastiest cuisines in the world, and with good reason. World Italian Cuisine Week, an initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, celebrates these authentic flavors. Organized around the world, it is in its sixth edition. The aim of this initiative is to “promote Italian cuisine and the uniqueness of original Italian ingredients and products”.

Calcutta saw its version of the celebration on an evening complete with pizza and wine. Hosted by the Italian Consul General in Calcutta, Gianluca Rubagotti, the Night of Pizza Napoletana, was held at the Italian Consulate.

“We tried to merge all the Italian here today. There are Italian pizzas, wine and even an art corner. We have tried to bring the essence of an authentic Italian evening. There are different types of pizzas and Napoletana pizza is different from others because it has a thicker crust and is a little soggy on the inside, ”explained Rubagotti.

Deputy Consul General Maria Claudia Marini, who recently arrived in Calcutta, said: “This event is happening all over the world, where our embassy and consulates promote Italian cuisine and authentic products. Right now there isn’t much available in terms of authentic Italian produce here (in Calcutta) and there is room to improve, especially since people here can afford to afford.

As part of the True Italian Taste project, the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) as part of its Authentic Italian Table activity, also organized an exhibition of 11 Italian ingredients available in India, thanks to importers selected. They include artichokes, balsamic vinegar of Modena, extra virgin olive oil (Evoo), peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, truffles and truffle oil from nine original Italian brands like Boscovivo, Dolce Vita , Barberra, Madama Oliva, Ponti, Rosso Gargano, Solania SRL and Urbani Truffe. The goal of True Italian Taste is to make consumers aware of Italian products, their origin, the sustainable means with which they are produced, and then guide them to choose the right products made in Italy.

The event also featured imported Italian wine and, with it, pizzas from Calcutta’s own town – Fabbrica. Desserts from Ciocaffe, an Italian confectionery based in Calcutta, sealed it. “I try to present some articles which are mainly regional articles from Italy. Each region has its own typical food just like North India has its naan and the like. To let people know that Italy is not just pizza and pasta, ”said Monica Galbardi, CEO and Managing Director of Ciocaffe, who made a southern Italian snack, taralli, for the evening. These bite-sized, cracker-like baked goodies were available for guests to taste and take home. There were a number of photographs scattered around the place, depicting the different stages of making a pizza.

The appetizing cheese pizzas were cooked to perfection. “I have been a big fan of Italian since I was a child. I had the chance to travel a lot thanks to my parents and I was exposed to authentic Italian food very early on and I think that’s what really happened in Fabbrica. The style of pizza that we were making, when we first started, not many people knew about it. It is actually the purest form of pizza and this style of pizza actually has United Nations heritage value. We try to maintain these traditions through our recipes and our style of making. We try to emulate all the traditions of Naples and Italy, ”said Naman Dhandhania, director of Fabbrica.

Napoletana-style pizzas that originated in Naples and known for their simple toppings, airy crust, and extra gravy, included Margherita Con Bufala, Tartufo, Quattro Formaggi, Prosciutto, Salami, and Speck. Patatine, homemade potato chips, served with fresh pesto, was also on the menu.

Pankaj Parekh, President, Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with Maria Claudia Marini, Deputy Consul General, Itay Consulate General in Kolkata.

Guests were treated to an authentic Italian Spumante or sparkling wine – imported from Italy, which was ideal for a cool, sparkling and crisp drink.

Photos: Consulate General of Italy in Calcutta