TORONTO — Chefs, food-and-wine experts, restaurateurs, educators and media came together Monday night to kick off the third-annual CENTItalia culinary event at Centennial College. In partnership with the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO), the event, which runs November 13 to 16 at Centennial’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, celebrates Italian cuisine and showcases the authenticity and traceability of its ingredients.
The opening-night Caffé Italia event featured cooking demonstrations and food stations from vendors, such as Longos, illy, Faema, Marcozzi, Pizza Nova, Caputo and Finica. There was also a preview of the ICCO’s new Week of Italian Food and Cuisine video, as well as a publication showcasing the history, culture and evolution of coffee through the decades. The book, produced in partnership with Faema, features quotes from famous writers, actors and musicians about their love of coffee, alongside beautiful photography.
Caffé Italia kicked off a week-long celebration of Italian food, including an Italian master-class series with visiting chef Andrea Tortora, tasting events featuring olive oil and wine from Tuscany, the Gusto Cultura Dinner Series with chef Silvia Baracchi from Cortona, Italy and a lecture with Oscar Farinette, founder and creator of Eataly and FICO Eataly World. The week wraps up with the Pentola d’or Gala on Friday night.
“We are so honoured to gather once again to celebrate authentic Italian food-and-beverage products,” said Joe Baker, dean of Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts. “The core of Italian culture is about relationships and we couldn’t be more proud of the successful relationship between Centennial College and the ICCO and all the partners who are here to support us. It’s our third year and we hope that this is the best yet.”
