Cucina all’Opera: The best of Emilia-Romagna comes to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - This month, Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region will come alive in Manila as the Italian Embassy, under Ambassador Massimo Roscigno, and Casa Artusi Philippines, spearheaded by Margarita Forés, in cooperation with Rustan’s, Calata Corporation and the Philippine-Italian Association, stage a series of events dubbed “La Cucina all’Opera: The Taste of Music.” Celebrating the food and music of the region, the event promises to be a unique literary, musical and gastronomic journey.

Highlights include the presentation of the book Cucina all’Opera, Musica e Cibo in Emilia-Romagna (The Operatic Kitchen, Music and Food in Emilia-Romagna), the exhibition Il Gusto della Musica (The Taste of Music), cooking demos and food tasting, and the music of some of the most important Italian composers performed by an ensemble from the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Authored by Giancarlo Fre and translated into English by his wife, Margherita Spinazzola, the book Cucina all’Opera, Musica e Cibo in Emilia-Romagna, features short biographies of the composers and tenors from Italy and other European countries, as well as some of their musical contributions that have been lodged in the cultural history of the country. Traditional recipes promoting the flavors and ingredients from that area of Italy (that are their favorites) accompany each artist’s profile, consequently making the book a true celebration of what Emilia-Romagna has to offer.

As a fitting homage to highlight this worthwhile publication, two events will be held. A private book launch and reception will be held at the Italian Ambassador’s residence on March 11, while a cultural event celebrating Italian literature, cuisine and music will be open to the public at Greenbelt 5, Activity Center, on March 14 at 4 p.m.

Margherita Spinazzola will be coming to Manila to present the Cucina all’Opera and share its importance to the region and to Italy as a whole. An ensemble from the Manila Symphony Orchestra will be playing music composed by the artists in the book throughout the afternoon event. Also proudly from Emilia-Romagna, the culinary center, Casa Artusi, will be represented at the event by its president Giordano Conti and by its Philippine franchisee Margarita Forés, as well as revisiting Casa Artusi executive chef Carla Brigliadori who will jointly demonstrate the preparation of some of the favorite recipes of the musical artists featured in the book. Some copies of the book will be raffled off to the guests, while some of the dishes will be served at the event.

To further celebrate Casa Artusi’s presence in the Philippines, Forés and Brigliadori will once again hold a cooking class on March 10 at 2 p.m., and host a special one-night-only Artusi degustazione dinner on March 13, both at Alta, Forés’s new restaurant located at the Ascott Residences, Bonifacio Global City.

For reservations, call Anna Lopez at 729-0030 or 0917-513-8945. 

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The events are sponsored by the Italian Embassy, Casa Artusi Philippines, The Regione Emilia-Romagna Rustan’s, Calata Corporation, The Philippine-Italian Association, Ayala Malls, Ascott Residences-Bonifacio Global City, Bacchus International, Cibo, Cibo di M, Signature Caterer, and Fiori di M, Food & Floralscapes.