The Flavors of Italy: A Celebration of Food and Culture
Joseph Luzzi (PhD, Yale) is Professor of Comparative Literature and Faculty Member in Italian Studies at Bard College, and he taught previously at the University of Pennsylvania. His work has appeared in The New York Times, TLS, The London Times, the Guardian, Chronicle of Higher Education, and on National Public Radio. Dr. Luzzi’s awards include a Yale College Teaching Prize, Dante Society of America Essay Prize, and Wallace Fellowship at Villa I Tatti, Harvard’s Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. He is the author of five books and recently created The Virtual Book Club: an international community of readers dedicated to exploring major literary works past and present.
Overview
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”
—Federico Fellini
In Italy, food is culture. For centuries, going back to the Roman Empire, each Italian region has made inimitable contributions to global cuisine: from the succulent tomato sauces of the south, to the creamy risotto dishes of the north. Italy’s astonishing culinary traditions became as integral to Italian identity as the art of Michelangelo and the opera of Verdi. Inspired by the world’s love of Italian cooking, this unique, new presentation will be hosted by renowned Bard College Professor Joseph Luzzi, an award-winner teacher, author, and scholar on Italian culture.
Through this deep exploration of Italian cuisine and its many fascinating stories, participants will truly understand the old Italian proverb, “a tavola non s’invecchia mai” – “at the table one never ages.”
Reviews
Professor Luzzi never disappoints. His enthusiasm for his topic, whatever it is, is infectious. He has the ability to pull his audience into his favorite sights, smells and tastes so they experience through his eyes, nose and mouth.
An absolutely outstanding, engaging presentation on a delectable topic. Prof. Luzzi’s use of personal anecdotes and his animated enthusiastic style bring a uniquely humanistic touch. Warning: Don’t watch on an empty stomach. I was fantasizing about my favorite Italian food before I got halfway through!
Wonderful program.