The diplomatic-consular network in South Africa is celebrating with events in the main cities (Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town), from 12 to 24 November 2024, the Ninth Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This year’s theme is ‘Mediterranean Diet and Roots Cuisine: Health and Tradition’ and aims at enhancing Italian cuisine with particular reference to its millenary roots and the fundamental role of the Mediterranean Diet in protecting one’s health, within the framework of a healthy, balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
The emphasis on the scientific element of the Italian Mediterranean diet’s contribution to health is at the heart of much of the programming of the Italian Cuisine Week 2024.
Nutritionist Prof. ssa Cristina Angeloni, lecturer in Biochemistry at the University of Bologna and researcher on the effects of nutraceuticals on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative health, is participating in a number of events across the country, including: the World Anthropological Union (WAU) Congress in Johannesburg; a panel discussion at the Stelle restaurant on the Mediterranean diet, with experts from Italy and South Africa, exploring how food traditions and specific environments shape our dietary practices, focusing on the Cinque Terre area in Liguria, renowned for its ‘heroic’ agriculture and unique cultural practices; and two dissemination events at universities (on 15 November at the University of Johannesburg and on 18 November at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology), on topics such as the historical evolution of the Mediterranean Diet, the benefits of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients such as cereals, vegetables, legumes and extra virgin olive oil, nutritional transition and sustainable food practices. Anthropologist Giovanna Guslini will also participate in the event at the Stelle restaurant, as part of the side activities of the World Anthropological Union congress being held in Johannesburg.
Italian chef Alessandra Rubini, brand Ambassador of ALMA (International School of Italian Cuisine), travelled to South Africa to take part in the ‘Week’ with an articulated programme of masterclasses, also open to Italian restaurateurs and trade journalists, at the local hotel training institute Prue Leith in Centurion and the Chefs Training & Innovation Academy in Stellenbosch. She then directed and created the menus for two convivial events with selected South African and international audiences at the Residences of Italy in Pretoria and Cape Town. The two dinners focused on classic Mediterranean dishes, with modern tones, to show the evolution of Italian cuisine while respecting centuries-old traditions.
In Cape Town, the countdown has begun for the eagerly awaited ‘Italy in Town’ festival at the Cape Quarter, in the iconic De Waterkant district, on 23 and 24 November: a weekend of events, music, culture, cooking workshops and wine tastings, with attractions for the whole family, a performance by Italian singer-songwriter Roberta Di Lorenzo, and stands selling handicrafts, food and wine.
The Italian Consulate in Cape Town is also hosting the traditional Italian Cooking Week event at the Eziko Cooking School in Langa township, a cooking demonstration by the school’s students and Italian chefs, in the presence of local authorities.
