Tasting Italian treasures. The Truth Behind the Barrel
Italian Culinary Expert and Iron Chef America judge Mario Rizzotti will present the second of two lectures, “Tasting Italian Treasures”, at the Italian Cultural Institute.
During this special presentation dedicated to balsamic vinegar, Mario Rizzotti will guide in discovering the world of Italian balsamic vinegar.
Learn about the real Aged Balsmic Vinegar of Modena and Reggio Emilia with the guidance of Italian Culinary Expert Mario Rizzotti, who travels personally to the Emilia Romagna region to select from local producers small batches of Balsamic vinegar and learn more regarding what is in your bottle…The truth is in the barrel!
A tasting of balsamic vinegar will follow.
Mario Rizzotti lives by one simple motto,“an authentic Italian meal is not the consumption of food, but a celebration of Dolce Vita”. For years now, with his quick wit, natural charm, and deep knowledge of the culinary world, Mario has been leading Americans to the “festa a tavola.” TV audiences know Mario best as the seasoned yet approachable judge on The Food Network’s popular “Iron Chef America”, where he was called to judge Iron Chefs like Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Marc Forgione, Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto and more.
Mario grew up in Rome, Italy, where his mamma Nives and his brother Massimo, taught him not only the fine art of Italian cooking, but also the art of experiencing food. From there, his passion for food and cuisine evolved.
In his early twenties, Mario moved to the United States to learn more about American cuisine and how Americans use Italian ingredients in their dishes. After working in the restaurant industry for several years, Mario noticed how Italian cuisine in Italy, differed from that in the U.S. He became passionate about educating Americans on real Italian ingredients, helping them understand what makes them authentic and how they are used in his homeland. In 2002, Mario joined Academia Barilla as an Italian Culinary Specialist. For over fifteen years, Mario has travelled throughout the U.S. educating consumers on the differences among olive oils, balsamic vinegars, Italian cheeses and cured meats, and how to distinguish real Italian products from the many fake or ”Italian sounding” ones in our markets.
Today, Mario continues to educate Americans through his television appearances, live cooking demonstrations and educational sessions, and by teaming up with chefs across the U.S. to host authentic Italian-themed dinners. People leave Mario’s events with both a better understanding of Italian ingredients and a smile on their faces
from his engaging style.