The "Italian Food & Living Festa" kicked off at Isetan Shinjuku on the 1st. This year marks the 18th anniversary of the exhibition, and its theme is "Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life of Italy." This year's event highlights the sweetness of "dolce," introducing Italian favorites. Panettone, a moist treat often associated with Christmas, is filled with plenty of dried fruit. Recently, enjoying it seasonally has become mainstream in Italy. Panettone, ranging from traditional to modern styles, will be available for purchase from popular Italian shops. Alaimo, which sells a panettone (¥5,250) developed specifically for the exhibition, also offers a dine-in option. Enjoy a panettone and sparkling wine set (starting at ¥1,050 per serving). A gelato shop, beloved by all Italians, is also available. A collaboration between Ayasuke Mogaki of the popular gelato shop "Acquolina" in Yutenji, who trained in Italy, and Stefano Dassier, a rising star in the Italian gelato world and winner of the Italian Gelato Tournament. During the event, 17 varieties of gelato (2 varieties starting from ¥561) will be available. "We'll have the chocolate gelato Stefano won with, as well as gelatos made with Italian and Japanese ingredients, and daily specials, so gelato lovers shouldn't miss out," says Mogaki. While not a dessert, pizza is a quintessential Italian flavor. Gaetano Fazio, a master of the world's finest pizzas, has been baking pizzas since he was eight years old at the legendary Da Gaetano restaurant on the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples. Tomohide Shitama of Fukuoka's Da Gaetano pizzeria, who trained under him for six years and became the first in the world to be allowed to open his own restaurant, will perform alongside his master for the first time in a long while. Shitama's recommendation is the signature Da Gaetano (¥2,205), a smoked cheese Provera topped with arugula, fresh tomatoes, and prosciutto.
The wine section, which attracts attention every year at the Italian Exhibition, is once again packed with a wide selection this year. The impressive lineup includes nine wines that have won Grand Prizes and Gold Awards at Vinitaly, Italy's largest wine fair, as well as wines from various regions from north to south. There are also liqueurs that go perfectly with desserts, such as limoncello and grappa. There's also a wide selection of olive oils, limited-edition anchovies, fresh cheeses, and pasta. With many limited-edition items, the cash registers were packed from the first day as people sought out the sweet life.
