Italian cultural week: Food festival to tantalise Karachi’s taste buds

KARACHI: Italian food and music are making their way to the port city to give a taste of their home during the Italian Cultural Week from November 17 to November 21.

The announcement was made by Italian consul general Roberto Franceschinis and Avari Towers general manager Peter Forsyth during a press conference at Avari Towers hotel on Friday.

“An Italian legation was present in Karachi in 1959 when this city was the capital of Pakistan. This shows our commitment and interest,” said Franceschinis. Despite economic compulsions, he said, special efforts are made to maintain cultural relationships with Pakistan.

When it comes to culture, Italy considered itself as one of the cradles, said Franceschinis, adding that it is the culture that delivers the message of peace. “Italy wants to be a beacon of soft power and it will be seen in the coming days.”

To add more flavour to the festival, Italian chef Giancarlo Piccarreta will be bringing the main ingredients from Italy to acquaint Pakistani connoisseurs with the authentic taste and quality of Italian food, he said.



He said that the Italian consulate will organise a concert in collaboration with the National Academy of Performing Arts at their venue on November 19. “The fusion of classical piano and sitar will be something to listen to. It will be a thrilling evening to promote the fusion of eastern and western music.”

Forsyth said that the culinary week will be very special for Karachiites as authentic Italian food and magical nights would entertain them. “It’s not just about pizza and pasta, it’s something more.” He said that the delicious food would make people say, “Oh! It’s just like what mama used to cook.”

The Italian culinary classics will take place from November 17 till November 21 at Asia Live Restaurant in Avari Towers followed by a classical musical interlude (intermezzo) in Cinnamon Lounge.

The cultural week is being organised in collaboration with Avari Hotels and sponsored by Barclays Pakistan and Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways is also offering two return tickets by raffle to the participants.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th,2013.