Renowned author Fred Plotkin will guide a tasting tour of the scambio - the exchange of food between Italy and America - at Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture dinner at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 in Hammond Hall.
The program is presented as part of the center’s yearlong series Nuovo Mondo, exploring a century of migrations to and from Italy.
Plotkin, co-author of Rick Steves' Italy for Food Lovers, will discuss how American corn made its way into Italian polenta and how a popular sandwich on the streets of Palermo turned into a classic of New Orleans. Guests will savor enduring mealtime customs and wine pairings as they learn about the cross-cultural influences of food.
Plotkin has long been a Fitchburg State favorite, appearing in person and online to curate and lead appetizing and entertaining tasting tours of Italian regions and traditions. Plotkin will be remote for this event, but will be guiding the discussion and tasting in real-time.
Tickets for Scambio are $55, inclusive of paired wine, and may be purchased online. Additional wine and beer will be available for purchase at the event on April 12.