Ciao!
Beautiful ceramic pieces, gorgeous copper pots and outstanding cheeses were just some of my favorites at the Italian Life Expo. Wait, did I forget to mention wonderful Italian wine? And delicious food? Plus, you have an amazing view of Casco Bay from the Ocean Gateway terrace.
This first-time event is presented by The Spannocchia Foundation, a group that supports an education center in Siena, Italy and the Institute for Italian Studies here in Portland. When I arrived it took a minute to understand that the event is less a “party” and more of a festive “market” atmosphere – and it works. You can sip wine while talking to an Italian travel expert about Tuscany or nibble your way through a range of cheeses while admiring beautiful handcrafted scarves. And the people around you are speaking Italian!
For me, the real highlight was getting to meet the farmers who are sampling their wares. They are pouring their own wines, sampling their own jams and olive oils and reciting long lists of vegetables they grow and animals they raise. To a person, they were passionate and engaging, pointing to large photos of breathtaking scenery, saying, “That’s what I see out my kitchen window.” While I can’t image giving up my proximity to the ocean, a vineyard view might be my next choice.
The event opened Thursday night, followed by three sessions daily Friday and Saturday. Each session offers a different focus (food, wine, travel, art, etc.). I attended Friday night’s session, which was billed as “Italian Tasting Tour – Pour it On!” and included guided tastings with a wine expert explaining Italy’s regional wines. I opted to make my own tour, but many other attendees seemed to thoroughly enjoy the guided groups.
Friday night the hors d’oeuvres were created by Trattoria Athena, located on Mill Street in Brunswick. Loved the arugula pesto and goat cheese crostini. A nice alternative to the ubiquitous basil pesto. The artichoke hearts wrapped in prosciutto di Parma (and drizzled with balsamic vinegar) were a very tasty combination.
So, whether you’re an Italophile or not, this ocean side visit to Italy is a fun way to spend a few hours.
A couple of minor suggestions for the organizers (I’m assuming there will a second Italian Life Expo): consider going a little heavier on the food available (not sure if they expected folks to have dinner before they arrived or not) and take a look at how long volunteers & staff are working at a stretch. I heard several comments about being tired & the registration folks looked tired. With the opening night reception and three sessions on Friday, I’m sure people were wiped out, but for guests who are just coming in fresh to the event it would have started the evening off right to have been welcomed with energy and enthusiasm. In the whole scheme of things, these two items were very minor, and I would definitely attend again. Just food for thought as you plan year two.