Food is an integral part of tradition and heritage. Italian food traditions, especially, have progressively influenced cultural norms in Canada.
On June 15, City of Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua welcomed guests to city hall to spark interest on the topic of shifting traditions and new experiences regarding Italian food experiences in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Participants discussed the notions of “authenticity” as related to “traditional” Italian cuisine, Italian-Canadian restaurants, home cooking, new recipes and keeping old traditions alive.
Professor Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, from the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), initiated this Community Conversation, titled Tutti à Tavola! All to the table! The event focused on Italian food and culture. Community members were treated to traditional Italian pastries alongside conversations about the Italianization of North American products and cultural appropriation. A reoccurring theme that echoed throughout the evening referenced the upholding of traditions against the influence of cultural perspectives.
Read the full YFile article here.