In December, Michelle Durpetti was honored to join a panel created by Mario Bartoli, Consul General of Italy in Chicago, exploring the nuanced relationship between Italian cuisine and Italian-American food culture. Titled “Brothers, Cousins, or Perfect Strangers?”, the conversation examined tradition, evolution, and identity through the lens of food.
Moderated by acclaimed food and wine writer Ari Benderski, the panel took place at Eataly Chicago and brought together chefs, restaurateurs, and industry voices to discuss convergence, divergence, and the shared future of Italian and Italian-American cuisine—followed by a tasting pairing hybridized dishes with Italian wines.
This dialogue reflects the richness of cultural exchange and the power of food to tell deeper stories about heritage, place, and belonging.