Food can be more than what’s on the plate. It can tell stories about memory, identity, culture, and history.
This week, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is exploring those connections through two free events focused on the evolution and influence of Italian food in America.
Thursday, IAMLA will host a panel discussion called “The Stories We Eat,” bringing together food experts to examine Italian food through the lens of human experience, culture, and history.
The panel will focus on the ways food can connect people to memories and cultural traditions.
Guests will include:
Amanda Lanza, chef and anthropologist
Andrea Scuto, manager of Musso & Frank Grill
Eugenio Perrier, of Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano
The discussion will explore the idea that food is about more than nutrition.
“Food is never only nutrition, but it’s also, you know, our identity and our culture,” manager of programming Francesca Guerrini said.
The food-focused programming continues Saturday with “MANGIA! A Chef’s Battle,” a live family theater experience at IAMLA.
The interactive performance explores how Italian food evolved in the U.S., through a combination of theater and shadow puppetry.
The show also features a playful battle between chefs Boiardi and Caesar, who go head-to-head over a Caesar salad and compete to see who can create the best dish.
Children will have the opportunity to take part in an interactive experience, where kids can learn how to cook as the chefs battle it out.
Both events are free, but registration is required. Visit IAMLA.org for details.
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