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BLENDINGn e w s l e t t e r 2 p a l a z z i S T U D E N T S E R V I C E S O C T . N O V . 2 0 1 1
Breaking newsapicius and DiVa students Take new York by storm and almost get snowed in!By Blending Staff
From October 23 to 30, a team of 14 students and 5 faculty members produced a full week of events featuring the Italian Riviera in
New York City. Events were entirely based on a coastal theme, and took place in the city’s most prestigious food locations such as De
Gustibus Cooking School at Macy’s in Herald Square, Astor Wines & Spirits and the James Beard Foundation. Students also got the
chance to dine as clients at the James Beard Foundation, meet with US wine distributors and producers of event wines, visit the kitchen
of high-end restaurant Cafè Boulud, and even cook with Boulud sous chef Alex Martinez who came to help out at the James Beard
dinner. The team of faculty and staff served over 250 guests at all four events combined, definitely taking New York by storm but not
letting an unusual October snowfall damper the preparations of the final capstone James Beard dinner event on October 30!
Find out more at the PAlAzzI food blog CiboChat: http://blog.apicius.it/?category_name=tuttotoscanajames-beard-foundation-2011
2fall Issue
Photo courtesy of David Andre Weiss
newsletter 2 OCT-NOV 2011 2
CUrrenT anD UPCOMing eVenTs
arTs
Upcoming eventsBy Blending Staff
Did you know that modern day banking
was born in Florence? learn all about the
early banks and banking families that ran
Florence and gave rise to a modern day
commodity.
Money and Beauty. Bankers, Botticelli and
the Bonfire of the Vanities
September 17 to January 22, 2012Palazzo Strozzi
info: 055 2645155
www.palazzostrozzi.org
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the
Unification of Italy and discover the role
your home away from home (Tuscany)
played in this important historical event.
Citizens of Italy. First steps of Tuscany in
the Unified States
October 1 to December 20
Archivio di Stato
info: 055 263201
www.archiviodistato.firenze.it
Museums are known for their masterpieces
that take up entire walls and, at times,
rooms. But take a closer look;, explore
tourist- free rooms in the museums, and
you will discover that not all masterpieces
are in plain sight.
The Treasure Rooms. Wonders of the
collectors in the museums of Florence
October 3 to April 15, 2012 Palazzo Medici Riccardi e Museo Bardini,
Museo Stibbert, Museo Horne, Fondazione
Salvatore
Romano, Palazzo Davanzati, Museo
Rodolfo Siviero, Museo Bandini
www.stanzedeitesori.it/
Beautiful Italy. Art and
Identity of the capital cities
from October 11 to March 4, 2012Museo degli Argenti, Galleria
Palatina, Galleria Arte Moderna,
Galleria del Costume
info: 055 23885
www.unannoadarte.it
Exhibition of six paintings by Vasari
from October 13 to January 8, 2012Sala delle Colonne e Sale
dell’Abbondanza, via Bufalini 6
info: 055 2613289 - 055 5384503
www.entecarifirenze.it
The Brooklyn Bridge Moves to italyBy Brittany Benevento
The beautiful ARIA art gallery is showing works by Burhan Dogancay
that focus on unique angles and shots of New York City's Brooklyn
Bridge. The exhibit will be running from September 29 through November
27.
Turning into the entrance of the gallery, one immediately feels very calm.
Surrounded by beautiful landscape with rocks, plants and fountains, the
space is very well put together. Once inside, the grittiness of New York
City hits you immediately. The walls of the gallery are stark white with
only Dogancay’s shots on the walls. There are two rooms with four to five
pictures to each wall.
Each picture has a view of the Brooklyn Bridge that is more amazing than
the previous one; one begins to wonder just how Dogancay could get
such great angles. Some of the photos even evoke uneasiness from their
height and vividness. Any photo that can arise a physical human feeling
is a photo worth seeing.
Upon entering this gallery, be prepared to see a Brooklyn Bridge that
you’ve never seen before. Dogancay makes one open his/her eyes in a
different way toward a monument that had become virtually mundane.
ARIA art gallery presents:
The Brooklyn Bridge as You’ve Never Seen It Before
By Burhan Dogancay
September 29th, 2011 until November 27th, 2011
ARIA Art Gallery
Borgo Santi Apostoli 40 - Firenze, 50123
As briefly mentioned in the Wine News, a piece of Italy moved to NYC
for an entire week! From October 24 through 29, PAlAzzI faculty and
students transplated flavors of the Italian Riviera at prestigious NYC
gastronomic locations.
Read more about it at
http://blog.apicius.it/?category_name=tuttotoscanajames-beard-
foundation-2011.
PHOTO CAPTION: Burhan Dogançay
from the series Brooklyn Bridge-as never seen before
Gelatin silver print, shot in 1986 and printed in 2011
3 OCT-NOV 2011 newsletter 2
Nora SchultzAlex and Becky Chipkin: Whydid you decide to take aresidency program?Nora Schultz: I was selected toparticipate in this fellowship. I washappy to receive this offer after Ihad applied many times toresidencies like this one.
ABC: Why did you choose to dothis residency?NSch: I really wanted to spendsome time somewhere else. Notworry about finances and work onmy artwork. I didn't really knowabout the place [Villa Romana].Angelika Stepken, the director ofthe Villa, really succeeds inkeeping this place lively and open,as guests are invited and events
are happening which are dissolving the confines of this place thatcould otherwise easily become a German enclave in a rather quietcontemporary cultural background of Florence. I really appreciatethis.
ABC: Do you feel integrated in the residency? In Florence?NSch: There is a gap between the Villa and the city of Florence. Iam integrated well with the Villa, but not with the city. I am veryhappy about the whole setup in the Villa; it's a perfect mixture ofvery fruitful and interesting conversation and exchange on the onehand, and on the other there is always the possibility to separateand even isolate which I sometimes need.
ABC: We visited the Villa during the Open Studios on the 10thof September and saw your works in progress. Has your workgone in a new direction since then?NSch: The work I showed in the open studios – I worked with akind of fiction, this idea of Cararra, ordering a stone block and itbeing sent to Firenze. The idea of this way of movement, the ideaof fiction, and the idea of this condensed material. I was alsointerested in locating Cararra outside in the garden [of VillaRomana].
ABC: Do you feel that there are these underground ideas andmovements which are difficult to penetrate?NSch: I am sure there are. There is this autonomy, and I wouldlike to know more about it. Maybe it has to do with this familyconnection also – the idea of strong workers’ associations, andthe fact that they freed themselves of fascism. They have thiscertain power and possibilities which are still somehow there. I, asa tourist, am confronted with this constant talk – also from otherforeign people about the Italian familiarship, and the good food. Itis like these “good ingredients” – which are, I think, a myth. I don’tbelieve that this is the true Italy; I just believe that I cannot reallydive under to see what this is really about. I don’t want to stick inthis criticism about Italy in this very banal way, and at the sametime, I am confronted with the same questions in my own work. First, how I felt that my work was considered here, that my workwas very much related to Arte Povera. It was seen as somethingthat was beautiful, very formalist – which I didn’t think about – itwas really not my topic, and I felt like there was this certain viewthat I didn’t understand. Now, I think that I had received it wrong.
ABC: When did your residency start? When does it end?NSch: I have been here for around 8 months – since the end ofFebruary. It ends at the end of November.
Maria RaponiAlexandra andRebecca Chipkin:Why did youdecide to take aresidencyprogram?Maria Raponi: Oncein a while, it’s niceto be in a differentplace and not haveyour daily life beexactly the same asit normally is. It’s notever really for justone reason. I tend
to work on my own projects, and then I work on communityprojects and sometimes, when I’m working on other projects, I getwrapped up in them. About that time is when I decide I shouldfocus on my own work, and my mind goes to residencies.
ABC: Why did you choose to do this residency?MR: I have an Italian background, but I haven’t spent much timein Italy. So when I heard that there was a residency in Florence,at first I was unsure whether I would want to spend time inFlorence. I was worried – I guess you hear so much aboutFlorence and how it really is this renaissance city; I thought it mightbe weird to stay in a city like that for four months and to be in a bitof a bubble. But at the same time, I thought it would be really niceto have the time and get to see a lot of the works that I studied allthe time and visit them and sort of make work in that city.
ABC: You have been here in Florence since August. Do youfeel integrated in Florence? In the residency?MR: I don't think something like this is possible in such a shorttime. As my time here passes, I do feel my connection to the citydeepening. Small things, like running into people I know in thestreet and random serendipitous conversations with strangers,add layers to my connection with Florence. The school itself isdifferent. I live at F_AIR and through this, I interact with students,professors and staff daily. It has allowed for friendships to developquite easily and has fostered a strong sense of community almostimmediately. From my very first day, everyone at all levels of theschool has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. I domean all levels of FUA and not just F_AIR. Teaching at DIVA(another department) allows me to connect more personally withpeople involved in other sections of the school and of course mystudents, but my relationship to the school expands constantlythrough the ongoing series of openings/events and though mydaily activities.
ABC: What is your experience like - living almost in a gallery[at F_AIR]?MR: The gallery functions both a walkway for me to get out of myapartment and for the students to get to their classes. There’s thatdaily practice of walking through the gallery. It is changing the wayI would set up my exhibition – it’s not a normal gallery – in a goodway. Its multiple functions are important.
ABC: Has the concept of your work changed from before theresidency started to what you are doing now?MR: Definitely. And I think it always does. When doing a residencyproject, I think it’s strange for me to be in a different site andpropose something and then come here and do it. The work Iproposed is nothing like what I’m gonna make. There are relationsto it. When I was in Dortmund it was the same sort of thing. WhatI ended up doing was very different than what I first proposed. Thisallowed for a bit more conversation.
ABC: When is your exhibit and when does your residency end?MR: My exhibit will open on December 1st. The residency will endbefore the end of December.
Photo courtesy of Maria Raponi
Photo courtesy of Nora Schultz
aBCs of art: Florence, the new Cradle of artists in residenceBy Alex and Becky Chipkin
There are only two residencies in the Florentine contemporary art scene. F_AIR – Florence Artist In Residence, and its gallery, anextension of FUA School of Fine Arts, hosts one artist per semester. Villa Romana, a historic building just outside the city walls, hostsmultiple residents simultaneously. Currently, Maria Raponi (1975 Toronto, CA) is the artist at F_AIR and Nora Schultz (1975 Frankfurt,DE) is one of the artists at Villa Romana. Both F_AIR and Villa Romana give artists a chance to live on their premises and createartwork. These parallel interviews focus on each artist's experience in their respective residencies and in Florence in general.Interviews were conducted in Florence, October 2011
newsletter 2 OCT-NOV 2011 4
“ambient reflections: Candida Ferrari”By Megan Standbrook
Nestled quietly on Via dell'Oriuolo, the unassuming Varart Gallery,
from mid-June through mid-October, held within its walls a striking and
innovative exhibition: La Luce della Leggerezza. The artist, Candida
Ferrari, harnesses the power of light as the driving force principle
behind her work.
The pieces are made using pedestrian materials such as scrap
aluminum from retired perfume bottles and plexiglass. The mediums
are constructed in a way that makes them appear rich and elegant.
The works flow across the leveled backdrop of Varart Gallery and
reflect the ambience of their surroundings. Ferraridoes not confine
herself to the traditional notion of the canvas, and the sprawl of pieces
swim and deepen within each layer.
Ferrari is as unafraid of bold color as she is unconventional mediums
- many of the sculptures and paintings have quick, flowing lines of
bright gold, and in some cases, a savage red that evokes a sanguine
connotation. Many of the pieces also emphasize the contrast between light and dark, often placing the two side by side. While exploring
this duality is far from novel, Ferrari manages to be charming and innovative, leaving the viewer fascinated and stunned. The movement
of the light
throughout the gallery very much resembles the flow of water, and Ferrari's makeshift sea
is a tide to get lost in.
Verart Gallery Via dell'Oriuolo 47/49r 50122 FlORENCE
notes from the Venice BiennaleBy Giovanni Bove*
It is really astonishing to find a masterpiece of Italian
Renaissance Art at the Venice Biennale. I don't mean the original
one, I mean a copy as part of a modern installation: Sottopelle,
by Renato Meneghetti. The work is an x-ray detection of the
lamentation of Christ (c.1480) by the Italian Renaissance artist
Andrea Mantegna and of other paintings inspired by the same
topic. Meneghetti’s technique, based on x-ray, is very effective to
reveal the importance of perspective in representing Christ’s
suffering. The subtitle - “Vedere dentro, vedere oltre” - is very
functional to underline this approach. In Mantegna’s work, the
suffering of Christ strikes the spectator’s eye by the original
position of the body (in that period, this topic was represented by
half-length portraits).
By putting x-rays over the paintings, Sottopelle displays how a
modern technique can further enhance the fundamental device
of the perspective. X-rays urge the spectator to consider spatiality
in a completely different way by inviting to the perception that
suffering is not only in the flesh but inside the body as well; that
is to say, “vedere dentro, vedere oltre”.
* Giovanni Bove is an expert of Semiotics and Communication.
For those interested in exploring the subject of "Semiotics in the
Visual Arts," the course will be offered at FUA in future academic
sessions.
Candida Ferrari
La Luce della Leggerezza, 2010
Courtesy of Galleria Varart
Photos courtesy of Giovanni Bove
5 OCT-NOV 2011 newsletter 2
Tuscany and its winesBy Lauren Bushman
Students from Florence University of the Arts caught the tail end of grape harvesting season with a trip to Tuscany this past Saturday.
With an early start at 7:30 AM, students took a bus to Pienza where they enjoyed the beautiful views of the Tuscan hillside just outside
of Siena. A perfect manifestation of a Renaissance town, Pienza was redesigned in 1459 by Pope Pius II according to his wishes for
an “ideal” municipality to serve as his retreat from Rome. Known today for its pecorino cheese, students and tourists alike enjoyed
samplings from the town shops.
Students then traveled to the Bindella winery just outside of Montepulciano. The group got to view the entire winemaking process from
beginning to end. They started with the vineyards that are harvested by hand, then saw the machinery used to press the grapes, and
finished by peering into the wine cellars in which the wine ages for two plus years. After another year spent in the bottle, Bindella winery
considers its wine ready to be labeled and sold. The winery’s motto is “terra vite vita.” (“earth, vines, life.”)
The main event, which students were anticipating all day, was a wine tasting along with a smattering of dishes which included: salami,
toasted bread with olive oil, rice, and cheese. After purchasing a couple bottles of wine, the students were off to their last stop in the
town of Montepulciano. They had the afternoon to enjoy strolling along the hilly cobblestone streets, shop in the artisan stores, and
test their new wine knowledge with a glass of Vino Noblie.
Foodie FlashBy Carey Wong
Carey Wong is a Yelp! Contributer who is sharing her personal
take on the Florentine cuisine.
SemelOverall rating: 4 ½ stars
Category: Italian, Panini
Price Range: €
“The best panino in the world?” Maybe “the most adventurous
panini in Florence” would be more appropriate for Semel’s
selection of unique sandwiches. You can try one of their more
fanciful options, like donkey or boar, if you hunt down the
unmarked doorway on the north end of Piazza lorenzo Ghiberti.
You could walk by a hundred times and not realize it’s there, but it
is magical once you discover it and step inside.
The place is about half the size of my bedroom, adorned like a
hunting cabin with walls covered in antlers and trout-engraved
dishware. When I realized the man behind the counter did not
speak English, I knew I was in trouble. One wrong turn with
anchovies and octopus on the menu, and I would be in for a
surprise. luckily, a couple enjoying their lunch inside spoke
English and took the time to translate each of the panini to me,
eager to boast that you can get things at Semel you can’t get
anywhere else in Florence. I found myself gravitating towards the
pork, but when the owner teased that Americans would never try
the donkey, I just had to get it.
He took a small but fresh roll and carefully spooned what looked
like an intimidating meat stew onto the bread. It came served hot,
keeping with the style of the interior, on top of a mallard duck plate.
Even though he asked what I wanted to drink, I didn’t really have
a choice since there was a glass of red wine in front of me in
seconds. Now this is where you really have to take your time,
because although the portions are small, every bite is delicious.
The bread was soft on the inside, but just crunchy enough on the
outside. Allegedly I was eating donkey with radicchio, but it tasted
Photo by Alessandro Schneider
TraVeL
FOODies
Photos courtesy of lauren Bushman
Photo courtesy of Carey Wong
newsletter 2 OCT-NOV 2011 6like a well-seasoned beef stew with peppers, onions, and black
pepper. And I have to admit, the red wine went perfectly with the
meal.
With so many tourist traps in Florence, sitting at one of the three
stools in this tiny, hidden shop made me feel like a true local. Plus
now I can forever say that I have ingested the animal that says
“hee haw” and I don’t regret it! Now how many people can say
that?
Menu Selection: 4 ½ stars
For the lack of options, the selection sure is unique! They have
the basics like: herb pork, veggie stew, fish, and tortello. But some
of the more interesting items included: donkey with radicchio, wild
boar, anchovies with rose petals, and parmesan octopus.
Price/Value: 5 stars
Great value for the quality and novelty of the items found on the
menu, even if the sandwiches are small. A panino ciuco and a
glass of vino rosso came to a total 5€ - what a steal!
Service: 4 ½ stars
If you don’t speak Italian, I might bring a dictionary. Semel is a
risky place to choose randomly if something gets lost in
translation. Also, apparently pairing white wine with donkey is
blasphemous, so he might pour you red regardless of what you
order.
Semel is a lovely place that I immediately felt welcome in, and I
would love to return sometime. Part of its greatness is being the
secret hole-in-the-wall, and they’re not getting a sign anytime
soon. So I challenge you to take the time to find this amazing
place, and maybe even try the boar.
Piazza Ghiberti, 44r, Firenze
(On the north side of the square)
Neighborhood: San Marco
Open for lunch 12-3, closed on Sunday
Da KouOverall Rating: 4 stars
Category: Asian Fusion
Price Range: €€
Good news sushi lovers! You can get all your favorites at Da Kou;
and if you are less inclined to eat that eel and fish stuff, like me,
don’t worry because there are lots of mouth-watering options for
us, too! Before the food, I was immediately excited by their legless
chairs on elevated platforms, so you could sit cross-legged on the
floor while eating your sushi. How authentic!
We were the only ones in the restaurant for an early dinner, which
created a lovely, romantic atmosphere for a date. But regardless
of whom we wish we were with, my roommate and I still had a
great time. After perusing through each item on the menu, she
decided to get the California roll and Ebiten (shrimp tempura) roll;
I got the yakitori (chicken teriyaki), and we split the fried rice with
the mysterious “aromatic meat,” which turned out to just be pork.
Taking into account my Asian background and the authentic Asian
food of my Californian hometown, I was a little weary of what type
of “Japanese fusion” I would encounter so far from home. But I
have to deem this restaurant as delicious after devouring every
morsel of food on that table. I am no sushi expert, but I have been
told it was “delectable,” and our fried rice was some of the best I
have ever had. But what really made the meal, for me, was my
jasmine tea, which was like a little piece of home in a teapot.
Menu Selection: 5 stars
There are lots of options on the menu like: gyoza, salads with
seaweed, sushi, noodles, rice, ramen, seafood, and skewers. If
you’re a tea lover, they’ve got all the bases covered. And if you’re
a sake bomb lover, I’m sure you’ll also leave satisfied.
Price/Value: 3 stars
Da Kou is more on the pricey side, but typical for Asian Fusion.
We paid 9€ for yakitori, 10€ per sushi roll, 8€ for fried rice, 2€ for
pot of jasmine tea, and a 1,50€ coperto per person.
Service: 4 stars
Our waitress worked very hard to make sure she got our special
requests covered, but my yakitori didn’t come until we had finished
the rest of the meal. In true Italian tradition, they let us sit and have
a long, long chat after our meal, but eventually we got a hold of
her for the check.
like Tijuana is the spot for Mexican food lovers in Florence, Da
Kou is mine for Japanese food. I highly recommend everyone,
from Asian-food newbies to veterans, spend an evening here
relishing in delicious food. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to take
advantage of that romantic atmosphere. But for now, my
roommate and I remain the lucky ones.
Via Del Melarancio, 19r, Firenze
Neighborhood: San lorenzo
http://www.dakou.it/
Photo courtesy of Carey Wong
7 OCT-NOV 2011 newsletter 2
wine newsTuscany by the glassCoverage of the wine auction event held October 6, 2011By Allison Miller
The energy was high; you could feel the enthusiasm and excitement in the room; this was a celebration; this was a competition.
This was the annual Tuscan wine auction.
As the sampling of the wines began, I had the opportunity to interview four FUA students from the wine program that were attending
the event. When I asked each student what most took them by surprise since starting their wine program, I got a wonderful array of
input. Valerie Bordelon responded with “I came here expecting to learn how to detect the smell of the wine and how the taste of the
wine effects my palate, but instead I have learned about the anatomy of the grape”. Michael Mischloney added that he was taken
aback by the sophistication of the industry and how many different aspects were at play. He has come to understand that the wine
industry has been overly commercialized and now knows how to look for the small vineyards that still practice the art of fine wine
making. When speaking to Sarah Rizvi, who is studying media marketing for the food industry, she reflected on her experience of the
auction as “something I haven’t ever tasted before”.
This annual event was a perfect blending of local and regional producers, wine experts, commercial producers and distributors, and
wine enthusiasts at every level.
After a couple of hours, there was a noticeable shift in the tempo and mood in the room. The sampling was over, and the serious
business of the auction itself was taking center stage. With complete silence in the room, the auctioneer held everyone’s full attention.
As they moved through the catalog of over 200 bottles of wine, you got the sense that a lot of money was changing hands. The highest
price bottle, Chateau lafite Rothschild 1986, had a starting bid of 15,000 euro. With quite a bit of elegance, several bottles were fought
over which escalated the price even higher. Some were buying for their private collection while others, such as the owners of the
famed Pinchiorri restaurant, sent their representative to purchase bottles for their wine cellar.
True to the Italian way of life, they don’t just make wine. They labor to hone their craft in order to serve you their best artistic rendering
of the taste of Tuscany in a glass.
Harvest in Poggio scaletteBy Jennifer Gross and Yan Cui
Wine Studies professional students Jennifer Gross and Yan Cui
spent a week harvesting at Poggio Scalette, owned and operated
by one of Chianti’s key innovators. Following is an update from
their harvest diary.
We arrived early Monday morning at Poggio Scalette which is a
vineyard nestled in the hills of Greve in Chianti. We were greeted
by Jurij Fiore and his wife who showed us around their beautiful
property. The vineyard sits below the property and is expansive
with over 30 acres of vineyards, 25 acres of olive groves, 25 acres
of crops, 12 acres of woods, and 8 acres of uncultivated areas.
“Greve” in Chianti literally means a small river that runs through
the hills which grace the small town below. The vineyards are
mainly facing southwest and ideal for growing high quality
grapes/wines. The name Podere Poggio Scalette comes from the
hills that it surrounds. When looking down at the vineyard, you can
see a generous slope which looks like stairs that slowly beckon
you towards the town. Most of the grapes grown here are the
notorious Tuscan grape known as the Sangiovese.
On one of the large terraces sits the more then seventy year old
vines that yield the famous Sangiovese. These vines are
considered extremely important as they are clones of the rare
Sangiovese di lamole.
Today, the winery is managed by Fiore's son Jurij. He is now a
qualified Technicien Superieur en Vitocolture and Oenologie a
Beaune, and he is the most humble, passionate, gentle, funny and
sincere person we have ever met. We spent last week together to
observe harvesting and fermentation.We have learned a lot of
things from him.
After four days harvesting at Podere Poggio Scalette, we had
spent lots of time with Jurij's family. We have learned so many
things about wine and viticulture, and we thoroughly enjoyed this
precious experience.
wine & Food appreciationBy Becca Pillola
As we try hard not to stand out as American international students, we tend to change our dress a little. Maybe we try out some
fabulous Italian shoes, a scarf here or there, put away those baseball caps and hooded sweatshirts, but the clothes we wear are not
the only things that make us stand out!
The next time you go out, try observing the role and importance of wine for Italians, as a product involving plenty of science it has
become a central component of the Italian table. Italians have a cultural intuition for wines and how to match them to food. Food and
wine enhance each other and are inextricably entwined in Italian cuisine. Here are a few favorites so far.
For red wine lovers, I would recommend any kind of Santa Cristina. The 2010 I.G.T was great. It has 13% alcohol, but it is not
persistent and the after taste does not last long. There is a fruity, berry, and cherry scent to it. It goes well with pasta, ham, salami
newsletter 2 OCT-NOV 2011 8toscano, cheeses, and chocolate. This Santa Cristina is an all day wine. So enjoy it during lunch, with your aperitivo, or with your
dinner and dessert.
For those who enjoy a nice refreshing white wine, I would recommend the Possessioni Bianco from the Veneto region. The producer
is Masi for Serego Alighieri. It is made with 100% garganega grapes. It has a straw yellow color with 12.5% of alcohol. There is a
refreshing, fruity smell to this. It pairs nicely with fresh vegetables, flavored cheeses, anything with lemon dressing, salads, cold pasta
salad, angel hair pasta, and apples with Brie cheese. Enjoy this wine before it gets too cold out there though, it feels much better in
the spring, summer, and early fall weather.
Sit and enjoy these wines and think about their relationship to food culture the next time you’re out wearing those fashionable Italian
clothes, and you will for sure fit in here in Florence!
Watch out for Santa Cristina at our Antinori-Apicius event in New York City that took place on October 25th! Apicius faculty and students
presented at Astor Wines & Spirits, one of NYC’s premier wine retailors. See event info here: http://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-
the-italian-riviera-coastal-flavors-of-tuscany-and-liguria.ac
Milan's Fashion weekBy Megan Looney
Megan looney brings back a sneak peek from Nenette’s Spring collection in Milan and
lets us in on future fashion events in Florence.
Rose pedals were sprinkled across the stage before the brave Nenette models, wearing
stacked skyscraper heels, strutt proudly across the platform and then up the four tiered
mini staircase located in the center of the stage. The mood was set perfectly for the show
last Saturday; French music floating effortlessly over the crowd that was seated outside
during Milan's Fashion Week, awaiting Nenette's spring/summer 2012 collection.
The nearly ten minute long display was cohesive, young, fresh, and flirty. Nenette, a Milan-
based brand created by Marco Fermi and Raffaella Galazzo in 2005, is catered towards
the elegant, modern, contemporary woman. The dream-team featured such trends as:
beautifully draped floral chiffon, dynamic headpieces and scarves, sequined dresses and
skirts, denim t-shirt dresses, lace leggings and bright pops of red with black, white and
tweed.
Some of my favorite looks in the show included a gold sequined mini- dress with an equally
short beige trench. I also enjoyed the beautifully simple neutral toned draped dresses with
bright purple or blue scarves. Tweed was a big hit, and I loved the well-tailored red skinny
pants partnered with a black and white shirt and tweed jacket that hit at the waist.
The collection's presentation ended powerfully with a seemingly retro, aviator-inspired
style, which featured models in neutral, draped dresses, elegant scarves wrapped around
their necks, cat-eye sunglasses, and ear-covering headpieces adorned with flowers.
The overall style in this new collection screamed "effortlessly chic and confident," which
appears to be the underlying theme of everyday Italian fashion.
Florence is where “Made in Italy” fashion originated in the 1950’s with the creation of the
first annual fashion show at Palazzo Pitti. Italian fashion reigned and eventually moved
down to Rome which was teaming with Hollywood actresses filming in Armani or Versace.
In the early 1970’s, the concept of mass production and affordable fashion shifted
everyone’s eyes up to Milan which became a hub for pret-a-porter, or “ready to wear.”
They hosted their first fashion week in 1978 with such designers as Missoni, Fendi and
Valentino and haven’t looked back since.
Fashion Week is an event that happens once or twice a year, all over the world. The Big
Four (New York, Milan, london and Paris) always host two huge shows annually.
Designers showcase their Fall/Winter collections from January through April, and
September through November guests get a glimpse at next season’s Spring/Summer
trends.
But don’t think that Florence has lost its footing. This city continues to be a trade show hot
spot. It was just decided that ModaPrima (a large Italian fashion event held every year)
can call Florence home, as it will be hosted at the Stazione leopolda from here on out.
UPCOMING ITALIAN FASHION EVENTS:
Oct. 29 - Nov. 6: Ferrara Sposi, Wedding Fair, Fiera di Ferrara
Nov. 11-13: UmbriaSposi, wedding show, Umbriafiere
Nov. 26-28: ModaPrima 71, trade show exhibition, Stazione leopolda
Jan. 14-18: Milan Fashion Week, Men’s 2012/2013 Fall/Winter Collections, Milan
For more information on Nenette please go to www.nenette.it. The full fashion show can
also be seen on Grazia's YouTube channel at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMIV3Uzj058&feature=relmfu. Photo by David Andre Weiss
FasHiOn news
Photos courtesy of Megan looney
9 OCT-NOV 2011 newsletter 2
Vows to VintageBy Shakari White, FAST Intern
According to the society of fashion, vintage is something that
will always be admired. Don’t believe me? Just take a trip around
the city of Florence! Vintage shops with different variations of
fashion traced back to earlier centuries are on display and flying
off the shelves. Retro Vintage on Piazza del Fico 20-22 contributes
to the likes of vintage by exposing unique collections of designers
outside of the limelight. The atmosphere is inspired by a retro,
raunchy, over-the edge décor that supports the name of the store.
Anyone who shops there must dare to be adventurous!
In a more casual concept of vintage, Pitti Vintage on Borgo degli
Albizi 72r has the right thing for you. The collections are
specialized in European design, and there's even a pug inspired
collection for dog lovers! The charming boutique has an aura of
1920's inspired dressing quarters that take you back to your dress
up days as a child.
looking for contemporary design? Ellio Ferraro Gallery on 47r Via
del Parione can surely accommodate you. Its reputation to have
the most amazing arrivals has been keeping this store as the talk
of the town. The RSVP list for its customers keeps them inspired
to have the latest designs for their collections. Its hip and cosmic
atmosphere is suitable for the likes of many!
Florence’s newest addition, FlY Vintage Boutique located on
Borgo Pinti 20/r, will also add to the availability of great vintage.
When it comes to the value of vintage, people explore the quality,
brand, and of course, the style. FlY Vintage Boutique aims at a
quality that many other boutiques may not offer: Fashion that
loves You back! Customers can find suitable merchandise that
compliments their interests from any era of fashion.
In most cases, vintage stores offer items that remind you of the
garments you may have seen Queen Victoria of King Henry
wearing in your high school history book. These vintage stores,
along with others unmentioned, take on a more marketable
approach by presenting vintage in a modernized form. Separate
yourself and stand out, yet, look as though you belong in this era.
Take your pick and explore; you never know the love may
pronounce for vintage!
FaCes & PLaCesFaces of FlorenceBy Alessandro Schneider, second year professional photography student
This issue’s images are of people in places: candid-style! The neighborhood location for both is Piazza Santo Spirito. I adopted an
on-the-fly, almost guerilla style approach by entering the locales, taking the shot, and exiting immediately. I didn’t mentally set up the
“shot” but tried to capture the individuals as they entered into my field of vision. These two individuals immediately caught my attention
for their particular styles; they both seemed like interesting characters. First Image (male): Taken at GustaPanino. The male in the
photo is waiting for his sandwich order. Second Image (elderly woman): Taken at Ricchi’s café. The woman wasn’t too happy about
her shot and retorted as I quickly exited from the café.
Best kept secret: aperitivo atBiblioteca delle OblateBy Lauren Bushman
locals and students alike enjoy their evenings at the Biblioteca
delle Oblate, the library located across the street from sQuola at
via dell'Oriuolo 26. However, they are not there to read or study. A
convent turned into a modern library, Oblate harbors one of the
best-kept secrets in the aperitivo world. located on the top floor
terrace, the aperitivo is not only comprised of tastings of pastas,
potatoes, chips, bread, spreads, and quiche, but also boasts an
incredible view of the top of the Duomo.
There are many tables to push together if you want to socialize
with a group of friends, or enjoy an intimate setting for
conversation for two. The evening is fueled with lively music inside
the Caffetteria delle Oblate. In addition, there is live music on the
terrace on Thursday nights. Enjoy a drink, such as the popular
Aperol Spritz mixed with prosecco, for 8 Euro and receive all of
the tastings of appetizers your heart desires.
Aperitivo begins at 6:30 pm Tuesday-Saturday. Grab a free library
card while you are there and enjoy complimentary internet for
three hours on your own device as well as a selection of movies
and CD’s. Of course, there are library books too, for when you
actually do go to the library to work on those grades.
Photos courtesy of Alessandro Schneider
newsletter 2 OCT-NOV 2011 110
LOCaL & gLOBaL news
FaCULTY news
Providing a sense of Homethrough Community serviceBy Olivia Johnson
Community Service. What does it mean? It means getting to playwith young children for 4 ½ hours every week according to AshleyOlberding, a community service student at FUA. Ashley volunteersat Canadian Island, a school that teaches English as a secondlanguage to young children.
For your community service, you are working in a school withyoung children. Tell me about that.I love working with children. At home in Memphis, I volunteered ata children’s hospital for a few years, so coming here and workingwith children has brought back so many great memories. Thechildren look up to you, and it feels so great knowing that you’re arole model for them.
Why did you choose to work with children instead of being atour guide or a library assistant?I love children. I have a little sister at home, so working with kidsmade me feel closer to her. The other jobs sound great, but myforte is working with children.
Will it be hard for you to leave “your children” when you aredone with the semester?Definitely. The closer you get to people, the harder it is to leavethem, especially when you will most likely never see them again.
What do you want to take away from your experience atCanadian Island?I definitely think I’ll take home many great memories and a lot ofexperience in working with children. I feel as though I’ll be moreenriched and more in touch with a different culture by workinghere.
gelato and graffiti By Mary Gaule
A couple of weeks ago, my roommates and I eagerly rose before dawn to take a day trip to Cinque Terre. We couldn't wait to exploreone of the many stops on our quest to experience the "real Italy". Fast-forward five hours and our trip, along with our anticipation, had been forced to a stand-still. A strike had stopped our final train toCinque Terre. This wasn't the first time politics had interfered with my study abroad experience. In fact, the very first day of school, the noise madeby a rally protesting newly enforced taxes by the premier forced my class to switch classrooms. What struck me even more than thecacophony outside was my teacher's reaction to the protest. "Being an Italian I wish I was out there," she told us. Before returning home from "almost-Cinque Terre", I felt it was about time questions were asked. Interestingly, our two young tour guides were from opposite ends of the political spectrum. We were able to get two opinions aboutSilvio Berlusconi, the current Italian premier, and the topic of this debate. One of the men argued that the conservative politician shouldbe admired for being a self-made man, that there is nothing wrong in being proud in what you have earned for yourself. The otherman's opinion was that of most Italians I have asked: that Berlusconi is a corrupt man who is an embarrassment to Italy and whosedays should be numbered. Although I don't feel educated enough to form an opinion of Berlusconi myself, my friends and I can no longer claim that what is goingon in Italy has nothing to do with us. From the moment we stepped off the plane, it had something to do with us. To experience the realItaly that we yearn for, it is important to know what makes its inhabitants tick. What pleases them in life, as well as what angers themenough to protest. Feel free to enjoy the world-famous gelato, but don't ignore the graffiti screaming off the beautiful Florentine walls.
Faculty spotlight: andreaMorgantiBy Olivia Johnson
Andrea Morganti, professor of Human Resource Management
at Florence University of the Arts, is way more than just a
professor. He is also a full-time student, worker at Coopertiva for
special needs, and an avid soccer fan.
Andrea, how long have you been teaching here at FUA and
what are you currently teaching?
I have been teaching for one year and a half. One of my teachers
told me that FUA was looking for a teacher for Human Resource
Management and that he thought of me because of my degree
and my English. I started teaching May 2010. It was a summer
session, so I taught class every day. I then taught the Fall and
Spring sessions, skipped Summer 2011, and am teaching this Fall.
I only teach Human Resource Management now, but I hope to add
another class once my work schedule slows down.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
To sit with the students and try to transfer something to them. I
don't like to be called a professor because I learn from the
students too. For example, if you get change for 10 euro and one
person gets a 10 euro bill and the other gets two 5 euro bills, you
each leave with the same thing. In teaching, you go away with
two ideas: one from yourself and one from the students. It's a
growth for both. I think school is one of the most important things
in life, ya know? It's like an exchange between students and
teacher, especially with my subject because you speak a lot about
people. I'm a little egoistic, so I feel useful to them.
You are not a professor that stands up and lectures the class
for two hours like many others professors. Why not?
I think it's boring and not useful. If it's only a one-way
communication, you lose people- even after 5 minutes... if it's
interesting! I also think it's too easy for the students to just sit and
listen. I am a student, so I know, I understand. If you are watching
TV, each scene changes every 2-3 seconds. Teachers need to
do that. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you say, you will forget;
if you do, you will remember.” I try to teach thinking of that. I like
to introduce the topic, and then give the students a case study
where they can act out the roles themselves.
What other activities are you involved in professionally?
Most of my time, like 90%, is spent in banks such as the Bank of
Florence. I also take training and development courses for
industrial companies. On the days I'm not teaching, I am in
classes all day. I start at 8:30 in the morning and get done at 5:00.
I'm a busy person. I also work with special needs at Coopertiva
1 1 OCT-NOV 2011 newsletter 2
about eight hours a week.
If a student wanted to welcome more involved in thecommunity, what do you suggest they do? Start to speak Italian. Put yourself in a situation where you haveto. You will be surprised what you know. Also, stay with Italians(or non-Americans) if you can. It's good to see Florence in adifferent way. When I studied abroad in Barcelona, I lived witheight guys in one apartment; I was the only Italian. It made merealize my Florentine values more, but also changed myperspective on life as well. Students here should try to get thatfeeling, too. Also, if you have a hobby, follow it here. Just go outand follow it! You're a soccer fan. What are the top games students should
see? And most importantly, will Fiorentina beat Cesena nextweek?The best game is when we win. (laughs) The number one gameI would see is Fiorentina vs. Juventus. They are our biggestenemy; Fiorentina hate Juventus supporters. It is a big big rivalrythat has gone on for 30 years. Fiorentina will be playing atJuventus, but on October 26, go to the bar/restaurant and watchit on TV. It will be crazy! I would also recommend seeingFiorentina vs. Inter-Milan on November 20 or Roma on December4. I don't know if we will win. We have to be very careful aboutMutu Adrian. He is an ex-Fiorentina; a fantastic player. Usually,the ex-players always make the goals against us, so we mustwatch out for him.
DO’s anD DOn’Ts
iT’s O.k. iF YOU...
By Lauren Bushman
Do: Plan your own day trip to lucca and use multiple modes of transportation - the best way to get around once you’ve enjoyed the
train ride in is to rent a bike for 3 Euro/hour.
Do: Talk to the man at the tabacchi when buying stamps, even in broken Italian.
Do: Check out the audio guides at the Uffizi so you don’t get lost in the tour groups and miss the best paintings.
Do: Enjoy the view from the Piazzale Michelangelo at noon, dusk, and night. Hit all three for the best picture collage.
Do: Ask to sample that gelato you’ve been thinking about before actually committing to it.
Don’t: Overpay for a cappuccino - on a student budget it is possible to find a quality hot drink for 0.90 to 2 Euro. Get out of the touristy
areas and cross the river to find better prices and drink twice as much for the same amount!
Don’t: Shop at over-priced grocery stores when you could go enjoy the fresh air and even fresher produce at Sant’ Ambrogio or San
lorenzo market. Make sure to stop by the dried fruit section for fruit that will last twice as long.
Don’t: Keep your bathroom musty and breed mosquitos - open your window and enjoy the Firenze breeze.
Don’t: Feel like you have to stay at the museums for hours and hours because you paid an entrance fee. Invest in a student museum
pass at the front desk in DIVA (25 Euro) and allow yourself to see the sites, if only for an hour, or study in a quiet space.
By Megan Looney… don’t associate yourself with “those tourists” after living here for only one week.… consider your daily exercise walking to class.… are intimidated (and a little frightened) to order meat in the open markets.… find the “ciao bella’s” to be an ego-boost sometimes.… buy the wrong thing alla farmacia because you’re tired of asking for help with the labels.… still get lost.… still only know how to cook pasta.… wondered why people said “prego” to let you go first. (It also means “after you”)… still don’t understand how Italian women walk on cobblestones in 4” inch heels.… don’t ever want to leave.
sTUDenT serViCes
student spotlight: Brianna BondBy Lindsay La Marca
The student body of FUA has a new fellow student, Brianna
Bond, to thank her for all of her support, dedication and
volunteering that she has given to the school. Brianna is a certified
yoga instructor and has recently volunteered to teach different
yoga classes throughout the week. I recently sat down with
Brianna to take a further look into how yoga affects her life and
any advice she might have for others.
Q: When did you get into yoga?
A: I started in high school when I had gotten injured from playing
sports. My mom had suggested it to me, and I found it calming.
Q: What made you want to become a yoga instructor? When
did you become officially certified?
A: I became an instructor because I wanted to learn more about
the art of yoga and I have always enjoyed teaching people. I
became officially certified in January 2010.
Q: What advice would you give to people interested in
starting yoga?
A: In general, it is good to try different styles. It has become very
westernized and now there are lots of styles. Yoga can be anything
from very calming to very aggressive. It is so important to try more
than one kind of yoga and, like anything, you have to be patient
and keep an open mind.
For those students staying longer
than the Fall 2011 semester, be
on the lookout for the FAB club
coming next semester which will
introduce not only yoga classes
but a safe haven from the chaos
of studying abroad. According to
Brianna, who studied abroad as
Creatingindependence inFlorenceBy Lindsay La Marca
Upon our arrival to Florence, we were all
anxious about many things: classes,
professors, settling into a new community.
For me, it was most certainly our new
roommates and apartments. What would
our roommates be like? Would we all get
along? How big or small was our
apartment? Would it be what we were
expecting?
Well, I can honestly say the roommate
situation worked out for the best. I love my
roommates and would not trade them for
the world. While I certainly cannot complain
about our apartment, I can, however, say it
was not what I was expecting. The
European style of our apartments should
not have been a shock to me, but for some
reason it was.
There are many things that would have
been available to me back at home that are
rare here in Europe, like household
appliances for example. These items may
be less common for many reasons; for
starters, European houses and cities are
centuries older than those in the United
States. Therefore, it is harder to wire or
reconstruct the houses and apartments for
things like air conditioning that our more
modern US homes may have. However,
modern does not necessarily mean better.
I, for one, would never be able to find the
rich history in my hometown. Another
positive for having historical homes is that
it is so much more environmentally friendly.
One upside to our apartment is the fact that
we are totally alone. Whether you
commute from your home or live at a
university dorm, this is an entirely different
experience for us because there are no
Resident Assistants (R.A’s), parents,
siblings or maybe even grandparents that
you see on the daily at home. When asked
to compare living in apartments with living
in dorms, Sam Kolesnik responded by
saying, "I definitely prefer apartments to the
school dorms because you just have so
much more freedom living in an
apartment."
This really gives us the opportunity to
become one with the Florentine community
because we are living amongst native
Italians. In addition, we are not sheltered
in the normal university life but actually
living in a famous city that offers incredible
amounts of art and architecture
everywhere we turn. We also have our
own kitchen, which may be new for many
of us. This means trying to figure out what
to make for dinner every day because the
same dishes get boring after a while.
Coming to Florence definitely made me
more independent .
ganzO newsThursday November 10: SANTACRISTINA NIGHTPaul Salmeri, Ganzo's Sous Chef andauthor of the Santa Cristina recipe blog,and the Master students of Apicius willbring to the table his creations which areinspired to compliment one of Antinori'sbest known wines.
Monday November 14: WINE CLUBWine Club is an opportunity to taste someof Italy’s highest quality wines in a fun,friendly and social atmosphere. Thisweek's theme: From the Town of Romeoand Juliet: the lovely Amarone.
Wednesday November 16: AperiArt Antonia Barbarossa -Nouvelle Flâneurs (meaning“contemporary urban studies”)The title comes from Painters of ModernTimes by Charles Baudelaire, whichdiscusses the way of life during
Impressionist. This exhibit by AntoniaBarbarossa presents not only visions of thecity but most importantly the loneliness ofits inhabitants rendered by the materialsand colors, mostly shades of gray, used inthe artworks. The city is everywhere, evenif not present in the work it manifests itselfthrough its inhabitants. This exhibit will beopened by Dott. Marco Borri, ex-director ofSpecola dell’Università di Firenze.
Thursday November 17: CUCINAREGIONALE: PIEMONTEPiedmont’s long history of both noble andtraditional cuisine lends itself to some ofmost delectable creations in Italiangastronomy. Experience the best of thishybrid cuisine on our night dedicated to theculinary delicacies of Piedmont.
Saturday, November 19, 8:45 pm:culture beyond borders: food forpeace
Ganzo is proud to present a special menuby Apicius Alumni Shaul Paloge. ChefPaloge's menu is not only about theculinary traditions of his native Israel, butalso reflects the project Chefs for Peace,which promotes integration between Araband Hebrew cultures through cuisine.Come take part is this unique culinaryevent that will both open your mind andexcite your palate.
Wednesday November 23, 6:00 pm:AperiganzoJoin us for an exceptional aperitivo buffetfull of international and Italian flavorsprepared by the Culinary students fromApicius, cocktails, and a selection ofextraordinary wines at the Apicius winecorner. This week features wines from theSouthern Italian producer MastroBerardino: Fiano di Avellino, Greco ditufo,and Taurasi
newsletter 2 OCT-NOV 2011 112an undergrad, “[She] knows how hectic studying abroad can be. It will offer space for people that would give them a break from all the
immersion. A safe space where people can gather and share recipes, goals, settling in issues and learn how they can help each other
adjust.”
"Feedback from former students confirmed that they wanted to maintain a healthy lifestyle while studying in Italy. They also wanted to
have fun and make new friends. Hence, the creation of the FAB Club! We're extrememly excited about implementing this new avenue
for bring students together in the Spring," Kandace Phyall, Student life Manager.
Blending NewsletterSupplemento di Blending Magazine
Reg. Trib. di Firenze n° 5844
del 29 luglio 2011
Anno I - Numero 2 - Novembre 2011
EditoreFlorence Campus per INGORDA Editore
Via Alfonso la Marmora 39, 50121 Firenze
RedazioneCorso Tintori 21, 50121 Firenze
Tel. 055-0332745
Stampato in proprio
Blending MastheadEditor-in-Chief Matteo Brogi, Senior EditorGrace Joh, Copy Editing Olivia Johnson and
Rebecca Valpy
Blending is a monthly newsletter created with
and for Palazzi FAIE students,
in collaboration with the Student Services
department of Palazzi.
For information [email protected]
Newsletters can be viewed at
www.florencecampus.it/newsletters
www.palazziflorence.com