The Matthew Online

Italy's Mozzarella scare eats into a big business

By Kriste Marciulionis

ROME, April 10- It would be a sad day to walk into your favorite local market to see a traditional staple of Italian cuisine pulled from the shelves.

For the past two weeks the production of world famous buffalo mozzarella (known locally as "mozzarella di bufala Compana") has been under close inspection after South Korea banned the import of all mozzarella in fear of dioxin contamination last month. The speculation unleashed a whirlwind as Japan, China and France followed suit by banning imports until tests show that the level of dioxin do not present risks to public health. 

Dioxin is a cancer-causing compound resulting from industrial processes and uncontrolled burning that pollute the environment. In elevated doses, dioxin can cause skin disfigurement, organ failure, birth defects and cancer. The mozzarella industry, based in the Campania region around Naples, faces continued speculation it has fallen victim to an ongoing waste management crisis in the region.

 

A piece of Ancient Rome returns to JCU

By Clara Peters

ROME, March 19— John Cabot University's Aula Magna auditorium took a step back into ancient history last night with gladiators and togas filling the room.

JCU's student government sponsors an international night each semester for its students.

This semester’s theme was Ancient Rome and entrance options were to either pay 4 euros, or dress in a toga. Many guests came fully dressed for the occasion gave the room more of an Ancient Roman look.

A Friday class you won't want to miss: Cooking with Gioia

 

By Celestina Roddy

ROME, March 16 - Qualified master of wines and talented cook, Gioia Con, has done it yet again.  For the past three years Con has been instructing cooking classes at John Cabot University, and the recipes get better every time, leaving students and staff wanting more.

Friday was a gorgeous day with not a cloud in the sky when JCU students Olivia Kovacs, Heather Schechter, Alison Gramham and Katie Stinnette joined Con at the outdoor market in Campo de' Fiori where the sights and smells were a feast to the senses. 

Degree-seeking student Schechter remarked, “I can’t believe that this has been here all along and it’s the first time I’ve checked it out!”  They purchased fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices to complete the ingredients needed to make the decadent recipes.

Inaugural Roma Wine Festival pops the cork

By Amanda Baker

ROME, Feb. 21— A new wine festival, Roma Wine Festival, unveils its showcase of Italy’s finest wines next weekend, Feb. 29 to March 2.

The event, at Spazio Etoile in Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, will bring together award winning wine producers, wine experts and, of course, wine lovers. 

Each morning will consist of conferences and award ceremonies for the producers. Among the awards presented will honor a new wine guide, “Italy’s Best Price-Pleasure Wines 2008”, written by Ian D’agata and Massimo Claudio Comparini. The ceremony will honor some of Italy’s finest, yet sometimes least recognized, wine producers. 

From 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. each day, the Festival will be open to the public. Tickets may be purchased for 20 euro, which will allow for tasting of thousands of wines and an opportunity to speak with producers directly.  A guided wine tasting will also be available at the Wine Academy, just a five-minute walk from the main event. The tasting will last one hour and will feature wines from California and France, along with Italian wines.

Wine expert and author Ian D’Agata, author of “Italy’s Best Price-Pleasure Wines 2008” and festival co-organizer (along with Marco Panella) said the event will showcase wines that may not always be the most popular, but are of a high quality.

 

Un-romantic in Rome? Yes, there's a table for you

 

By Marzia Ferraris

ROME, Feb. 15 - Valentine's Day is a day for couples to display their love publicly, going out for dinner, showering each other with gifts and, maybe, feel more in love than ever.

What about people without a special someone?

Meet Massimigliano Pellegrini,  co-owner of Forte e Chiaro, a Trastevere restaurant that created an occasion for singles and protesters alike. The idea?  'Anti San.Valentino' , for single men and women who desire to enjoy their evening. Alone.

Pellegrini, a 28-year-old Roman, has been running Forte e Chiaro for four months. The menu has few dishes, but the quality is guaranteed gourmet.

For ‘Anti Valentines day’ dinner there two menus, designated as "menu 1" and "menu 3". Basta "2" for this evening, Pellegrini explained.  Forte e Chiaro is known to do things differently from the other usual restaurants in the ancient part of Rome. They like to be unique, and noticed for their originality.

Better late than never, JCU students pack "welcome" BBQ

By Emily Finkelstein

ROME, Feb. 12 — Although this semester’s student barbecue encountered unanticipated challenges, the event was still a success, according to student attendees and organizers.

The courtyard barbecue, organized each semester by John Cabot University’s Student Government, was originally scheduled to take place in the first week of school. The event was postponed, however, after the deaths of two JCU students, one of whom worked with the Student Government.

Fortunately, students did not let the tragic circumstances overshadow the intent of the barbecue. A crowd of socializing students, a solid soundtrack, good weather and great burgers led to a dynamic and fun atmosphere.

Pasta and sweets, the downfall of students everywhere

By A. May

ROME, Dec 6 – The semester is coming to a close, papers and exams are piling up, and students will soon be returning home with more than just an experience. They'll be packing a few more (or fewer) pounds.

The well-known “Freshman 15” hits most first-time college students , who put on weight during an adjustment period of newfound freedom and anxiety.  For students studying abroad, similar reactions occur.  The lure of carbohydrates and enticing Italian sweets leave students regretting or embracing meal decisions. 

It's that time of year: vino novello season

By Alexis Blaha

ROME, Dec. 5 — It's December, vino novello season. 

Vino novello is Italian for “New Wine.”  Novello is bright red or violet in color and boasts a fruity taste.  Elements of fresh cherry, banana, strawberry, raspberry, and naturally grape are savored on the palate in one sip of this seasonal wine.

The average price of a bottle of vino novello from Lazio is €4-6, with the most expensive bottle priced at €10. 

The novello is best known for its luminous fruity consistency, low alcohol content -- about 11 percent -- and its low price

 

Italy's 2 a.m. drinks cut-off tough to swallow

By Monica Carolan

ROME, Nov 22 - After years of debate, Italy last month introduced tough new regulations on alcohol consumption, banning the serving of beer, wine and cocktails after 2 a.m.

Clubs that defy the new licensing rules face closure within 30 days.   Club owners and their patrons are not happy with this situation.

Feeling the pinch over a dish of pasta

By Alexis Blaha

ROME, Oct 12 — Next time you crave spaghetti at your local trattoria, bring along a few extra euros.

University students may find it difficult to enjoy a plate of spaghetti carbonara or bolognese now that the price of pasta has begun to climb; the price of pasta is expected to be 20 percent higher by year's end.

The sudden rise triggered a nationwide pasta strike by various consumer groups on September 13.