Skip to Content
News

Appetito Hosts ITA Talks: ‘Al Dente Delights’

Appetito hosted an event with the Italian Trade Agency focused on pasta, tomatoes and preserved vegetables.

Host, Andrew Cotto (left) and ITA Talks panelists (from left to right): Giuseppi Di Martino, Cristiano Villani, and Richard Martin.

Host, Andrew Cotto (left) and ITA Talks panelists (from left to right): Giuseppi Di Martino, Cristiano Villani, and Richard Martin. Photo credit: Riccardo Piazza.

In a panel discussion Tuesday (2/18) at the Italian Trade Agency’s offices in New York City, Appetito’s Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief Andrew Cotto hosted industry experts to dive into “Al Dente Delights” as part of the ITA Talks series.

The panel focused on pasta, sauce and preserved vegetables.

Appetito and the ITA welcomed industry experts including Cristiano Villani of Pomi’ USA, Giuseppe Di Martino of Pastificio Di Martino and Appetito’s own Co-founder and Managing Editor Richard Martin, who has co-authored a series of books on preservation. Each panelist spoke about the ingredients, process and traditions that define their respective product's exceptionalism.

Appetito Editor-in-Chief Andrew Cotto hosting the 2/18 ITA Talks event.
Appetito Editor-in-Chief Andrew Cotto hosting the 2/18 ITA Talks event. Photo credit: Riccardo Piazza.

The panelists were joined by Chef Fabrizio Facchini, of the Association of Italian Chefs in New York, who prepares a curated tasting menu, highlighting the featured products, for each event. Appropriately, on 2/18, every dish featured pasta - even dessert.

The "ITA Talks" series promotes, through panel discussions and dining, Italian gastronomic products available in America. Tuesday marked the second in a series of monthly occasions, over the first half of 2025, where Appetito will serve as the co-host of such events.

Erica Di Giovancarlo, Italian Trade Commissioner and Executive Director for the United States, provided opening remarks to the audience.
Erica Di Giovancarlo (left), Italian Trade Commissioner and Executive Director for the United States, provided opening remarks to the audience. Photo credit: Riccardo Piazza.

The evening began with a reception in the grand lobby of the Italian Trade Agency on the Upper East Side with passed pasta and prosecco.

After guests settled in, Erica Di Giovancarlo, Italian Trade Commissioner and Executive Director for the United States, welcomed panelists for an informative and engaging discussion.

Cotto led the discussion with wit and charm, creating a lighthearted atmosphere rich with education, including back-and-forth between panelists and an audience question and answer session.

The post-panel pasta feast at the 2/18 ITA Talks event.
The post-panel pasta feast at the 2/18 ITA Talks event. Photo credit: Riccardo Piazza.

At the close of the chat, guests adjourned to what can only be described as a post-panel pasta feast with numerous offerings of regional dishes from around Italy.

The next ITA Talks event will be on March 11th with a focus on "Formaggi e Vini Rossi" (cheese and red wine).

Editor's note: This post was sponsored by ITA.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

How to Make Chicken Cacciatore Meatballs

Nostalgia for classic Italian American cooking inspired this boneless version of Chicken Cacciatore that is simple and healthy.

Italy to Take Center Stage at 2025 NYC Summer Fancy Food Show

Italy returns to the Fancy Food Show as Country Partner with a record-breaking pavilion, live cooking events, and regional representation that celebrates the art of Italian taste.

Inside the World of Vincenzo’s Plate

From Sunday lunch in Pescara to pasta lessons for millions, Vincenzo Prosperi shares how family, flavor, and authenticity shaped Vincenzo’s Plate.

The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown offers elevated Washington, D.C. stay

Appetito reviews the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown while offering an itinerary of Italian informed drinking and dining options around town.

May 28, 2025

From California to Cannoli: Dara’s Sicilian Life with Santi

What started with a chance beach encounter turned into a life of food, family, and storytelling in the Sicilian countryside. Dara shares what it’s like to build a home with Santi in the heart of Italy.

See all posts