On April 23, in the setting of the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York, an event dedicated to one of the most defining rituals of Italian culture took place: coffee and breakfast. This educational experience, curated by the Istituto 100% Italiano and designed for industry professionals, was organized in collaboration with Filicori Zecchini, transforming a simple tasting into an immersive journey through technique, sensory perception, and culture.
More than just a masterclass, the event unfolded as a true experiential workshop. At its core was coffee, explored from its origins all the way to the cup. Participants were guided through a journey that examined bean varieties, differences in roasting, and the impact each stage of processing has on the final result.
One of the most engaging moments was the sensory analysis session. Attendees became active participants, challenged to identify aromas through selected essences. Not only positive notes — floral, roasted, spicy — but also defects, the off-aromas that reveal improperly extracted or stored coffee. An exercise that combined education and enjoyment, transforming the room into a dynamic space for shared learning.
The class then moved into the heart of Italian tradition, exploring the differences between espresso, cappuccino, and caffè latte. Beyond recipes, these were presented as true cultural codes: proportions, temperatures, extraction techniques, and methods of service.
Completing the experience was a curated gastronomic selection designed to showcase Italian breakfast in all its nuances: a line of entirely gluten-free single-portion products, alongside contributions from Graziella Caporuscio of Kestè Pizza e Vino, who presented a selection of cornetti, filled pastries, fried doughnuts, amarena cherry cookies, and the ever-present torta polacca.
To conclude the journey, a contemporary and creative note: an affogato-style coffee gelato, offering yet another perspective on coffee.
The event conveyed a clear message: coffee, like the Italian breakfast itself, is not merely consumption, but culture.
In an international setting such as the Columbus Citizens Foundation, this class represented a moment of authentic connection between professionals and companies rooted in tradition. An opportunity to reaffirm that even in the simplest gestures — like drinking a cup of coffee — lies a heritage of knowledge, values, and identity to be preserved and shared.
House of Made in Italy is a project by I Love Italian Food and the Columbus Citizens Foundation, carried out with the patronage of the Italian Trade Agency and with the support of Coldiretti and Filiera Italia.
Sponsors: Agriform, Mulino Caputo, Casa Modena, Ciao – Il Pomodoro di Napoli, Filicori Zecchini, Acetaia Giusti, Granterre, Lurisia, Monini, Parmareggio, Mionetto, Effeuno, Il Newyorkese, Marino PR, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Modalita, Manikomio Dsgn, and Istituto 100% Italiano.
Special thanks also go to Kestè Pizza e Vino, TFS Group, and Senzaé.
