L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE I n the realm of confec- tionery, few names are as respected and appreciated as Caf- f a r e l . T h i s I t a l i a n brand, steeped in rich history a n d u n w a v e r i n g c o m m i t - ment to quality, has become a symbol of the Made in Italy concept and a perfect repre- sentation of the country's dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The tale of Caffarel begins i n 1 8 2 6 i n t h e h e a r t o f Turin, a city destined to be k n o w n a s t h e " c a p i t a l o f chocolate" - although Peru- g i a a n d M o d i c a p e r h a p s would like to disagree. It was here that a young entrepre- neur named Pier Paul Caf- farel established a small confectionery workshop. Lit- tle did he know, his modest venture would burgeon into one of Italy's most cherished chocolate brands. Caffarel's journey to suc- cess was punctuated by a s e r i e s o f i n n o v a t i o n s . In 1865, the company intro- duced the world to Gian- duiotto, a delectable fusion o f c o c o a , s u g a r , a n d t h e finest Piedmont hazelnuts. Named after Gianduja, a tra- ditional character of the Ital- i a n C o m m e d i a d e l l ' Arte associated with Turin, this velvety smooth choco- late quickly became a symbol of the city and a staple of Italian confectionery still loved today. But Caffarel's dedication t o i n n o v a t i o n d i d n ' t s t o p there. Over the years, the brand continued to push the boundaries of confectionery, introducing new flavors and techniques, while staying true to its roots: indeed, the c o m p a n y ' s a r t i s a n s s t i l l employ traditional methods, such as slow roasting and grinding their own hazel- nuts, to ensure the highest quality. The brand is also deeply r o o t e d i n i t s c o m m u n i t y , c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t h e l o c a l economy and preserving the region's rich cultural her- i t a g e e v e n i f , t o d a y , i t i s o w n e d b y S w i s s c o n f e c - t i o n a r y g i a n t L i n d t & Sprüngli. By maintaining its production in Italy, Caffarel not only ensures the authen- ticity of its chocolates but also supports local farmers and artisans. Caffarel is also committed to sustainability, under- standing that the future of chocolate depends on the health of our planet. This is w h y t h e b r a n d i s p a r t o f the C o c o a a n d F o r e s t s Initiative, a global effort to end deforestation and pro- mote sustainable cocoa pro- duction. Now, let's delve into some of the brand's most popular and traditional products, real i c o n s o f I t a l i a n c o n f e c - tionery! First and foremost, t h e a l r e a d y - m e n t i o n e d Gianduia 1865, which is p e r h a p s C a f f a r e l ' s m o s t famous product. Very little has changed in its produc- tion and looks since the year it was introduced to the pub- lic, 1865, a year that we can still see printed on its famous gold wrappings. Another sig- nature product of Caffarel's is the Piemonte choco- lates, a true tribute to the region's renowned hazelnuts. These chocolates feature a whole Piedmont hazelnut at their heart, surrounded by a layer of fine milk chocolate. Then we have Cremì choco- lates, a delightful treat fea- turing a soft, creamy center encased in a shell of fine Caf- farel chocolate that come in a variety of flavors. Of course, we can't forget traditional chocolate bars, available in a variety of versions, from very dark to milk. Personally, I find Caffarel milk chocolate is the best you can get. And if you want to make a nice pre- sent, look no further than Caffarel's own boxed choco- lates, special assortments f e a t u r i n g a v a r i e t y o f t h e brand's finest, beautifully presented in elegant boxes. Fancy giving your baking an e x t r a o o m p h , t h e n y o u should try Caffarel cooking chocolate, a luxury version of more run-of-the-mill alter- n a t i v e s t o k e e p i n y o u r kitchen. Today, Caffarel is present in more than 40 countries around the world, including the US. As you can see, Caffarel is more than just a chocolate brand, it's a celebration of Italy's ties with chocolate m a k i n g a n d a s y m b o l o f Made in Italy. From its hum- b l e b e g i n n i n g s i n a s m a l l Turin workshop, to its status a s a g l o b a l c o n f e c t i o n e r y icon, Caffarel illustrates well the passion, innovation, and dedication to quality that define Italian craftsmanship. G l a s s e s , t h e i n g e n i o u s invention that revolutionized v i s i o n c o r r e c - tion, have a fascinating histo- r y i n t e r t w i n e d w i t h I t a l y , p a r t i c u l a r l y w t i h t h e c i t y of Venice. While their exact origin is subject to debate, it is widely believed that the precursor to modern eye - glasses was likely invented in La Serenissima around 1285-1289. Although histori- c a l e v i d e n c e i s s c a r c e , a V e n e t i a n d o c u m e n t f r o m 1284 called the Chapter, or t h e S t a t u s o f t h e A r t of Cristalleri, provides the earliest known description of glasses: it specified that roidi d a o g l i ( g l a s s e s f o r e y e s ) should be made of pure crys- tal r ather than just gl ass. Similarly, the earliest known depiction of spectacles is also connected to Veneto and the old Repubblica di Venezia, as it is found in a 1352 fresco by Tommaso da Modena in Tre- viso. H o w e v e r , t h e m a n w h o a p p a r e n t l y m a d e g l a s s e s p o p u l a r w a s a D o m i n i c a n friar named Giordano da P i s a , w h o e n c o u n t e r e d Venetian brothers during a s t a y a t a m o n a s t e r y i n Bologna. It is these Vene- t i a n s w h o , a c c o r d i n g t o some, crafted the first glasses i n t h e i r m o n a s t e r y n e a r the Church of San Giaco- metto in Rialto. These early models were far from comfortable, resem- bling two magnifying lenses held together by handles and r e q u i r i n g t h e u s e r ' s h a n d support. Frames were made o f m e t a l , w o o d , o r e v e n leather, while lenses were made from rock crystal or glass. Over time, improve- m e n t s a n d c o n t r i b u t i o n s from professionals world- wide led to advancements in the design and functionality of glasses. Venice kept a key role in the development of eyeglasses technology, and i n v e n t e d t h e g r e e n l e n s e s known to protect eyes from s u n g l a r e : t h e y w e r e p r o - duced in the 18th century and were known as occhiali da gondola or occhiali alla Goldoni. It was later discov- ered that the presence of iron i n t h e l e n s e s m a d e t h e s e glasses effective in blocking UV rays, a phenomenon not yet known until 1870. In modern times, glasses evolved into medical devices that combine functionality with style, and became a real fashion accessory for many, including numerous VIPs like P e g g y G u g g e n h e i m , K a r l L a g e r f e l d , A n d y W a r h o l , Johnny Depp, Iris Apfel and Elton John. Historians say that the earliest reading lenses and glasses were developed in Venice (Photo: Oleksandr Lutsenko/Dreamstime) A gianduiotto under the Mole Antonelliana, in Turin (Photo: RossHelen/Shutterstock) The life-changing creation of glasses Caffarel and the sweet side of Made in Italy

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