Nov. 10 – Salvo Montalbano is the police officer of Italy’s collective identity. The literary and television character born from the imagination of Andrea Camilleri is a favorite of Rai1’s producers (the TV series has consistently received the best prime time scores. Montalbano is an “introverted, insightful and expert man” (as defined by Camilleri) with an innate ability to solve complicated intrigues. But Montalbano also represents the best Sicily has to offer: good food. Montalbano’s greatest weaknesses is his penchant for good food, especially seafood. And his culinary passion will be the focus of a conference, scheduled for November 18 (at 6pm) in the Federico Fellini hall of the Italian Cultural Institute in Budapest. The conference, part of the Institute’s cycle of events on “Italian literature and food,” will introduce Stefania Campo’s book on “Montalbano’s cooking secrets.” The event centers on a similar theme as Expo 2015: food and healthy, sustainable, tasty eating habits. The author will speak after Antonella Gigante, an expert on the relationship between the publishing industry and food. The public will also have the opportunity to participate in a tasting of local products. (PO / red)
