Italy is Eataly

Made in America used to embody ruggedness, but recently has morphed into a symbol of artisanal design. Fueled by a new enthusiasm for high-quality goods sourced and produced in the USA, a new version of made in America is gaining steam. From the corner coffee shop to the craft brewery, ‘artisanal’ has invaded every aspect of our lives.

Artisanal , derived from the Italian word artigiano, is nothing new to Italy. Italians have always had an appreciation for high-quality products – the stories behind them, the people who produce them, and the places they come from.

I recently spent a weekend visiting my son Joey in New York City. A visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon spent wandering around Eataly, Mario Batali’s Italian food temple. The 58,000 square-foot space contains seven restaurants, each organized around food groups (Il Pesce, Le Verdure, La Pizza etc.) as well as a market dedicated to the food and culinary traditions of Italy.

While getting lost in endless aisles of olive oil, vinegar, and pastas one thing is unmistakably clear; Italian producers have an unmatched appreciation for quality. Italian food is more than great ingredients and packaging, it’s about telling a story. Above all else, Eataly is a store with stories. You won’t just discover what you love, you’ll also learn about what you love.

At Eataly they share the stories of the people and places behind all they offer. The more you know, the more you enjoy. And I know that I enjoy Neapolitan pizza fired in golden-tiled ovens , by real-live Neapolitans.

Bon Appetito!