You're Invited to Salento Food Week in NYC, DC

On behalf of the olive oil and wine producers of the Salento area of the Puglia region of Italy, I’d like to invite Dream of Italy readers in New York and Washington, DC to a series of FREE tastings during Italian Week, June 18 to 24, 2008. More than 30 companies from the Jonico-Salentino district will showcase their premium quality wines and extra-virgin olive oils, offering the opportunity to taste firsthand the spectacular quality of this area’s offerings.

Puglia, the sun-drenched region on the Adriatic coast in the heel of Italy, has a rich tradition of wine and olive oil production. Italians themselves know that some of the country’s best vintages and oils come from this area. In fact, Puglia produces 29% of the country’s oil and 18% of Italy’s wine. About half of Puglia’s vineyards and olive trees are located in the Jonico-Salentino district, in the south-central part of the region surrounding the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce. A unique combination of factors including weather, soil, technique and traditional varietals have lead the Salentino wines and oils to international acclaim.

You don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy the bounty of this unique land. Salentino comes to America for Italian Week, June 18 to 24.

New York City, June 19, 20, 21

Where:
BuonItalia at Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
When:
Thursday, June 19 – 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, June 20 – noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 21 – noon to 7 p.m.

Washington, DC – June 23, 24

Where:
Teatro Goldoni Restaurant
1909 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
When:
Monday, June 23 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.