BLENDING Newsletter March 2016

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ISSUE 1 - YEAR 6 | PALAZZI/FUA | MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER APICIUS CONFERENCE by Leanora Karnath and Morgan O'Reilly Through speeches and guided food tastings, attendees will learn and experience how Italian cuisine has evolved from tradition into teaching methodologies that encourage international conversation. This year’s conference will showcase the expertise of various levels ranging from FUA’s own hospitality students to professionals in the field. International educators, food bloggers, and a Michelin-starred Tuscan chef will discuss their opinions about international teaching methodologies within the hospitality field. A tasting panel from local producers and a student wine panel will also contribute to the discussion through interactive learning. The title—No Legal Age for Drinking Culture—stresses how Italian cuisine and culture should be enjoyed by all. Isabella Martini, one of the conference coordinators, expresses the importance of the idea: “Culture must and has to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, because culture can be in no Photo by David Andre Weiss Apicius instructor Massimo Bocus, featured conference speaker. On March 12, Florence University of the Arts will host its second annual Apicius Conference, Teaching Traditions: No Legal Age for Drinking Culture.

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Transcript of BLENDING Newsletter March 2016

Page 1: BLENDING Newsletter March 2016

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

ISSUE 1 - YEAR 6 | PALAZZI / FUA | MARCH 2016

NEWSLETTER

APICIUS CONFERENCE by Leanora Karnath and Morgan O'Reilly

Through speeches and guided food tastings, attendees will learn and experience how Italian cuisine has evolved from tradition into teaching methodologies that encourage international conversation. This year’s conference will showcase the expertise of various levels ranging from FUA’s own hospitality students to professionals in the field. International educators, food bloggers, and a Michelin-starred Tuscan chef will discuss their opinions about international teaching methodologies within the hospitality field. A tasting panel from local producers and a student wine panel will also contribute to the discussion through interactive learning.  The title—No Legal Age for Drinking Culture—stresses how Italian cuisine and culture should be enjoyed by all. Isabella Martini, one of the conference coordinators, expresses the importance of the idea: “Culture must and has to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, because culture can be in no

Photo by David Andre Weiss

Apicius instructor Massimo Bocus, featured conference speaker.

On March 12, Florence University of the Arts will host its second annual Apicius Conference, Teaching Traditions: No Legal Age for Drinking Culture.

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way counter-productive.” Daniele Onori, another conference coordinator, hopes that attendees will leave knowing that “hospitality is an important subject.” He mentions that Italian wine and cuisine aren’t simply put together by chance, but formed through years of training and a focus on regional his-tory.  FUA hosts this conference with the close collaboration of many different academic sectors; whether it be culinary, journalistic, or marketing which points to the importance of

hands-on engagement and openness to learning opportunities. The main takeaway FUA wants to accomplish, according to Martini, is to spark conversation. Martini states, “The confer-ence should trigger new perspectives, and have guests explore new insights on teaching methodologies applied to hospitality, food, and wine studies.” The conference is open to the public. Remember to reserve a spot by March 4 at [email protected].

LAMBORGHINI VISITS FUA by Leanora Karnath and Morgan O'Reilly

On February 25, Chiara Conti, HR Busi-ness Partner at Lamborghini, visited FUA’s Human Resource Management course to discuss issues related to the field. The course focuses on how HR management functions in contempo-rary organizations through practical application, case studies, and connecting the classroom to international corpora-tions. Through Lamborghini’s internal and external values of motivation, inspi-ration, competency, and success orien-tation, Conti discussed HR strategies and advice for job candidates. The pres-entation consisted of a company profile,

multimedia displays of the company’s values and exciting new projects, statis-tics dealing with employment, marketing, demographics, and descriptions of HR ini-tiatives she helps implement. An example of the company’s goal of “creating a sense of belonging” for the employees, accord-ing to Conti, includes providing cooking classes for children of employees and wel-come kits for those new to a position. Conti’s position also allows her to create an “environment where people can freely express themselves.” Another major foun-dation of the company is a focus on con-tinuous evolution and innovation. Conti

applies this dynamic by “always creating the smoothest, easiest, and newest way to do things” as well as actively paying attention to outside company practices and HR management growth in order to implement effective methodologies. Pro-fessor Andrea Morganti explains that the lecture should allow students to “‘touch’ with their hands how main HR issues, key activities, and processes are applied and ‘played’ concretely in companies.” He also hopes that the lecture will push students “to understand and discover the connections and implications between theory and companies’ practices.”

NEW PUBLICATION ON CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMANSHIP

The publication is the result of the 1-year career program in Publishing and aims to give an intriguing insight into Floren-tine fashion and food artisans through interviews and photographs. A historical perspective highlights the connection between the innovative artisans of the present and Renaissance art, philosophy,

and techniques through a thoughtful selection of interviews. The book can

be read as both an exploration of how craftsmanship is evolving and a guide to noteworthy artisans connected to Florence and Tus-cany. The book is available in two

sizes and is on sale at the J School campus in via dell'Oriuolo, 43.

by the FUA Communications & Marketing Office

Photos by Nabi Jung

FUA's publishing house Ingorda is proud to announce the recent release of the bookCRAFTED WITH SOUL – The Alchemy behind Contemporary Craftsmanship in Florence.

ART

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BARE. MASSIMILIANO ORAZI

Orazi’s intentional compositions suggest a human presence but rarely reveal an explicit figure. He focuses on linear elements in nature using a minimal amount of technical equipment.After an extensive interview with the artist, the student curatorial team first determined the conceptual basis behind the arrangement of the artwork. When considering the layout of the show, the curators concentrated on a fluid transition between the various Italian landscapes. Orazi states, “My intention is mainly concerned with aesthetics. For instance, I selected a single source of light during shooting. Making a choice while keeping it as simple as possible — this is what the theme Bare is about.”Many students and local Italians attended the opening reception of the exhibition. When asked about the show, Emily Hartnett, an FUA student, stated that she enjoyed “the simplicity of the show and the nuances in each photograph.” Many students also echoed her appreciation of Orazi’s ability to present a landscape with a minimalistic approach.

by Skyler Simpson and Megan Haug

More than 25 black and white photos by Massimiliano Orazi are currently on display in Ganzo Gallery Restaurant. The exhibition titled Bare showcases a series of landscape photographs taken from 2002 to 2015.

Orazi was originally trained in architecture; his background influences the structural arrangement of the photos. Although this is the artist’s first official exhibition, his photographs showcase an intuitive eye for composition. Bare will be on display at Ganzo through March 15.

VIE DI FUGA - Chioggia aprile 2008

SUCCESSIONI - Terre di Siena dicembre 2006

PREAVVISO - Laguna veneta gennaio 2010

LUNGO LA COSTA - Marche settembre 2004

PANNI SPORCHI - Burano (VE) luglio 2012

Orazi introduces Bare Gallery with student curatorial team. Gallery exhibition premieres at Ganzo Gallery Restaurant.

Photos by Silvia Mancini

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It offers the opportunity to learn about Italian and international wine culture while enjoying top wines at a reasonable cost. This year’s first meeting was held on Monday, February 8 with the theme: “Meet the King of Italy,” where we tasted superb Giacomo Fenocchio wines, Barolo Bussia DOCG, and Barolo Cannubi DOCG. Barolo has been named the “king of wines” and the “wine of kings.” This could be due to the origin of its quality Nebbiolo gapes, which grow near the town of Alba in Italy’s Piedmont. Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo wines are produced from the grapes of Cannubi and Bussia, from the hands of the workers, the sun of the region, the water that touched the vineyards, and the passion that makes the proficient wine-makers believe in continuous innovation. During the Wine Club, we experienced the subtle combination of a robust red, full-bodied Barolo paired with a delightful aged pecorino and ‘beef cheek’ dish, which was prepared by the culinary artists of Apicius. The sophisticated aromas of ripe strawberries, tar, roses, violets, and truffles enhanced an exquisite dining experience. As a Wine Studies & Enology student, I always appreciate

APICIUS WINE CLUB: BAROLO EXPLORATIONby Eva Davidova

Photo by the author

FOOD

interacting with other sommeliers in the restaurant dining room as well as the chefs in the professional kitchen, educators, writers, winery representatives, winemakers, and wine managers.

Today, wine is an integral component of the culture of various countries. Unlike many modern foods,

wine’s attraction relies not on bold consistent flavors, but upon a subtle array of shifting

sensations that make its charm difficult to define. In essence, wine producers sell a sensory experience to the consumer. I am always seeking to deepen my professional understanding of wine appreciation.

As a Wine Label designer, I carefully question the wine producers on their label

and aesthetic components, excited to see the innovations and trends in the Wine Label industry.

The upcoming Wine Club meeting is on Monday, March 7, and the theme for the next session is “North vs South: Trentino-Alto Adige and Sicily — Anologies and Differences,” with wines from Lageder, Pinot Nero Krafus, from Alto Adige D.O.C and the Tenuta delle Terre Nerre from Guardiola Etna Rosso D.O.C. Don’t forget to sign up for this exciting event, by emailing [email protected].

The Wine Club is an informative educational club open to all students and the local community. The goal of the club is to responsibly explore the culture of wine appreciation.

A TUSCAN TRIO by Saige SheetsPhotos by the author

LUCC

A 01 Lucca is known for the canals that run through the city. Oftentimes locals fill water bottles at fountains.

02 Tourists gaze at a man’s taffy booth set up for the carnival that night in Lucca, Italy.

03 Early morning at the St. Martin Cathedral of Lucca, Italy, children toss confetti and dress in costumes in celebration of the carnival.

04 An older man sits on a low bench; they are scattered around the parkway on Lucca’s famous wall.

This photo essay explores three Tuscan towns - Lucca, Florence, and Siena, through the eyes of student reporter and traveler Saige Sheets.

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TRAVEL

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01 A couple sits in the outdoor seating of a café that overlooks Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy.

02 A tiny snack shack in Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy takes two men’s orders while the roof keeps them dry on a rainy day.

03 Flowers are sold in the Piazza Salimbeni of Siena, Italy. On a dreary day, the seller is talking to a friend as he waits for someone to stop by.

04 The day before Valentines Day, this couple ignores the crowd that passes by and kisses in front of Chiesa di San Cristoforo church in Siena, Italy.

SIEN

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01 A Florentine food seller preps his stand for business one evening. In the background is the Piazza della Repubblica.

02 Sitting in the afternoon on the edge of the Piazzale Degli Uffizi near Ponte Vecchio, an elderly man works attentively on a painting.

03 As the sun begins to set, two boys effortlessly crew under the Ponte Vecchio.

04 In midmorning during the week at the Mercato Centrale in Florence, Italy:

(A) A worker is hidden among meats and cheese;

(B) A worker in his meat station lays out a new cut piece of meat.

05 In the Piazza della Repubblica at night, a local musician plays in front of the famous arch and carrousel of Florence, Italy.

FLOR

ENCE

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02 04.A

0504.B

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A LOOK BEHIND THE GLASS by Marisa Arflack

Anyone, resident or visitor of Florence, can see that it is a fashion hub amongst designers and shoppers alike. Many famous brands got their start right here in Florence, and it is easy to see why. There is so much inspiration and art within the city, making fashion a central aspect. For every big label Couture designer there are equal amounts of local boutiques.

FASHION

All stores, regardless of their target market, have one thing in common — the methods with which they draw consumers. More simply put, their unique visual merchandising.After a sale season and right before the spring trends launch, most stores have somewhat simple displays. Take a walk down Via Calimala or Via Roma, and it is evident how much time is spent on these windows. The modern, hip store Guya features a display of multiple patterns and fabrics, adding complexity while still appealing to a larger consumer base with their black and white color scheme. Maintaining a careful balance, this highlights their funky style while drawing in new consumers.

Michael Kors and Massimo Dutti also follow this pattern with classic monochromatic displays.Gucci and Prada displays mirror each other across the street, consisting of classic black and white while adding a pop of red. This simplicity portrays a sense of timelessness and sophisti-cation — appealing particularly to a high-end market. Gucci features one window with two black wooden chairs with two monochromatic handbags. This, still maintaining the simplistic style, is a more interesting way to display merchandise and add drama. Many stores like to use unconventional props to add to the overall interest of the design.

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A substantial challenge of being in a new place is the urge to compare with “things back home.” As culture journalism students Camila and Kaly discover, looking towards the interconnectedness of today’s global community can hold in store a combination of new discoveries and unexpected familiarities.

THE WORLD IN A CITY by Camila Gallego and Kaly NasiffPhotos by Joanna Mizak

Chanel has followed in similar suit of simplicity by using a neutral color scheme. They create more of a glamorous feel, however, by creating a scene of a high-end photoshoot. Creat-ing this illusion appeals to the shopper with a fantasy effect of what will happen when the consumer wears their label. The colorful displays of Sisley centered around the theme of “Sislove” also create a unique scene. They portray couples tied together with bright rope and feature clever phrases such as “Make Love Not War” and “Love at First Sale.” Linking their sales and merchandise with iconic images and graphics along with word play is a fun, flirty, and youthful way to draw in consumers for Valentine's Day.Other stores are starting to play into the spring vibes and idea of florals like Patrizia Pepe and the La Rinascente MaxMara section. The displays use a rainbow of soft pastels in similar merchandise, sometimes even repeating the same pieces in different colors. This repetition adds to the impact while the colors create a softer, more feminine aesthetic just

in time for the warmer weather. Perhaps the most interesting of them all is Luisa Via Roma. This high-end boutique is so unique that it doesn’t even need to display its merchandise to draw people in. Its striking gem crusted doors sit next to a video screen that plays footage of all of the events they do throughout the year. With every event they revamp their boutique. Once inside, the current tech/prismatic theme is overwhelming with a plethora of colors in their merchan-dise. Jewels, shoes, and racks of designer clothing speak for themselves all while incorporating the theme of the store at the time. It acts as almost a bank vault for the one of a kind, luxurious pieces that are found within. Many shoppers don’t pay a second thought to window dis-plays. Yet no matter what the store is trying to convey, their windows are undoubtedly the most important aspect to their merchandising - companies oftentimes have specific positions for it. Next time you walk down the busy streets of Firenze, you might want to take a second glance at what is behind the glass.

STUDENT VOICE

Living in a new city is quite daunting and intimidating. Homesickness can be mild or extreme but always present. Instead of reminiscing on what you are missing, why not experiment with seeing how the world is a network of connections?

Rather than looking for differences, we focused on how this new and exciting city is part of a global experience. The many things we found amazed us. Buildings, sculptures, signs, and people reminded us so much of new yet familiar things.

Take the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Camila spends time walking around Balboa Park in San Diego, California, which is filled with museums, restaurants, and beautiful buildings. Kaly is reminded of the monumental

Patrizia Pepe

Prada

La Rinascente - Max Mara

Gucci

Sisley

Sisley Luisa Via Roma

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Photo by the author

Mormon temple near her home in Gilbert, Arizona. Every time she watches a tourist snap a selfie in front of the cathedral, she thinks of the many wedding photos couples take in front of the temple. We get the same feelings while we stare up at the grandeur of the cathedral in cities back home and abroad, and we find comfort in focusing on the relationships that can be drawn out of two places we love. The Ponte Vecchio has a long history dating back to the tenth century; meanwhile, Old Mill Avenue Bridge in Tempe, Arizona dates back to the 1930s. One survived

bombings during World War II and the other survives Arizona motorists. Kaly has enjoyed both of these “old” places and watching the sunset as she gazes across the water. Looking out from the Ponte Vecchio, she does not see the glittering lights of home, but she does see the glittering of fine jewelry in shop windows, which gives her an even bigger thrill. One of Camila’s favorite places to go at night in Florence is to the Piazza della Signoria. The statues are illuminated from below and calming instrumental music plays in the quiet of the night. The great replicated statue

of David in front of Palazzo Vecchio reminds her of the Statue of Liberty in New York, which was actually inspired by a statue located in Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica. They are both giant masterpieces that represent something bigger than themselves: courage and liberty. It’s curious to realize that even thousands and thousands of miles away, two totally different places in the world could have so much in common. In discovering Florence, we have realized that we are all connected. We just have to be able to take time to step back and realize it.

SIMONETTA FERRINILITERATURE AND PLACE

Take the example of Santa Croce: Anyone can go and appreciate the star-studded burial ground. To be so close to amazing individuals who gave us David, Jupiter’s moons, and modern political science is not something to be missed. But what about Dante? If you remember correctly, Dante Alighieri was also Florentine. As the first man to write down what was the basis for today’s Italian language as well as the incredible Divine Comedy, why is his only presence in Santa Croce the statue of him? Where is he buried? I suggested to Ferrini that the literature she teaches could be used as a map itself, and she certainly seemed to like this idea. Looking at great works from the Grand Tour, even Byron expresses his disappointment with Dante’s absence. In

“Childe Harold Pilgrimage” he says, “Ungrateful Florence! Dante sleeps afar… His life, his fame, his grave, though rifled- not thine own”. Consider this and then study Dante’s face: scorned and upset. Is this statue an apology to Dante?In a civil war, Dante was forced to leave Florence in order to escape execution. He fled to a city called Ravenna, where he is buried. The statue of Dante is a tribute to the Florentine father. In her class, Ferrini aims to marry world-famous travel literature with the travels of her students: “The students can more easily relate to these foreign eyes in a sense...and after all, of course these people came in the 1700s/1800s, but I think you can still find a lot of things you can relate to.”

Simonetta Ferrini, professor of Literature of the Grand Tour, explores the literature of poets, writers, and gentlemen whom have completed their own grand tour. She uses these famous works to uncover secrets and details of Florence that would otherwise be overlooked on a simple walking tour.

by Hannah Cohen

FACULTY VOICE

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BRICKS: SAN LORENZOby Amanda Fogelman by Leanora Karnath

Building. Bricks. Lines. Doors. From twenty feet away, this is what I see. What is this? I ask somebody on the street. I walk a couple of steps closer to read the welcome sign. Now I know where I am. I am close enough to see the yellowish green candy attached to the corner of one of the protruding bricks. I place my hands into the indents of the wall where bricks should have been. This would be perfect for rock climbing, I think to myself. I notice more protruding bricks suitable for the placement of my feet. If only I wasn’t afraid of heights, I add. The bricks are suddenly more detailed: a combination of grey, red and white. Was this made of cement, or clay? I ask myself. I tilt my head upward to see the stature of the building. It must have taken thousands of years to build, possibly tens of thou-sands, hundreds of thousands? I trace my fingers down the colorful stones. It feels like cement. I place my nose on the wall. It smells like cement. I walk toward the right. Tiny bricks outline a single grey square, which resembles a window. It appears to be an indentation of a chimney. I immediately think of Santa Claus. The following morn-ing, I pass the monument on my way to class. Building. Bricks. Lines. Doors. From fifty feet away, this is what I see. From fifty feet away, I recognize the intimacy of the San Lorenzo church.

The sun peeks out from a few wispy clouds, bathing the massive architecture in light. A gust of wind causes ripples to form in my jacket as I walk up the steps and approach the side near an entrance. Wide-eyed and hesitant, I reach my hand closer to its surface. I pull back. Do I have the right to lay my hands on such a monumental site? As merely a temporary resident of the city, I don’t think I should. Chatter from tourists pierces my ears, disrupting my train of thought. People with smartphones and bulky cameras stand away at a distance, snapping photos while I refocus my attention. This time my eyes remain fixated on one spot—gray, brown, and reddish orange in color. The monument looks mostly brown from far away, highly contrasting the intricate details of colorful marble present at the nearby Duomo. Although people take photos, barely anyone walks inside. Maybe it feels neglected, but it doesn’t say a word. Not even a whisper. I reach my hand closer again until my right palm rests on the bricks. I’ve succeeded this time. The gray bricks are rugged in shape while the reddish orange color has taken the place of what I assume were more gray bricks. I trace my fingers along the indentation of missing bricks. The residue, thicker than dust, falls onto my fingers. I walk away from San Lorenzo, surprised at how long the color sticks to the creases of my fingers.

FACES & PLACES

FUA Travel Writing students present sensorial diptychs on city landmarks, experienced not through ticket lines and museum visits, but through highly intimate points of views and sensations.

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Photos by Marisa Arflack

by Maddie Smith

SURFACES: DUOMOby Alyssa Verzino

Cold marble underneath my fingertips, as it shimmers in the sunlight. Elevated details create friction to the touch, I follow as my hand gravitates towards the doors. Frigid to the touch now in the shadows, and the aroma of copper metal floods in as I move closer. Steady and calm, as the chaos from afar fades away. Buzzing crowds in the distance, but a heavy silence fills the air as I move further into the doorway. Stepping back into the chaos, slowly peeling myself out of the vortex of the safe doorway, I feel a soft breeze brush my face and tingle behind my ears, chills running up and down my spine. I crane my neck back and refocus my gaze on the sky. Conversations swirl around me in different languages and unknown voices. Sunlight illuminates the top, I am struck by the height and immense presence in the middle of the bustling city. Stillness over-comes my body. My limbs feel heavy and my feet are stuck to the hard ground. I cannot look away, overwhelmed by the detail, size, and seemingly magical presence. My heart beats fast and strong, I feel present. Squinting into the sunlight, clenching my fists, taking pictures in my mind. Engraining every detail into my memory. Perfection in every inch of detail, my head is full and heavy in the attempt to take it all in. The Duomo.

I run my fingers along the intricate details in the sculpt-ing. The surface is textured, cold, and solid. My fingers follow the patterns along the rough edges and complex shapes. It feels old, like the surface has been scratched up a bit or the carvings are not polished over. The surface before me shows designs of different creatures amongst broad leaves. It is made of panels of marble, but I am look-ing at the white marble border. There is a tinge of brick red staining the marble, perhaps from aging. The pattern is carved and elaborate; a repetition of the leaves and small creatures between. The leaves’ veins crawl along the surface.  This wall smells cold and crispy, but it is not a strong odor.  It smells natural, like the air around it. All around me I can hear people. Whether Italian, Chinese, or English, I can assume everyone is talking about the building before me; talking of its beauty and command.  It is very loud around me due to tourists, but if I really focus, I can make it still. This building is a holy place and I feel the presence of God inside me when I focus on where I am.  I am overwhelmed with awe and appreciation for such a beautiful piece of architecture. Here, I am calm. This is my experience at the Cathedral of Florence, or, the Duomo.

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ALUMNI PROFILE

FASHIONABLE AND FUNCTIONAL IN FLORENCE

by Lindsay Hilliard

Whether you are taking a tour of the Basilica of Santa Croce or just walking down the street, there is always something intriguing waiting for you to discover. I recently uncovered only a piece of this city’s vibrant history during a class trip. We were invited to

walk around Florence and take careful notice of the architecture in order to discern the time of its construction. One of the buildings that we focused on was constructed in a manner very different from the buildings surrounding it. Its three distinct levels and unique crest characterized it as belonging to the Medici family. The base was built like a fortress while the exterior design gradually softens as the building rises. Considered to be distinctive now, it was a common style for the time period. The need for a large, fortress-like, and intimidating structure was practical for a family of such power. The display of monetary worth and authority was not limited to the size and structure of the building alone. A coat of arms present on the second floor exterior was another important symbol for the Medici family. This six-balled crest not only appears here, but also on many others in the Tuscan area. This coat of arms depicted

on a building, monument, or church signified an affiliation with the Medici, most often a monetary one. Since this family had so much authority and money, the symbol appears frequently.While these buildings and crests were used for practical reasons, today they are often perceived as beautiful momentums of a rich history. In the recent weeks I’ve spent exploring Florence, I have noticed that every piece of the city has a purpose or significant meaning. From the direction a statue looks toward, to the bench-like seating attached to buildings, a functional past has blossomed into a fashionable present. Although I am at the beginning of a journey to discover the city’s historic treasures, I look forward to keeping an inquisitive eye out for the many other keys that will unlock a more enlightened understanding of the abundant culture I am currently immersed in.

WHAT’S BREWING WITH FUA ALUM OCK HYEON BYEON?

by Lauren Fromin

Ock Hyeon has since opened Round K, located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It is a mix between a modern aesthetic and a 1970s Korean café — a homage to his Korean heritage. “Not only is the environment cozy and vintage, I also use a lever coffee machine called Victoria Arduino distributed by Nuova Simonelli. I roast my own coffee beans on the premises so my guests can taste the most authentic flavors from all of my single origin coffee beans,” he says. Some of the coffee beans even come from a friend of his in Guatemala, among other international locations around the world.Inspired by his experience in Italy, you can find the

Florence is a city like no other; the infusion of so many historic buildings into everyday life allows for the electricity of this city to transcend through centuries.

Photo by the author

From his appreciation for coffee to impressive foam art skills, and even the tattoo on his arm of the chemical components, Ock Hyeon’s love for coffee was obvious from day one. Better known as Raffaello by his friends and professors during his studies at FUA, he graduated from the Apicius Culinary Arts career program in 2014.

Photo courtesy of Ock Hyeon

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Round K99 Allen St, New York, NY 10002www.roundk.comFacebook: Round K - Instagram: @roundkcafenycFor any FUA Alumni looking to get in touch with Ock Hyeon, email [email protected]

“Shakelatto” on the menu, based on the Italian shakerato. Round K doesn’t only serve coffee though; you can find spe-cialty teas, homemade Korean-style pastries, and brunch on the weekends. On the walls you can find the artwork of fellow FUA Alum Yun Yan Wasabi who studied Visual Com-munications. Ock Hyeon hopes to collaborate with other FUA Alumni whether it is promoting their personal work, as in Yun Yan’s case, or other creative collaborations such as pop-up events at Round K. The space is even used to host

coffee making classes as well as Korean language lessons.Ock Hyeon had the following to say about his time here in Florence: “I thank the entire FUA team for the help and support that I received in Florence. It was the best two years of my life; I met some amazing people who shaped me into who I am today. I also want to mention how much I appre-ciate what I learned from both the school and Chefs Andrea Trapani and Simone De Castro. My time in Florence made all of this possible today.”

EVENTS IN AND AROUND FLORENCE

TASTE: A FOODIE’S PARADISE By Hayden Huff, Stevi Portz, Sarah Dyer, Abby Gililand

Italy’s culture is famous for many things, particularly food. This month, a food fair called Taste will be held on March 12-14 at the Stazione Leopolda Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM and Monday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. In just 3 days, Taste brings in 4,500 of the best vendors, and 15,000 of the hungriest visitors who are prepared to try the 23,000 products featured. Taste is an exciting event not only for the visitors who travel from all across the world but for the locals of Florence as well. It is a family-friendly event, and you don’t have to be a foodie to have an amazing time. Tickets can be picked up from the fair’s entrance for  €20 per person or purchased online at www.pittimmagine.com/en/corporate/fairs/taste.html. Young foodies under 10 enter for free. During the dates of the fair, the Fuori di Taste itinerary is full of food events throughout town, including Apicius’s own Teaching Traditions conference scheduled for March 12!

WINE EXPERTISE MADE EASY By Jennifer Canace, Jenna Galan, Michaela Ford, Jenni D’Onofrio

Having only lived in Florence for a short time, it didn’t take us long to realize how influential wine culture is to this city. Thanks to the Apicius Wine Club at Ganzo, students can eas-ily differentiate between a glass of Chianti and a Pinot Noir, or which white wine to pair with an escalope dish. If you are curious about how to blend into Italian culture, attend a Ganzo Wine Club meeting on March 7 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm! Held once a month on Via dei Macci 85r, Ganzo’s Wine Club explores Italian wine culture through meetings with produc-ers, tastings, and discussions on viticulture. Studying abroad in such a beautiful city is a once in a lifetime experience, so don’t miss out on this special event. If you’re unable to attend on March 7, don’t fret! There’s one more meeting on April 11, and you can always check out the weekly Wine Corner where Apicius students share their wine expertise at the Wednesday AperiGanzo. Wine Club sign-up required by writing to [email protected].

by FUA PR Strategies students

EVENTS

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Anno 6 - Numero 1 - Marzo 2016

Year 6 - Issue 1 - March 2016

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Corso Tintori, 21

50121 Firenze

Tel. 055-0332745

Stampato in proprio /

Printed in house

REDAZIONE / MASTHEAD

Direttore Responsabile /

Editor in chief

Matteo Brogi

Caporedattore /

Editorial Director

Grace Joh

Coordinamento Editoriale /

Managing Editor

Federico Cagnucci

Redazione testi / Copy Editor

Leanora Karnath, Melissa Leardi,

Morgan O'Reilly

Consulente Accademico /

Faculty Advisor

Nicoletta Salomon

Progetto grafico /Graphic Design

Federico Cagnucci

Impaginazione / Page Layout

Taylor Bennettd,

Alexandra Scimecca

Redazione fotografica / Photo Editor

Federico Cagnucci

Blending is a newsletter created

with and for students of Florence

University of the Arts, the academic

member of Palazzi FAIE.

The newsletter collaborates with

the Student Life Department and

Development Office.

For information contact:

[email protected]