Rome, 31 Oct. (Adnkronos/Labitalia) – Rediscover authentic taste down to the last bite: the slipper is an entirely Italian gesture that speaks of conviviality and love for good food. An ancient ritual that embodies the culinary culture of the Bel Paese all over the world and which testifies to the ability to enjoy the pleasure of taste until the end. Italians‘ love for the shoe is confirmed by the data from the survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Barilla: 68% of Italians love to enjoy every bite without leaving anything on the plate. The desire to enjoy the experience down to the last bite is so important that the slipper is the second most common gesture when dining in informal settings for 57% of those interviewed.
Despite this, many feel inhibited by etiquette in formal contexts: among those who love the slipper and do it in informal contexts, 60% self-censor when they go to fine dining restaurants. Among those who abstain, the slipper is one of the gestures that are most missed (according to 48% of those interviewed), second only to dressing comfortably. The research also confirms that 93% of Italians love pasta, and for 86% being able to enjoy the sauce is fundamental to the experience itself. Furthermore, 52% consider it a sin not to collect the seasoning that remains on the plate, right down to the last bite.
Even if according to etiquette the gesture is not suitable for formal environments, in recent years important chefs have begun to reevaluate the slipper, also celebrating it through their dishes. And the topic has become a subject of debate. Barilla Al Bronzo pasta fits into this context, which, thanks to its exclusive rough texture, perfectly captures every seasoning, finally allowing you to enjoy the sauce down to the last bite. In the new campaign, Barilla Al Bronzo is therefore “the pasta that makes the Scarpetta”, celebrating the ritual of Italian tradition on every occasion, at home or in the restaurant, making an informal gesture suitable even for the most exclusive and refined contexts.
“In Italy, the ancient gesture of ‘making the shoe’, known throughout the world, expresses the pleasure of savoring a dish until the end. A ritual usually reserved for the home table or for informal moments. With Barilla Al Bronzo, our line with the extraordinary ability to embrace the sauce, we celebrate the Italian passion for good food and for life, bringing the slipper on every occasion. This is the heart of our new campaign”, says Katia Desogus, marketing director of Pasta Barilla Italia.
But the slipper is gaining space even in the most elegant contexts, because it symbolizes the appreciation of what you are eating. In recent years, the modern perception of culinary experiences has driven an evolution in etiquette, also redefining haute cuisine recipes and the ways in which they are enjoyed. Thus, in line with the reinterpretation of tradition, in the new commercial, Barilla Al Bronzo brings the informality of the shoe even in the most refined contexts thanks to its excellent sauce retention which allows it to be fully savored with pasta.
If on the one hand etiquette traditionally says no to slippers on formal occasions, on the other the etiquette expert Elisa Motterle highlights that “on the table, just as happens in fashion, traditional rules and contemporary trends meet and sometimes clash : from this dialectic arise new ways of interpreting classic and convivial gestures, such as scooping up the sauce, with a bite of bread, at the end of the meal”. The expert has drawn up a handbook of good table manners, explaining that the rules of tradition can sometimes leave room for functional rules, to allow you to fully enjoy the dining experience, savoring every last bite. “In the new campaign, Barilla al Bronzo – continues Elisa – renews the informal tradition of the ‘shoe’ and presents it as a gourmet detail, thus bringing together taste and etiquette”.
More and more chefs, therefore, celebrate the ritual of the slipper, transforming it, also through their own creations, into an expression of conviviality and pleasure. Chef Davide Oldani knows this well and has redefined the concept of haute cuisine with his ‘pop cuisine’ philosophy, based on a balanced combination of creativity and simplicity. “For pasta lovers, the ritual of the slipper is an indispensable pleasure: in the new campaign, Barilla Al Bronzo manages to combine taste and refinement, enhancing a traditional gesture, making it possible even in the most formal contexts,” says chef Oldani. This philosophy reflects the chef’s Pop Cuisine, which seeks to combine quality and accessibility, tradition and innovation. “I firmly believe that the greatness of Italian cuisine lies not only in variety and flavour, but also in its ability to be constantly reinterpreted by enhancing each ingredient with simplicity,” he adds.
So with Barilla Al Bronzo every occasion can become special, and it is possible to experience the elegance of a refined restaurant even at home. Barilla Al Bronzo stands out for its raw and refined workmanship, obtained through bronze drawing which draws a ‘network of micro-incisions’ on the surface of the pasta, for a distinctive rough consistency. This design allows the pasta to have excellent hold in the sauce, enhancing the complexity of the flavors and making every bite a rich and satisfying experience.
Barilla Al Bronzo is made with a selection of 100% Italian fine durum wheat, expertly ground and specifically chosen to obtain optimal results, with a protein content greater than 14%, for a robust and elastic consistency. The excellent quality and quantity of proteins improves the consistency of the pasta and increases its ability to retain starch during cooking, for an ‘al dente’ result. The selected durum wheat also naturally provides an amber yellow hue, for a unique sensorial experience of sight and touch.
The Slippery Art of Italian Dining: Making the Shoe with Barilla Al Bronzo
Ah, Italy—land of pizza, pasta, and… foot wear? That’s right, folks! We’re diving into the sublime world of the slipper, known as “scarpetta” in Italian—a gesture that’s as much about comfort as it is about the culinary chaos of savoring a good meal. This fascinating custom speaks volumes about the Italian lifestyle, where the love for authentic taste runs deeper than a gondola in Venice! Grab your forks; we’re about to delight in every last bite.
What’s All the Fuss About the Scarpetta?
According to a recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by none other than Barilla, a whopping 68% of Italians admit they’re all about that happy moment when they can swipe their bread through every luscious glob of sauce left on their plates. Yes, 68% of Italians are risking it all for that final dash of flavor! Yet, once a dinner becomes ‘formal,’ suddenly the slipper becomes a forbidden fruit—60% of pasta enthusiasts pull back from their carb-inspired acts of joy out of fear of social faux pas. A slippery slope, indeed!
The Etiquette Dilemma: To Slipper or Not to Slipper?
Is the slipper really that crude? It’s like a tiny dance party on your plate that beckons you to join! But it appears that the spirit of fine dining exerts a chokehold on our kitchen flow. The exchange of formality for flavor can leave one feeling a bit… and we do mean a bit, like a sad pasta salad at a wedding. And for those who choose to abstain from this delightful act, 48% claim they miss it tremendously, ranking it just behind “what am I wearing?” Let’s face it, dressing comfortably is all well and good, but if it’s a choice between snazzy shoes and the scarpetta, I’d take the shoe every day!
The Love for Pasta: A Fire Interior and a Hot Sauce
Now, let’s not ignore the crispy report; a staggering 93% of Italians adore pasta, and an impressive 86%% say that letting the sauce close out the meal is a requirement. It’s almost a culinary crime to leave the dressing behind. I mean, just the thought of a plate with leftover sauce is enough to make a food lover weep! So, the newfound respect for the “scarpetta” by some high-flying chefs is a heartfelt welcome, much needed in this age of culinary snobbery!
Barilla Al Bronzo: The Pasta That Gets It
And speaking of culinary heroes, the newly-minted campaign for Barilla Al Bronzo—the pasta that embraces every tasty bit—is looking to change the game! Thanks to its rough texture derived from bronze-drawing methods, it holds sauce like no other. It practically begs to be paired with a loaf of crusty bread! We dare say it’s the most Italian way to be impolite. And, of course, it’s marketed as suitable for even the poshest of dining experiences—because, apparently, the slipper is making its way up the culinary social ladder.
Modern Etiquette: When Tradition Meets Trend
Oh, the delicious irony! Etiquette expert Elisa Motterle asserts that dining rules are not set in stone but rather molded by contemporary realities. Why not combine the scarpetta with a tinge of sophistication? It’s not just food; it’s an experience, darling! Imagine the Instagram likes you could acquire by crafting a dish that depicts tradition and vibrancy. Brava, Barilla! The calm dance of culinary clash is certainly worth a round of applause—perhaps while we all make a slipper on the side!
Culinary Rebels at Work: Chefs Who Celebrate the Slipper
Seeing the trend, chefs like Davide Oldani are strutting their culinary stuff, wooing the world with ‘pop cuisine’. “In the new campaign, Barilla Al Bronzo manages to combine taste and refinement,” he champions, urging us to embrace the slipper wholeheartedly. So, not only are these glorious chefs redefining haute cuisine, they’re doing it while giving a cheeky nod to the scarpetta. The true essence of dining well is savoring each bite, after all—who wouldn’t want to capitalize on that?
Conclusion: Let Your Inner Slipper Shine!
So, dear lovers of Italian cuisine, next time you’re twirling your fork and contemplating a final, delicious swipe with your bread, just remember: life is short, but our love for pasta needn’t be! Whether you’re dining in a quaint trattoria or a lavish restaurant, let that inner slipper shine through. Reclaim your fork and embrace the ritual of the scarpetta. Because, really, what’s the point of good food if we don’t enjoy it to the very last bite?
And for heaven’s sake, wear comfortable shoes, people!
Ng a comeback! Embracing the art of ‘making the shoe’ not only pays homage to ancient traditions but also redefines the dining experience, allowing everyone to enjoy those last delicious drops of sauce without shame, even in the most elegant settings.
Chefs Are All About the Slipper
The culinary community is slowly transforming the idea that fine dining and scarpetta must be mutually exclusive. The renowned Chef Davide Oldani is one of the chefs at the forefront of this movement. He champions ‘pop cuisine’—a philosophy that emphasizes balance, accessibility, and the joy of food. Oldani argues that “for pasta lovers, the ritual of the slipper is an indispensable pleasure”, and that Barilla Al Bronzo captures this essence perfectly. It invites everyone, from home cooks to Michelin-starred chefs, to embrace this extra bite of joy without the weight of judgment crushing their culinary enthusiasm.
Breaking Down Barriers: Redefining Dining Etiquette
Etiquette expert Elisa Motterle points out the evolving nature of dining etiquette, suggesting that as perspectives shift, so too can the rules around acceptable dining practices. She acknowledges that while tradition has its place, cultural evolution opens doors for increased enjoyment—making flavorful moments accessible and less stifled by convention. In this modern culinary landscape, Barilla Al Bronzo has made the ‘scarpetta’ not just permissible but also a gourmet celebration, striking a beautiful balance between taste and decorum.
The Perfect Match: Pasta and Sauce in Harmony
So what makes Barilla Al Bronzo so special? Crafted from 100% Italian durum wheat, this pasta features a unique rough surface that captures sauces more effectively than your average noodle. This handcrafted texture means every bite is packed with flavor, amplifying your experience of culinary delight. With a protein content above 14%, it stays firm and ‘al dente’, ensuring that each bite retains its integrity while proudly celebrating the sauce it’s paired with.
Bringing Italian Tradition to Modern Tables
What’s clear is that the scarpetta phenomenon transcends mere dining etiquette; it embodies the Italian philosophy of enjoying every morsel, honoring the food, and cherishing the surrounding company. The message from Barilla’s campaign is clear: you don’t have to sacrifice tradition for modernity. With Barilla Al Bronzo, every meal can become an occasion worthy of celebration; casual or formal, embrace the slipper and make each dining experience an indulgent one.
In Italy, the ritual of making the shoe will always be more than just a quirky dining habit; it’s a toast to culinary passion. So, next time you find yourself at the table, be bold! Embrace the slipper, and let every last bite be a tasty tribute to your love for good food—and always remember: life is too short to let sauce go to waste!