Barbecue Culture in Italy: From Casual Grilling to Serious Craft
In Italy, the perception of barbecue is transitioning from a mere summer pastime to a dedicated culinary endeavor, heavily influenced by American techniques. Enthusiasts are now meticulously marinating and cooking meats, often preparing ribs for more than three hours at temperatures under 100°C. This transformation is driven by social media, festivals, cookbooks, and specialized eateries. The pandemic encouraged many to delve into American practices such as marinating and smoking. Massimiliano Tonelli from CiboToday refers to barbecue as a 'nerd hobby' that necessitates specific equipment. Prominent establishments like Whiskers Smokehouse and Macelleria Pucci boast over 500,000 followers. Gianfranco Lo Cascio is recognized as a trailblazer in this movement, with events like Expo BBQ in Parma showcasing the expanding community of enthusiasts.
Key facts
- Barbecue in Italy is increasingly influenced by American techniques and approaches.
- Enthusiasts now consider cooking ribs for less than 3 hours or above 100°C as sacrilegious.
- The pandemic led many Italians to explore American barbecue techniques like smoking and slow cooking.
- Massimiliano Tonelli, director of CiboToday, describes barbecue as a 'nerd hobby'.
- High-end restaurants are adopting grilling techniques inspired by Japanese and Korean traditions.
- Whiskers Smokehouse in Caserta and Macelleria Pucci in Terni each have over 500,000 Instagram followers.
- Gianfranco Lo Cascio is a pioneer in popularizing American barbecue in Italy, though controversial.
- Expo BBQ in Parma is the largest European fair dedicated to barbecue.
- In England, high-end barbecue sales have increased, with experts noting a 'symbolic value' in experiential luxury.
- Most barbecue creators and restaurateurs in Italy are men, reflecting historical gender associations.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Tonelli
- Gianfranco Lo Cascio
- Alexandra Hayes
- Melanie Brown
Institutions
- CiboToday
- Texas Monthly
- Whiskers Smokehouse
- Macelleria Pucci
- BBQ Salento
- The Laundry
- Harris and Hayes
- Weber
- John Lewis
- Expo BBQ
Locations
- Italy
- United States
- Texas
- Kansas City
- Caserta
- Terni
- Torre dell'Orso
- Lecce
- New York
- Parma
- England
- Brixton