Italian students learn about food, culture in Philadelphia
Last Wednesday, April 27th, Italian teacher Senora Higgins, and her 3 and 4 period classes explored Gran Café L’Aquila Italian Market in Philadelphia.
Students were explained the history behind some of Italy’s most famous dishes and desserts, and the differences between Italy’s Northern and Southern regions. They were also shown the meticulous process that L’Aquila goes through in creating their famous gelato. Senora Higgins and her students were able to sit and enjoy delicious meals that ranged from prosciutto on bread, pasta, eggplant parmesan, and L’Aquila’s specialty, gelato.
Gran Caffe L’Aquila is considered one of the most authentic Italian cafés in all of America. It originally was started and run in the capital city of the Abruzzo region of Italy and won “Café of the year,” in all of Italy in 2007. In 2009, the café was tragically destroyed by an earthquake that left most of the city in ruins. Though in 2012, Italian gelato champion Stephano Biassini met restaurateur Riccardo Longo and decided to bring back one of Italy’s most beloved dining spots.
The entire restaurant was designed and built in Italy and later shipped over to install in Philadelphia. In 2014, almost three years later, L’Aquila was opened on December. Over the years as the establishment has grown, they’ve created a wine bar, and cultural and language school.
L’Aquila is now not only recognized for their delicious meals and deserts, but their authenticity and ability to share Italy’s rich culture.
