Worlds of Flavor

Food As A Cultural Communication Tool

Two extraordinary events occurred the week of Nov. 3, 2002. In one week Latino foods were on center stage of the retail and culinary world. The first Hispanic food and beverage show, Expo Comida Latina, was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Nov. 3-5. Later that same week the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone in Napa Valley hosted Worlds of Flavor International Conference and Festival: Traditions of Spanish and Latin Flavors. For wineries, it was an opportunity to meet potential marketing partners targeting Latino consumers and explore how wines may be matched with traditional and "nuevo" Latino foods. Though Wines of Spain and Wines from Mexico were represented at the conferences, there was no program or exhibitor presence of U.S. wines at either event.

At the CIA conference, chaired by Rick Bayless, chef-owner of Chicago's Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, more than 40 top culinary authorities from Spain, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, the UK and the U.S. explored historical and cultural connections between the Americas and Europe. When asked if the current Latin flavors craze would wane, Bayless answered, "As immigration continues to the U.S. from Latin countries, you will see growth of Latin restaurants and influence of Latin flavors in American culture."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3488/is_1_84/ai_97650951/pg_2

Food is a language within itself. If someone finds out they have the love of cooking or baking in common with another person, they connect on a personal level. People of different nationalities can culturally connect by sharing the love of their native foods. By hosting the Worlds of Flavor International Conference and Festival: Traditions of Spanish and Latin Flavors, the CIA opened up doors to the people in their community. Thousands and thousands of people had a chance to experience the flavors and styles of Latin and Spanish foods and learn more about cultures around the world.