Viva L’Italia At Booth Library—

April Symposium Begins With Cooking, Wine-Tasting Demos

The C.H. Booth Library plans on spending the month of April celebrating the rich culture of sunny Italy.

The program is part of the Connecticut Center for the Book’s sixth annual World of Words (WOW) initiative beginning April 1 at public libraries throughout the state.

The purpose of the month-long cultural event is to learn about Connecticut’s literary and cultural roots while exploring ethnic similarities and differences. Many different presentations will contribute to this theme, including exhibitions, author interview, films, hands-on workshops, storytelling, book discussions and games. Literary readings promoted as “Telling Passages” will be featured, as will music and dance programs, and culinary offerings.

To kick off the festivities, a free cooking demonstration and wine tasting will take place at C.H. Booth Library on Friday, April 2, at 7 pm. Claire Criscuolo, the owner of Claire’s Corner Copia in New Haven, will share secrets of cooking several different vegetarian “mother” sauces. She also promises the opportunity of sampling a variety of courses, and she will pass out the recipes most requested by customers at her restaurant.

 Steve Small, a local wine expert recently returned from Italy, will be on hand to share his knowledge of the wines and the wine growing regions of Italy. His talk will also explore the ABC’s of tasting wine.

Drinking wine is easy. Tilt the glass and swallow. Tasting wine is more of a challenge, says Mr Small, and a lot more enjoyable if you know what you’re doing.

Seating is limited to 50 adults, so reservations are being strongly recommended. Call the library at 426-4533.

A schedule of other programs celebrating Italy during April may be found at the library. It includes a photography exhibit by Newtown residents Rita Frost and Francis Caro opening on Sunday, April 4, with a reception, and then remaining on view until April 22; a performance of Pinocchio: the puppet show on Saturdays, April 3, 10 and 17, at 1 pm; and a talk and slide show titled “Leonardo’s Mona Lisa” with art historian Joy Pepe on Tuesday, April 6, at 7 pm.