"turin" news and stories

Torino or Turin, where the Winter Olympics are currently in full swing, is famous for its cioccolato (chocolate). Chocolate makers in Torino have been practicing this culinary art for centuries. In 1865, however, came the invention of the gianduja (zhan-DOO-yah)– the most famous chocolate of Piedmont—made from chocolate and toasted hazelnuts. In fact, Nicole has already posted that it has been named the official chocolate of the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Some websites claim that gianduja is a Swiss invention, but Torinese chocolatiers would say that it is because the Swiss learned to make it by visiting their city.

According to extra-torino, a Torino guide, "the tradition of gianduja chocolates and giandujotti is as alive as ever—you can hardly count the number of shops that hand make this delicacy—Peyrano, Pfatish, Gobino and many others." Since today is Valentine's Day and the Olympics are happening, why not seek out some gianduja to mark the occassion?

[photo: Livio Bersano]

Cybele, at Candyblog.net, was lucky enough to get her hands on some official Olympic candy, straight from Torino, Italy, courtesy of a friend. The candy is gianduia chocolate, which means that it is a combination of chocolate and ground hazelnuts. It has a slightly chewy, sticky texture that lingers on the tongue. Check out her site for a full review, but I definitely wouldn't mind if these bite-sized chocolates made their way over to the US. I'm willing to have a piece of chocolate (or two) to support the athletes!

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McDonald’s debuted its new nutritionally conscious labels today at its franchises in Turin, Italy. The nutritional information of the foods is printed in easy to read bar charts with the fat, calorie, carbohydrate and protein content clearly listed, along with information about how their values compare to the recommended daily amounts. Not only will the release of this new packaging improve the perception of McDonalds as a restaurant option that can be included in the diet of a healthy lifestyle, but the 26 outlets in Turin should benefit. The 2006 Winter Olympics, which begin on February 10th, have attracted huge crowds to Italy, many of whom might be more inclined to visit the fast food restaurant to see the new wrapping first hand.

By the end of the year, McDonalds plans to have the new packaging at all of its outlets worldwide. The packaging will be released across the US beginning in February. You can take a sneak peek of the packaging at Fast Food News.

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