Latest news with #Apulia
Arab News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Recipes for success: Chef Vincenzo Palermo offers advice and a spaghetti al pomodoro recipe
DUBAI: Vincenzo Palermo, head pizza chef at TOTO Dubai, has built his career on one belief: 'Pizza isn't just comfort food, it's a craft.' For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Originally from Apulia in southern Italy, Palermo has spent years refining his skills. His journey began early, watching the baking process in his family kitchen as a child. He went on to study at Rome's API Pizza Academy. Over the past 14 years, his career has taken him from Italy to Russia, France, the US and now the UAE, with his pizzas earning international recognition and awards along the way — including a historic win as the youngest-ever World Champion of Neapolitan Pizza in 2018. When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made? I believed that cooking was just about combining ingredients correctly and adhering strictly to techniques. My focus was on the mechanical aspects of executing everything 'correctly,' but I didn't always bring myself into the dish; that was my biggest mistake. Coming from a family where food was never just food — it was tradition, emotion, and memory — I learned discipline and focus. Over time, I realized that every dish must tell a story. It could be a childhood memory, a moment of celebration, or simply a feeling you want to share, but if you do not put your heart into it, then no matter how perfect the dish appears, it lacks soul. The kitchen is not just about skill and technique, it's a place for passion. Food is a language, and love is the message. That is what I try to pass on now, both to my team and on every plate that leaves the kitchen. What's your top tip for amateur chefs? My journey began in a very humble way. I was just a child when I first stepped into the kitchen, helping my mother, making my first pizzas and simple pastas with curiosity and joy. That passion never left me. So, my top tip is this: Do not underestimate yourself just because you are cooking at home. Get into the flow, cook with heart and love, and do not place limits on what you think is possible. Everything we create in a professional kitchen, even the most refined dishes, can absolutely be recreated at home with the right mindset. Cooking is mostly about emotion, not technique, and that emotion can be felt whether you're in a Michelin-level kitchen or your own. Believe in your hands, trust your ingredients, and enjoy the process. What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish? I'd say flour. The right flour for the right dish is absolutely essential. In Italy, we don't just say 'flour,' we talk about 'tipo 00,' 'semola rimacinata,' 'integrale'… Each type of flour has a specific purpose, and choosing the right one shows respect for the dish and the tradition behind it. Using the right flour is like choosing the right language to express yourself. It's the base of everything, the foundation. Even for home cooks, this choice can make the difference between something good and something truly authentic. When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food? As a chef, it is natural to notice the details, but I try to approach it with an open mind. What's the most common mistake or issue you find in other restaurants? A lack of authenticity and a disconnect between the dish and its cultural roots. Authenticity and consistency are key, and when they're missing, it affects the overall experience. When you go out to eat, what's your favorite cuisine or dish to order? Honestly, I love to try everything. For me, eating out is about enjoying food and learning. Every culture has its own traditions, techniques and flavors, and I want to understand the story behind each dish. I'm always curious. I taste something new, study it, and then think about how that ingredient or idea could inspire something in my own kitchen. That is how we grow as chefs — by keeping our minds open and constantly learning from others. What's your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? Without a doubt, it's spaghetti al pomodoro. What could be more Italian than that? It is full of soul. I love it because it represents everything I believe in: simplicity, quality and passion. When I cook it at home, even if I'm short on time, I give it my full attention, from choosing the best tomatoes and olive oil to making sure the Gragnano pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, which is non-negotiable. What customer request most annoys you? Requests that compromise the integrity of a traditional dish can be challenging. While I fully respect dietary restrictions and personal preferences, altering a classic recipe beyond recognition takes away from its authenticity. I believe in educating diners about the origins and significance of each dish to foster greater appreciation and respect. What's your favorite dish to cook? Pizza. It's more than just my profession, it's a piece of my heart. I have a vivid memory from my childhood: my mother and sister in our home kitchen, cooking pizza in a pan. Of course, it was not the 'right' way by traditional standards — she was not a trained chef, she was a home cook — but, like many Italian mothers, she found her own way to make something special with what she had. Even if the technique was not perfect, the love and passion she put into it made it unforgettable. Sometimes my sister would join her, and for me, that pan pizza became a symbol of family, comfort and creativity. Pizza means everything to me because of what it represents: love, family and the joy of making something beautiful from the heart. What's the most difficult dish for you to get right? For me, it's fish. It may seem simple, but it's not easy to cook perfectly. Fish is delicate. You must respect the texture, the temperature and the timing. One second too much, and it's dry. One second too little, and it's raw. I always need to stay focused and keep learning. That challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding when you get it just right. As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback? Honestly, I can't stand chefs who shout. We've seen it too many times in movies and on TV: the angry chef screaming, throwing pans, creating fear in the kitchen. Unfortunately, this happens in a lot of kitchens. But this is not leadership. This is not how great food is made. The kitchen is not a battlefield, and the people around me are not soldiers or slaves — they are humans, artists, professionals. As any of my team will tell you, I'm calm; I like to joke, and I create a relaxed environment. That doesn't mean we're not serious. When it's time to push, I push. But we push together — fast, sharp, focused — as a team. Respect is the true foundation of a great kitchen. When people feel valued and inspired, not afraid, they cook with love. And that love is what reaches the plate. Chef Vincenzo Palermo's spaghetti al pomodoro recipe Ingredients: 200 gr spaghetti from gragnano 300 gr San Marzano peeled tomato Fresh basil 2 cloves of garlic Salt Pepper 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil Parmesan cheese Instructions: In a pan, gently sauté crushed garlic in olive oil. Add the tomatoes and let cook for about 10–15 minutes and add salt and pepper. In a pot, put water and salt and make it boil. Boil spaghetti until al dente, then transfer it to the sauce with a bit of cooking water. Toss everything together and finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with a gentle parmesan cheese on the top. Buon appetito!
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Abu Dhabi–Backed G42 And iGenius Team Up To Build Europe's Most Powerful AI Supercomputer Using Nvidia Chips In Italy
Abu Dhabi-based tech firm Group 42 said Tuesday that it is partnering with Italian artificial intelligence startup iGenius to build what it calls Europe's "largest" AI computer deployment. The $1 billion project, called Colosseum, will be developed over five years using Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) technology, and is expected to transform Italy into a key hub for AI innovation, Reuters reports. The agreement is part of a broader $40 billion investment commitment from the United Arab Emirates to Italy, announced during a bilateral summit in February in Rome. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the partnership a "key milestone" in reshaping Italy's economic and technological future. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Colosseum, the name of the new data center, will be housed in southern Italy and aims to establish the region as a powerhouse for AI development. G42, backed by Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala and U.S. private equity giant Silver Lake, will lead financing for the initial buildout, Reuters reports. According to Reuters, Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso highlighted the project during Investopia's conference in Milan on May 16, pointing to 'strong chances' that the facility will be located in the Apulia region. The supercomputer will rely on advanced Nvidia systems, which have become the gold standard for training large-scale language models and generative AI technologies, according to BigDataWire. Specifically, Colosseum will deploy approximately 80 of Nvidia's GB200 NVL72 servers, each equipped with 72 Blackwell chips, Reuters says. With this infrastructure, Colosseum is expected to support everything from scientific research and healthcare applications to smart city planning and real-time industrial optimization. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — The AI initiative is one of over 40 new deals signed between the UAE and Italy as part of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The broader package includes collaborations in energy, defense, telecommunications, and cybersecurity, Reuters reports. Eni (NYSE:E), Italy's energy giant, signed parallel agreements with G42 and other UAE firms to power data centers using natural gas plants equipped with carbon capture technology. Meanwhile, Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo signed a follow-up deal with the UAE's EDGE Group focused on joint production and technology transfer, according to Reuters. Meloni emphasized that this realignment reflects Italy's focus on strategic sectors. Reuters says the prime minister called the UAE's financial commitment a 'historic' opportunity to drive growth and reshape Italy's international role.'It is a historic day, another milestone in our relationship. The choice we made was to focus this partnership on strategic axes, such as artificial intelligence, data centers, space research, renewable energy, and rare earths,' Meloni said during the Italy-United Arab Emirates Business Forum, according to Reuters. Support from Nvidia, Mubadala, and Silver Lake underscores the scale and strategic weight behind the Colosseum project. According to Reuters, Charlie Boyle, vice president and general manager of DGX systems at Nvidia, said Colosseum will be one of the largest deployments of Nvidia's flagship servers globally. G42's links to Abu Dhabi's royal family and its growing role in the AI ecosystem reinforce the significance of the partnership, Reuters says. As Italy works to establish itself as a leading force in European AI, the Colosseum project could become a key asset in that strategic push. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? NVIDIA (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report ENI (E): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Abu Dhabi–Backed G42 And iGenius Team Up To Build Europe's Most Powerful AI Supercomputer Using Nvidia Chips In Italy originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE partners with Italian startup for AI supercomputer
MILAN: United Arab Emirates tech firm G42 agreed on Friday to partner with Italian artificial intelligence startup iGenius to develop a major AI supercomputer in Italy, the companies said in a joint statement. The deal is part of a broader framework announced at a bilateral summit in February, where the United Arab Emirates pledged to invest $40 billion in Italy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said at that time. The AI data center project, called Colosseum, will be developed with $1 billion over five years using Nvidia technology in southern Italy. G42 will be the main financier of the initial phase, to create what the companies called the "largest AI computer deployment" in Europe. The agreement will create an AI hub in Italy, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said at the Investopia conference in Milan, noting "strong chances" that it would be located in the southeastern Apulia region. Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, the UAE's ruling family and U.S. private equity firm Silver Lake, hold stakes in G42. (Reporting by Elvira Pollina, Writing by Gianluca Semeraro, Editing by Giulia Segreti, Alvise Armellini, Mark Potter and Richard Chang)
CNA
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
UAE partners with Italian startup for AI supercomputer
MILAN :United Arab Emirates tech firm G42 agreed on Friday to partner with Italian artificial intelligence startup iGenius to develop a major AI supercomputer in Italy, the companies said in a joint statement. The deal is part of a broader framework announced at a bilateral summit in February, where the United Arab Emirates pledged to invest $40 billion in Italy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said at that time. The AI data center project, called Colosseum, will be developed with $1 billion over five years using Nvidia technology in southern Italy. G42 will be the main financier of the initial phase, to create what the companies called the "largest AI computer deployment" in Europe. The agreement will create an AI hub in Italy, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said at the Investopia conference in Milan, noting "strong chances" that it would be located in the southeastern Apulia region.
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Italy, UAE Announce Deal on Artificial Intelligence Hub
Italy and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to develop an artificial intelligence hub in Italy, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said on Friday. Abu Dhabi-based AI group G42 has entered into a partnership with Italian company iGenius to build "the largest AI computing infrastructure in Europe", Urso's ministry said in a statement, Reuters reported. G42 will be the main financier of the initial phase of the project, the ministry said. Urso, speaking at an event in Milan, said the deal was aimed at building a supercomputer, adding that there were "strong chances" that the AI hub would be developed in the southeastern Apulia region.
