This event will never get stale.
The New York Panettone Festival returns to Long Island City from Friday, Dec. 15, to Sunday, Dec. 17. (Hours are daily from noon to 6 pm or until the products sell out.)
First organized in 2021, this three-day culinary extravaganza attracts a mix of everybody from artisanal-new generation bakers to famous Maestri Pasticcieri Italiani. Foodies love it, too.
The deliciousness is scheduled for The Piazza, which is located in a 44-story luxury complex at 52-41 Center Blvd. in Hunter’s Point South, and all are welcome.
Attendance is free, thanks to sponsors TF Cornerstone, Lavazza, and Santa Chiara Alta Pasticciere. Panettone prices range from $50 to $70. Pre-order here.
Speaking of “Maestri Pasticcieri Italiani,” here are a few of the confirmed participants.
Giuseppe Mascolo @pasticceriamascolo. Specialty: Espresso Napoletano. Based in Visciano.
Gennaro Esposito @gennaroesposito_chef. Specialty: Apricot Pellecchiella from Vesuvio. Born in Naples.
Nicola Olivieri @nicolaolivieri. Specialty: Pandoro Classico. Born in Arzignano.
Salvatore Gabbiano @gabbiano_pasticceria. Speciality: Panbabà al Rhum. Born in Pompei.
Viva Panettone @vivapanettone. Canadian company that specializes in Le Signature, Traditional Panettone.
Giovanni e Alessandro Marigliano @i_marigliano. Specialty: White Figs and Chocolate. Based in San Giuseppe Vesuviano.
Alfonso Petrosino Specialty: Panmelannurca. Based in Pagalini.
Joseph Settepani @chefjosephsettepani. Specialty: Cranberry Walnut. Based in Staten Island.
Susana and Isabell Nevett Specialty: Handmade Chocolate. Based in Miami.
Luca e Stefano Penna @pennabakery. Specialty: Caramello Salato. Based in Santa Maria di Leuca.
Editor’s note: There will be vegan and gluten-free options, too.
One origin story purports that panettone comes from a man named “Tony” who baked bread with extra items to impress a woman in Milan. However, the treat probably dates to the Roman Empire, when citizens used honey to sweeten pastries. (The term “pan de ton” can be translated to English as “Bread of Luxury.”)
The first written mention of panettone as a Christmas treat comes from 18th century journalist Pietro Verri.
Images: New York Panettone Festival