Food Studies: Nutrition and Hospitality Management

Prerequisites: Nutrition, Public Health, Food Studies and School of Management majors


De Gustibus

The De Gustibus association was created to develop sustainable wine and food tourism projects, supporting small agricultural farmers, safeguarding and protecting the environment with thematic itineraries including bicycle, horse, and automobile excursions and by promoting traditional Italian agriculture. The student must be available to work two afternoons a week from 3:00-7:00 pm or mornings from 9:30-1:30. Recommended for students of Hospitality Management.

Language requisites: Intermediate to advanced Italian.


Enoteca Alessi

Company Description: Enoteca Alessi is one of the oldest, family run wine shops in Florence located in the heart of the city. The Enoteca boasts four spirits: The hipster foodie and the kids, the cocktail enthusiast and the wine expert, or the connoisseur of spirits, are all welcome at Alessi, because everyone will find something that intrigues them!

Job Description: The intern will participate in organizing wine tastings and will acquire firsthand knowledge about Italian wines.

Tasks: 

  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Organize wine tastings
  • Handle sales operations
  • Learn and assist in wine cellar operations 

Required Skills:

  • Basic Italian preferred.

Essenziale

Company Description: Essenziale is caterer and restaurant born in September 2016. The cuisine at Essenziale is Italian but sometimes allows itself to be influenced by the rest of the world. Essenziale’s values of freedom and identity, aim to deliver quality in a professional and spontaneous way.

Job description: Interns will assist in all areas of food production.

Tasks:

  • Assist in placing ingredient orders
  • Locate local sources for acquiring fresh ingredients
  • Assist in the kitchen and with food preparation
  • Shadow in dish assembly and presentation
  • Aid in new recipe development and menu planning

Required Skills:

  • Some Italian preferred

Le Volpi e l’Uva

Company Description: Le Volpi e l’Uva was opened in 1992 by Emilio Monechi, Riccardo Comparini, and Ciro Beligni with the intention of cultivating relationships with small wine producers and creating a locale where wine is accessible to all. 25 years ago this approach was an entirely new way of buying, selling, and presenting wine in Florence. Throughout the years, we have continued to search every region of Italy for wines, paying extra attention to the unique terroir of individual areas and appellations, highlighting wines made with native grapes, and featuring wines made using organic and biodynamic agriculture. We believe in the importance of buying directly from the winemakers, as well as taking time to visit these producers and understand the philosophy behind each wine.

Tasks:

  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Organize wine tastings
  • Handle sales operations
  • Learn and assist in wine cellar operations

Required Skills:

  • Basic Italian preferred

Tuscan Wedding Cakes 

Company Description: Tuscan Wedding Cakes,  Italy’s premiere wedding cake designer, creates spectacular designs for destination weddings and events in Florence, Tuscany, Siena, and throughout Italy.  Melanie Secciani, the artisan behind Tuscan Wedding Cakes, offers luxury, one-of-a-kind cake designs that reflect the love and magic of the clients. The cakes are custom designed and reflect the personal styles of the couples whether it be elegant, whimsical, ornate, elaborate or simple and sophisticated.

Job Description: Interns will assist in cake design and creation. 

Tasks: 

  • Assist in the cake design process 
  • Assist in the kitchen with cake baking 
  • Assist in the creation of edible cake decor

Required Skills: 

  • English, no Italian required 
  • Culinary or studio arts majors preferred