Salvatore Q&A #1 with Eric Dixon, Head brew master at Eataly

Register for the Eataly Beer Tasting Event on April 28th Now

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Welcome to the first edition of Q&A with Salvatore, the executive director, of the Chicagoland Italian American Professionals.  In the Q&A's, Salvatore will interview various business and community leaders around the Chicagoland area as well as people around the world that are experts in their chosen professions.  
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In this first edition, Salvatore interviews Eric Dixon, the head brewmaster of Eataly and learns about Eataly and what is unique about their microbeer.

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1. What is Eataly? Founded by Oscar Farinetti, Eataly is the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in the world. From the opening of the first location in Turin in 2007, the philosophy “Eat. Shop. Learn.” has spread to the rest of the world. 

2. Why does Eataly have its own microbrewery? Beer is a big part of Italian culture that is often overlooked in the States. It is important to Eataly to recognize and celebrate every area of Italian culture!

3. What is unique about the beer? The beer that we serve at Eataly is either Italian, domestic, or brewed in-house. We carefully source and choose each producer based on the quality standards and brand values. 

4. Tell us about the brewmaster. Eric Dixon is the head brewer at La Birreria, the in-house micro-brewery and brewpub at Eataly Chicago. He manages the entire brewing process from start to finish, including sourcing ingredients and testing new recipes. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Eric started brewing at Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant after graduation from Siebel Institute in Chicago. Before joining the team at Eataly, Eric was brewing down south in Fort Worth, Texas, at Revolver Brewing. His favorite part of Chicago is the amazing beer culture and the opportunity to work with other local and Italian beer brands through Eataly and the Birreria Brothers.

5. Why are you passionate about beer? Beer is a big part of Italian culture that is often overlooked in the States. It is important to Eataly to recognize and celebrate every area of Italian culture!

6. Is there something unique about Italian beer? In regards to this, I found a really great article you may find interesting: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/best-italian-craft-beer-baladin-del-borgo-pausa-cafe.html **Teo Musso and Birra Baladin are one of the Italian beers that we carry here at Eataly!

7. Give us a little coming attraction about the beer tasting experience we can expect on April 28th? While enjoying our delicious food and drink, guests will have the opportunity to speak 1:1 with Eric, our head brewer, about the brewing process and any of our beers. In addition, Eric will be offering tours of our microbrewery!

8. Why should someone want to come to Eataly? The reason people come to Eataly is to explore the Italian culture in its entirety. Everything, from Nutella to fresh pasta and meat to gelato, can be found within our 63,000 square feet.

9. Are all the items imported from Italy? Contrary to popular belief, we do not import everything from Italy. We carry both domestic and Italian products. Above being Italian, Eataly values quality. If we can find a higher quality product or a more sustainable source in the States, we are going to choose to carry that product. A good example of this is our dairy department, which carries only domestic products.

10. How would you summarize the Eataly experience a first timer may expect? Honestly, overwhelming. Have you been in the store before? There is a lot to do, see, and eat. We recommend guests have a nice bit of time to explore, and be willing to try new things! We are always having local producers in the store for demonstrations, events, or special pop-up restaurants or counters. During your event, you'll find a Limoncello Bar by Pallini and a special restaurant dedicated to famous American chef, James Beard.

About the Authors:

Salvatore J. Sciacca is the executive director of the Chicagoland Italian American Professionals, an organization dedicated to furthering the Italian culture through business networking events, cultural events, and other related events specifically targeting Italians, Italian Americans and Italiophiles.  The next CIAP event is April 28th at Eataly at 7pm.  Feel free to contact Salvatore if you have any questions.  
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Eric Dixon is the head brewer at La Birreria, the in-house micro-brewery and brewpub at Eataly Chicago. He manages the entire brewing process from start to finish, including sourcing ingredients and testing new recipes. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Eric started brewing at Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant after graduation from Siebel Institute in Chicago. Before joining the team at Eataly, Eric was brewing down south in Fort Worth, Texas, at Revolver Brewing. His favorite part of Chicago is the amazing beer culture and the opportunity to work with other local and Italian beer brands through Eataly and the Birreria Brothers.

Contact Salvatore