Giuseppe Crupi, the editor of Pinocchio Magazine and the Director of Pinocchio Cookery School, was recently featured on Gli Italians, the RAI program that explores the lives of Italians living and working abroad. Pinocchio Magazine is proud to have taken part in a format that highlights real stories of professional and personal growth outside Italy.
During the interview with Benedetta Rinaldi, Giuseppe shared the path that brought him to Dublin, initially for a short stay, and eventually to build his career there. With a background in mechanical engineering, research experience at Trinity College, and work in language education, his journey took an unexpected turn after a chance meeting at an airport. That moment led him to join what would later become his main project, the Pinocchio Cookery School, where he is now director.
Giuseppe described the school as a space that goes beyond cooking. The focus is on team building activities, where participants cook together and then share the meal. This creates a natural setting for interaction and connection. He also spoke about smaller group classes, where strangers often arrive reserved and leave with a sense of familiarity. For him, this reflects the social role of food and the ability of cooking to bring people together.
The interview also touched on his experience on Irish television, in the program Ireland AM, where he presents Italian recipes in a simple and accessible way. Giuseppe explained that the goal is to make dishes easy to replicate at home, without losing their identity. At the same time, he acknowledged how Italian cuisine is often adapted abroad, sometimes in ways that differ significantly from the original versions. Rather than rejecting this, he sees it as part of a broader cultural exchange.
Another point raised during the conversation was the balance between authenticity and local context. At the Cookery School, Italian ingredients are combined with Irish products, creating a link between the two cultures. Giuseppe also reflected on Irish social habits, noting similarities with Italian conviviality, especially in moments centered around food.
Pinocchio Magazine Comment: Giuseppe’s story is a clear example of how life can change direction in the most unexpected way. From a casual encounter in an airport to becoming the director of a successful cookery school in Dublin, his journey reflects how opportunity and timing can completely reshape a career path. We are proud to highlight his work, which continues to build bridges between Italian culture and everyday life in Ireland.
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