Mastermind: Giuseppe Gladiatore, Alio Olio

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz a Beijing personality on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

Contestant: Giuseppe Gladiatore, Alio Olio

Specialist Subject: Italian Food

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

In which country are the headquarters of Interpol located?
This is not about food! Oh, general knowledge. I think England. No. Brussels. Belgium. X

What is the longest river in the world?
Mississippi. X

Which two boxers faced off in the “Rumble in the Jungle” world title fight in 1974?
Muhammad Ali and … what’s the name of the guy? Mike Tyson? √ (half-point for Muhammad Ali)

Superman works for the Daily Planet. Which superhero works for the Daily Bugle?
Superwoman. Hahaha! X

What nationality is opera singer Placido Domingo?
Spanish. √

SPECIALIST SUBJECT

Sophia Loren said: “Everything I have, I owe to …” which Italian food?
Spaghetti … √

Which cheese went into space with Italian astronauts on February 22, 1996, aboard the Columbia space shuttle?
Some gorgonzola cheese. Or mozzarella. X

The “Pastiera” is a dessert from which city?
Milano. No, Genova. X

Who is said to have brought noodles to Italy?
Marco Polo. √

Which nation introduced rice to Italy?
China. Or no – I think India. X

FINAL SCORE: 3.5/10

Answers: 1) France 2) Nile 3) Muhammad Ali and George Foreman 4) Spiderman (aka Peter Parker) 5) Spanish 6) spaghetti 7) Parmesan 8) Naples 9) Marco Polo 10) Spain

Verdict: Giuseppe knows a lot more about Italian food than his performance here revealed, but he’s got a lot to learn about rivers.

Click here to see the Beijinger July issue in full.

Photo: Judy Zhou