The Italian Cuisine World Summit 2014 is well underway, here in Dubai, bringing in a whole lot of Italian cuisine excitement. The summit is all about sharing with you the authentic tradition of Italian Cuisine, as well as updating you with what is new in the world of Italian food. With that said, one of the main objectives of the Italian Cuisine World Summit is to show everyone that the Italian cuisine is way more than just pasta, pizza, lasagne and even more than just pomodoro sauce! Yes, these are basic components of the cuisine, and yes are the tradition and an important base of the Italian eating experience, however, are not the only components as Italian cuisine is huge, regional and very diverse. It is also a cuisine that is hugely developed and contains a contemporary section that is hardly ever explored outside of Italy.
Therefore, the organisers of the summit found that it was of great importance to expand people’s knowledge of the cuisine beyond what they refer to as ‘the international Italian Cuisine’. A world class Italian Cuisine Summit was hence a must and from there the concept was born.
While this is the 6th edition of the Italian Cuisine World Summit, it is the 2nd in Dubai.
Rosario Scarpato, the Director of the summit saw that Dubai is a central in location – which allows people from everywhere to easily attend the summit – as well as becoming a city referred to as the Food Capital of the world. As such, he decided to make Dubai the home of this summit.
What is such an objective and vision without the participation of the utmost experts of Italian cuisine?
How will the summit portray Italy’s diverse regional cuisines, the modern interpretations of the classic cuisine and the country’s unique produce and cuisine philosophy without involving all the experts and active members of each category? That will have been impossible without the summit organisers bringing Italy’s best Michelin Chefs, food experts and renowned food producers to Dubai. This is exactly what the summit offers: Allowing everyone to experience the authentic tradition of Italian cuisine, and exposing everyone to this cuisine’s ever developing side as well. They aim to do so through sampling the creation of Italy’s most avant-garde chefs, in the form of Michelin menus created by these top-notch Michelin chefs, in Dubai’s top Italian Restaurants, for Dubai to savour.
To shake things up and make it all more exciting, they went with having these Michelin chefs take over the kitchens of Dubai’s favourite and most upscale Italian restaurants. Diners could book a Michelin dinner and experience the chefs’ michelin menus in the comfort of their own city without having to book flights and travel to the different Michelin restaurants.
This way residents of Dubai get to explore all that is new, fine dining and outstanding in Italian cuisine right here.
But that is not it!
Since people are trying other food concepts than their classic pastas, lasagnes and pizzas… and should they be interested to learn the techniques behind producing such new Italian concoctions, they could do so by attending the masterclasses held at the Emirates Academy where the chefs, in turn, will demonstrate how they prepared these dishes, all the while telling attendees what inspires their creations, as well as explain their regional cuisines and the regional characteristics of each kitchen.
Well if that was not enough, each demonstration is preceded by a specialised masterclass that covers the topic of the day in depth; like the making of fresh pasta for example, or the art of using dry pasta… or gelatos and semifreddos, or even butchery… in the form of “all there is to know”. Participants are then free to pick their preferred topic or masterclass to attend, where they will learn from the real masters the essence of the knowledge and ability which these great chefs and experts have spent years researching and practicing to perfect.
The summit has another objective that is more focused on Italian cuisine professionals abroad
Furthermore, and most importantly to the organisers, they want to focus on informing and training Italian cuisine professionals working outside of Italy. From chefs to suppliers, as well as food writers and editors….etc. Here, the focus is more in-depth, more professional and aimed to assist and enhance the performance of these professionals in their jobs. From interacting and first-hand learning from the guest Michelin chefs, to certified courses, expert competitions as well as produce expert courses and updates on all things new.
The summit organisers find it very important for Italian chefs abroad to keep in touch with their ever developing cuisine and Italian produce as well as to stay reminded of the importance of keeping true to the authenticity of the cuisine and its traditions, instead of being diverted into ‘international Italian cuisine’ or limited to that experience. The organisers of the Italian Cuisine World Summit rightfully find that Italian restaurants have to be true to authentic Italian cuisine.
You all know how I always go on about the importance of authentic cuisines and traditions as the base, even when we move on to contemporary; as well as understanding and savouring the culture behind food & local cuisines and exploring new cultures, eating experiences and ultimately better understanding areas and people through their food. So it was only natural that I will have a soft spot for such a gathering and concept as the Italian Cuisine World Summit. Therefore, teaming up with the event, the chefs and the organisers is such a pleasure.
As such, I am very happy and privileged to be appointed the public face and official blogger of the Italian Cuisine World Summit.
