Italian cuisine spotlight: An opportunity to uncover a rich culinary heritage

Why January 17th?

The choice of January 17 for the International Day of Italian Cuisine is not arbitrary. This date holds a dual significance. On one hand, it commemorates the Catholic feast of Sant’Antonio Abate, the Patron Saint of animals, butchers, and salami, adding a cultural and traditional dimension to the event. On the other hand, it also marks the beginning of Carnival, a period of festive and joyful celebrations.

These two closely linked events provide an opportunity for food lovers to discover and share, joyfully and in good spirits, culinary specialties from all corners of Italy. It's an excellent way to blend religious traditions, cultural festivities, and a passion for gastronomy.

International Day of Italian Cuisine: An opportunity to share a rich and flavorful culinary heritage

January 17, 2024, plays a significant role in preserving and transmitting the Italian culinary heritage. It highlights the richness of Italian cuisine and encourages the transmission of traditional recipes from generation to generation. It also urges both professional and amateur chefs to surpass themselves by carefully selecting ingredients and respecting traditional preparation methods.

To confine Italian cuisine to mere taste would be incredibly reductionist. It is undeniably a work of art that captivates and stimulates our other senses. For CHR establishments (Café, Hotel, Restaurant), featuring Italian dishes is more than just a gastronomic offering. It's an opportunity to offer their guests a gustatory, olfactory, and visual experience that allows them to travel through the different regions of Italy.

A Culinary Canvas Full of Stories and Flavors

Like many cuisines worldwide, the Italian culinary palette is rich in specialties (different pasta varieties, sauces, risottos, antipasti, and more). Each dish becomes a narrator of a gastronomic story, a sensory stop inviting exploration of the unique flavors of each Italian region. Subjectively, at the peak of this mountain of specialties, stands the uncontested queen: pizza.

Originating from Naples, Neapolitan pizza embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Its thin and soft crust, combined with quality ingredients, offers an incomparable taste experience.

As with any dish, its quality largely depends on the ingredients and kitchen equipment used (pizza roller, dough tray, pizza peel, oven, etc.). Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, first-pressed olive oil, and quality flour are essential for crafting a good pizza. Similarly, a professional pizza oven, capable of reproducing the rapid high-temperature cooking characteristic of Neapolitan pizza, is essential for achieving perfection.

Prepared with love, using quality ingredients and equipment, pizza becomes a true masterpiece, allowing chefs to share their passion. In other words, pizza is the equivalent of a blank canvas where chefs express their creativity and passion. From choosing classic toppings to innovations, each pizza becomes a unique work, reflecting the talent and passion of the chef. Neapolitan pizza, with its respected tradition and boundless creativity, perfectly embodies this fusion of art and cuisine.

In conclusion, the International Day of Italian Cuisine is much more than a simple occasion to indulge. It's an opportunity to explore a rich, passionate heritage filled with traditions.