Italian Cuisine Week, gala in Belgrade with Chef Zonfa

(ANSA) - BELGRADO, 21 NOV - An evening dedicated to haute cuisine yesterday at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Serbia, Luca Gori, where, as part of the initiatives of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World 2024, a gala dinner prepared by star chef William Zonfa was hosted. The evening, organised by the Embassy in collaboration with the Belgrade ICE Agency and the Italian Cultural Institute in Serbia, celebrated the excellence of the Italian culinary tradition through Zonfa's dishes, protagonists of an emotional journey that accompanied guests along the paths of Abruzzo. The chef drew inspiration from his home region to create a menu based on Italian products of excellence such as L'Aquila d.o.p. saffron and Navelli chickpeas.
    The event was enriched by the 'Sparkling Italy' exhibition presented by the curator, Emanuela Panke, who also carried out a sensory analysis of Italian bubbles, allowing guests, through the use of a 3D visor, to travel through the territories of origin of Italy's main sparkling wines. Both Chef Zonfa and Emanuela Panke were also protagonists in the past few days of masterclasses dedicated to Italian eno-gastronomy and aimed at Serbian students and restaurateurs. Among the many guests present at the event was also the Serbian Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Jelena Begovic.
    "Italian cuisine is not just food, it is a set of biodiversity and traditions, which is part of our history and identity. Solid roots that ensure it a leading economic value equal to almost a quarter of the national GDP,' said Ambassador Gori, opening the evening. 'Italian cuisine is a cultural fact,' he added, 'which is why we are working to have it recognised as part of UNESCO's intangible heritage, for which it is a candidate.