Bringing 'bellissimo' to the UAE

Using authentic Italian ingredients is key to the academy.

After launching the UAE's Accademia Italiana della Cucina to promote authentic Italian cuisine, the academy is now set to host the President of the academy, Professor Giuseppe Dell'osso in the emirates next month.

First established in Milan in 1953 to maintain Italian cuisine and culture, the UAE branch of the academy was the first to be set up in the Middle East. Launched at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa in Dubai late last year, the event was attended by guest chef Filippo La Mantia, and hosted by HE Paolo Dionisi, Italian Ambassador to the UAE.

"This initiative was born from a desire to educate people about fine Italian cuisine, and counteract the fast-food, fast lifestyle culture," commented Ambassador Dionisi.

"It is about reintroducing the joys of culinary delights, and the importance of where food comes from, who makes it, and how it is made," he added.

Speaking exclusively to Caterer Middle East, Ambassador Dionisi said the UAE branch of the academy will have no more than 20 members, including Emiratis, prominent Italian's from the emirates, and Ambassador Dionisi, who is the president of the UAE's Accademia Italiana della Cucina.

"A major part of the initiative is to regularly meet at an Italian restaurant to judge the quality of the food, the service and also the use of authentic ingredients. The writing of the menu must be correct and the selection of the dishes has to be predominantly Italian," said Ambassador Dionisi.

"However, not all restaurants that are visited will be certified," he added.

The first meeting and judging by the UAE delegation will to be held at the beginning of April at Bice, Hilton Abu Dhabi.

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