The 9th June 2011 Academia Barilla launched the first quality certification dedicated to all the ambassadors of Italian Cuisine of the world with an international event. A very important step towards the promotion and defense of the Italian gastronomic culture around the world, the fundamental mission of Academia Barilla.

Throughout the day many journalists, chefs and other eminent personalities of the enogastronomic world alternated in front of the crowd to speak about the importance of this quality certificate.

The launch of the project was opened by an interesting and lively panel discussion on the future of Italian cuisine in the world, with the participation of journalists such as Michael Wilson, of La Cucina Italiana U.S. and Susan Jung Hong Kong's South China Morning Post and chefs such as Mario Caramella, Cesare Casella and Paolo Monti.

In the afternoon, celebrity chefs Angela Hartnett and Yoshi Yamada got their chance to talk about their love for Italian tradition preparing a personal gourmet recipe and discussing the preparation with other famous chefs from around the globe.

 

All participants stressed the importance of training techniques, the preparation and ingredients of our tradition: to develop knowledge and passion for Italian quality products is the first step to understand the value of Italian gastronomy and inspire creativity in the kitchen.

After the culinary demonstrations, Gianluigi Zenti, director of Academia Barilla, presented the Certificate in Proficiency in Italian Cuisine (CPIC) and conferred the title of "Italian Culinary Master Chef", ad honorem to chefs Mario Caramella, Cesare Casella, Domenico Crolla, Donato De Santis, Angela Hartnett, Kuniaki Arima, Mark Ladner, Paolo Monti, Pietro Rongoni, Giulio Vierci, Yoshi Yamada and Luigi Passano.
12 chef ambassadors of Italian cuisine in the world, all professionals who have distinguished themselves in having contributed to the introduction, dissemination and preservation of Italian cuisine in the countries where they live and work.

 

The day ended with a gala dinner, held in Academia Barilla’s impressive Gastronomic Library, where the guests were served dishes prepared by Kuniaki Arima, Mark Ladner and Yoshi Yamada accompanied by Academia Barilla’s executive chef, Mario Grazia.

For more information

• Discover Academia Barilla’s new certifications
• Discover the Leading Italian Cuisine Master Chef
• Read the event program
• Read the press release