The official launch of East Lombardy, European Region of Gastronomy 2017 took place on Monday, 6 March in the framework of Identità Golose Milano, the most important Italian congress dedicated to high cuisine. Every year this event brings together producers to demonstrate their delicacies and attracts many important chefs and pastry chefs, however this year, the event was special.
The project main partners and the 100 official East Lombardy chefs took the stage and gave a press release in front of a full auditorium to mark the occasion as East Lombardy takes hold of the European Region of Gastronomy title for 2017. This was followed by Identità Golose’s school, unveiling four show-cooking demonstrations by different restaurants, one for each province in East Lombardy. The afternoon was made complete with tastings of the products being cooked by the chefs for the public, together with Franciacorta’s wine, and San Pellegrino’s cocktails.
Special guest speakers, presentations and later tastings were also given by the delegates of East Lombardy, Riga-Gauja and Aarhus, Central Denmark Region – which are the three regions selected by IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) to hold the title European Region of Gastronomy in 2017.
During the three days of the congress, 4-6 March, East Lombardy hosted a stand to celebrate the European Region of Gastronomy title and each day presented different producers and chefs, so that visitors could taste and discover the rich diversity of products and preparations from the East Lombardy area. In the last day, lunch was prepared by two chefs coming from Riga-Gauja and Central Denmark, the two regions that also hold the European Region of Gastronomy 2017 award.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
The Regions of Gastronomy Platform and the European Region of Gastronomy Award aim to contribute to better quality of life in European regions, by highlighting distinctive food cultures, educating for better health and sustainability and stimulating gastronomic innovation. Candidate regions are invited to join a knowledge-exchange platform of European regions in order to further cross-border collaborations and develop shared initiatives.
About IGCAT
IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) organises the award with the support of European institutions and is an international network of experts that aim to guide, facilitate and support leaders in cities, regions and cultural projects to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.
10 March 2017
