Massimo Bottura to host live-fire cooking event at Gatto Verde with Elkano’s Aitor Arregi, Niklas Ekstedt & Anthony Mangieri

Chef Massimo Bottura is marking the launch of his new restaurant, Al Gatto Verde, with a two-day event in partnership with Identità Golose. This special occasion focuses on the enduring connection between humans and fire, featuring some of the world’s leading chefs known for their live-fire cooking skills.

Originating from the fascinating question “when did mankind first harness fire?”, Identità di Fuoco aims to shed light on our ancient past. The organisers note that early traces of human interaction with fire span between 1-2 million years ago, found in South Africa, and, surprisingly, it was only 125,000 years ago, a brief moment in the timeline of our evolution, that our forebears mastered the skill to ignite and interact with flames. This newfound capability profoundly reshaped every aspect of life, most notably our approach to food.

In today’s culinary landscape, the primal power of fire is witnessing a formidable resurgence. To honour this timeless culinary element, Identità di Fuoco will take place on 24^th and 25^th September.

The event, over two days, will feature Jessica Rosval, the culinary director of Casa Maria Luigia, showcasing her craft. Al Gatto Verde is beautifully situated within the courtyard of Acetaia Maria Luigia at Massimo Bottura’s and Lara Gilmore’s luxury country resort.

The first evening on Sunday 24^th September, kicks off with pizzaioli presenting appetising creations complemented by the sophisticated touch of Dom Perignon champagne. The evening boasts celebrated cooks such as Anthony Mangieri of New York’s Una Pizza Napoletana and Michele from Osteria Francescana, the bread supplier for the Francescana spots in Modena and Maranello. Dinner will then continue with dishes from Jessica Rosval, Niklas Ekstedt, known for his fire-cooking mastery, and Errico Recanati from Andreina in Loreto.

The following day will feature pizza artisans Francesco Martucci, from Masanielli in Caserta, and Diego Vitagliano of Naples. It’s worth noting that Mangieri, Martucci and Vitagliano have been recently recognised in the 2023 Italian and World rankings of 50 Top Pizza. The event continues with dishes from Jessica Rosval, Aitor Arregui from Elkano in Getaria – considered the world’s best fish grill – and Tomaz Kavcic of Gostilna pri Lojzetu in Slovenia.

Through Al Gatto Verde and Identità di Fuoco, chef Bottura honours the enduring and transformative influence of fire in our culinary heritage.

Food Desk