London plays host to outstanding food traditions

by S. C.

From 27 April to 3 May 2009 London’s food scene will be featuring the unmistakeable and authentic flavour of outstanding PDO (Protected Denominatio of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products.
Six renowned London restaurants - Caffè Caldesi, Caldesi in Campagna (Bray), Galileo’s Locanda Toscana, Getti’s Tuscan Restaurant on Marylebone High Street and Jermyn Street and Zia Teresa Italian Restaurant – will be opening their kitchens up to PDO and PGI products. As a result lovers of fine foods will be able to savour dishes prepared with Pecorino Toscano PDO, Prosciutto Toscano PDO, Olio extravergine di oliva Toscano PGI, Lardo di Colonnata PGI, Miele della Lunigiana PDO, Fagiolo di Sorana PGI and Castagna del Monte Amiata PGI.
Seven delicacies summoned to represent the vast spectrum of PDO and PGI products recognised by the European Union which, in conjunction with the Italian Ministry for Agricultural Policies and the PDO and PGI consortia, has financed the project “One guarantee, a thousand varieties”: a project to promote European PDO and PGI certifications.
A carefully chosen selection of dishes and recipes awaits the most refined palates of those wanting to familiarise themselves with both traditional and more sophisticated menus: from antipasti with toasted bread and Lardo di Colonnata PGI with a fennel puree at Caldesi in Campagna (Old Mill Lane, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2BG, tel 01628 788 500) to Sienese chicken stuffed with Pecorino Toscano DPO and wrapped in Prosciutto Toscano DPO at Caffè Caldesi (118 Marylebone Lane, T: 0207 935 1144); from the traditional ribollita soup with Olio extravergine di oliva Toscano PGI which can be savoured at Getti’s (42 Marylebone High Street, T 020 7486 3753) to bavarese cake made with flour from Castagna del Monte Amiata PGI in Jermyn Street,16/17 (T 020 7734 7334); not to mention the malfatti pasta with a cream of Pecorino Toscano DPO and walnuts at Galileo’s Locanda Toscana (71 Haymarket, T 020 7839 3939). And to wind up, a mouth-watering dessert of cenci, fried pastries with hot Miele della Lunigiana DPO at Zia Teresa Italian Restaurant (6 Hans Road, T 020 7589 7634).
An entire week then for immersing ourselves in PDO and PGI traditions, as we get to know the particular characteristics whilst tasting the very best each product has to offer. The initiative will draw to a close with a workshop on the importance of PDO and PGI certifications which will be held at the City Inn Westminster Hotel, 30 John Islip Street.

An occasion not to be missed then, and one which will allow visitors to embark upon a trip without packing a single bag. In doing so they will discover unique flavours whose territorial quality and identity is a guarantee of the very best in gastronomic tradition.
London is the first leg of the promotion throughout the European market and will be followed by France and Germany

by S. C.
27 April 2009 Teatro Naturale International n. 3 Year 1

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