TEHRAN - On Thursday, Rome’s embassy in Tehran organized a culinary event that went beyond just taste to the realms of craftsmanship, memory, cultural heritage, and novelty.

In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, the Italian ambassador Giuseppe Perrone attached great importance to the cultural significance of the event, saying: “The cuisine is a very distinct social function. It is very important so we need to celebrate it.”

“In fact, today, as you see, a number of Iranians are with us, enjoying these dishes prepared by Italian chefs, who have come all the way from Italy,” the ambassador said. “Here in the event, we want to showcase it, to promote it with the people of Iran.”

“Well, the event is part of the Italian, the Week of Italian Cuisine in the world. For us, it's also a way to promote Italian culture, because cuisine is an intricate part of our identity, our culture, and our civilization,” he said.

The event brought together a number of guests to rediscover the art of cooking through a special menu created by Chef Giuseppe Di Bella and his colleagues. For participants, it was an amalgam of smooth tastes, view exchanges, friendship, and live comments made by the chef among occasional vistas of the Iranian capital from the 21st floor of the Espinas Palace Hotel!

In response to a question about the key characteristics of the week-long event, the ambassador said: “Its concept is about showcasing the key characteristics of Italian cuisine, which is basically healthy, natural and creative, combining its long-term tradition with new modern creativity.”

Italian Chef Giuseppe Di Bella prepares food in a national culinary event attended by Rome’s ambassador Giuseppe Perrone and a number of Iranian guests at the Espinas Palace Hotel, Novermber 16, 2023.

Perrone emphasized that his country’s art of food is a sort of a key to access the country’s culture and civilization. “That's why we attach great importance to cuisine.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the ambassador underlined that cuisine week is not just about the food but an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the country’s cultural heritage, history, and way of life.

“We also believe it's a way to draw people together because, at the end of the day, that's where people come together, around a lunch table, around or dinner table.”

“And so, for this reason, we wanted to have a full week of celebrations here in Tehran in different restaurants, in different locations, but with the same concept, always, which is bringing people together around the food, around tradition, around creativity,” the envoy explained.

In response to another question about possible links shared between the cuisines of Iran and Italy, he answered: “You know, that's a good question because they're very comparable.”

“Also, for Iranians, cuisine is extremely important. It is a social ingredient of life, and its roots go down in ancient history as well. Iranian cuisine is also a blend of tradition and modernity.”

Moreover, he pointed to some similarities between the two major culinary schools, saying “And much in the same way, as Italian cuisine is, they both enjoy flavors that are similar and comparable, which I find extremely important.”

“But the most important, similar aspect to it is the social function of cuisine, which I think is something that is true both for Iranians and Italians.”

Finally, I asked about his favorite Iranian dishes. “Ghormeh Sabzi (a Persian herb stew) is something that I like. But I have a long list,” the ambassador answered kindly.

During the event, visitors were treated to a tantalizing selection of appetizers, drinks, a main course and desserts that highlight the flavors and textures of Italy's various regions. In fact, Italian cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and flower petals take center stage in many of the featured dishes.

Events such as cook-offs, tasting menus, and demonstrations are organized to encourage new culinary creations. As a result, the occasion has become an essential event in the food calendar, both in Italy and around the world.

Italian cuisine has long been hailed as one of the most delicious and diverse culinary traditions in the world; from the hearty pasta dishes of Bologna to the seafood specialties of Naples, it offers something for everyone including chefs and foodies alike!

AFM