In Ukraine, the Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World has a special significance: that of solidarity.
“In the light of the dramatic context of Russian aggression, and the strong desire of the Ukrainian people for a return to normality, in Kyiv we are interpreting this year’s theme in a social key: well-being with taste”, said the Italian Ambassador Pier Francesco Zazo. “Italy”, he added, “is carrying out a programme of concretely useful initiatives in Ukraine, to express closeness to the population by using our country’s culinary culture and the excellence of our agri-food products, which are much loved here”.
“Italian cuisine”, Ambassador Zazo stressed, “incorporates within itself the genius of knowing how to build a superfine taste on the basis of simple and common ingredients: this is also the secret of its success around the world, as well as a key to resilience that we are proud to spread in Ukraine, as further evidence of the great solidarity of our country”.
Four culinary masterclasses are planned during the week as part of the “Taste of Peace” programme, developed by the Communitas Toscana Association and aimed at young Ukrainians, especially internally displaced persons. Specially flown in from Italy, pizza-chef Stefano Canosci will transfer the best of his skills in the field to the young professionals, proposing recipes that are inexpensive, simple and based on ingredients that can be found even in a context where the availability of products is limited.
Closing the Week, the event “Sapori di pace – Curare con gusto” (Flavours of Peace – Treating with Taste) will be held at the Main Medical Centre of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs: Ambassador Zazo and Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas, together with a group of volunteers, will bring the comfort of traditional Italian flavours to one hundred Ukrainian soldiers being treated, wounded in the war.
The initiatives are realised thanks to the Communitas Toscana Association, in cooperation with the Italian company Agugiaro & Figna Molini, as well as the Association of Culinary Workers of Ukraine, the main Ukrainian organisation of chefs, the social organisation Ho.Re.Ca. Angels and MHP, one of the leading agri-food companies in Ukraine.
