The annual International gastronomic congress Identità London is back at Vinopolos where globally acclaimed chefs meet to present and exchange ideas.
"[...] This is a meeting that has philosophy and emotion at its heart. Culinary techniques are seen as a means to express these twin values..."
(Sybil Kapoor - The Caterer & Hotelkeeper, 12th Feb. 2010)
"[...] And now, after decades - centuries, even - of Gallic culinary supremacy, followed by 10 years in thrall to the Spanish new wave's derring do, there's a dynamic new generation of Italian chefs out to prove that it's their turn now..."
(Hilary Armstrong – The Caterer & Hotelkeeper, 5th June 2009)
The focus of the 2010 congress will be themed around THE LUXURY OF SIMPLICITY, which centers on creatively being driven from the ingredient and its seasonality. It will showcase the creation of dishes using less celebrated produce that require the intuition and creativity of the chefs, as well as their skill and artistry, to elevate the flavours of each component ingredient. This reflects the growing international trend towards more simple and natural cuisines, with a growing emphasis on specific raw foods.
Founder and Italian food editor, Paolo Marchi said, "After the astounding success of Identità London 2009 - the first Identità venture outside Italy – I'm delighted that chefs from New York to Hong Kong are joining us to celebrate this year's theme, The Luxury of Simplicity. This of course will be underpinned by the core spirit of the congress - as an ambassadorial platform to promote the depth and diversity of Italian cuisine beyond its association with pizza and pasta."
"[...] this is the opportunity to see a completely different view of Italian cuisine. These chefs are producing something with great personality, great understanding, and another level of panache and fantasy..."
(chef Giorgio Locatelli)
As well as the main stage events, the venue will also exhibit a selection of specialist artisan producers, showcasing the very best in Italian produce, wines and spirits.
The chefs presenting at Identità London 2010 will be:
From ITALY
HEINZ BECK - Rome
ANDREA BERTON - Milan
MASSIMO BOTTURA - Modena
ENRICO & ROBERTO CEREA - Brusaporto (Bergamo)
GENNARO ESPOSITO - Vico Equense (Naples)
NIKO ROMITO - Rivisondoli (L'Aquila)
DAVIDE SCABIN - Rivoli (Turin)
From UK
JASON ATHERTON - London
ASHLEY PALMER-WATTS - London
SAT BAINS - Nottingham
From FRANCE
ALEXANDRE GAUTHIER - Montreuil-sur-Mer
From CHINA
ALVIN LEUNG - Hong Kong
From USA
DAVID CHANG - New York
WYLIE DUFRESNE & ALEX STUPAK - New York
DANIEL PATTERSON - San Francisco
Roy Ackerman at Identità London 2009 for Catererserach.com