Gelato, traditionally known as “the sweet cold,” is expanding its role beyond just dessert to become part of the entire meal experience. This transformation has led artisanal and gourmet gelato to join the aperitif scene. It will take center stage at Journey in Italy, an event dedicated to the culture of taste and well-being, held on Monday, May 27, 2024, in Milan at Residenza Vignale, a princely residence in the heart of the city. Naturally, the MIG (Mostra Internazionale del Gelato) by Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, the international exhibition for artisanal gelato, will be a key player in the event, reinforcing its position as a leading force in the world of gelato.
Journey in Italy: A Sensory and Emotional Experience
The evening at Journey in Italy will be a sensory and emotional journey, exploring the five senses, the five emotions of Emotional Intelligence, and five icons of Italian cuisine. The event will feature three exceptional culinary ambassadors: Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, Fatmata Binta (an African chef representing the Fulani ethnic group and FAO and UNWTO Ambassador), and renowned gelato maestro Luca Rizzardini.
Guests will begin their experience with Acqua di Bene, a special creation designed for the event, preparing them for the sensory journey. The event will then feature an unusual aperitif, divided into five thematic islands representing the five Italian taste icons: wine, coffee, bread, pasta, and gelato. Each participant will have the opportunity to explore their senses and the five emotions of Emotional Intelligence: happiness, dreams, sharing, balance, and empathy.
Gelato: A Key Player in the Aperitif Scene
Artisanal gelato will be a starring feature of the event, with master gelato maker Luca Rizzardini showcasing his expertise. Rizzardini, a member of a family of gelato makers dating back to 1891, specializes in enhancing the flavors of herbs and plants, from asperula to rhododendron and rhubarb.
Why gelato at an aperitif? “Because artisanal gelato represents quality and excellence, making it a perfect fit for the Italian aperitif tradition,” explains Alessandro Piccinini, head of the MIG International Gelato Exhibition. “Gelato is one of the most distinctive and memorable experiences in a tasting journey, engaging all five senses and leaving a lasting impression.”
The Italian Culinary Culture at Journey in Italy
“The culture of Italian cuisine brings together values such as beauty, taste, design, hospitality, celebration, and the sacred,” says Antonella Bondi, architect, olfactory designer, and founder of Journey in Italy alongside engineer Ruggero Vittorio Dassi. “At Journey in Italy, we highlight these values, adding an essential element: self-awareness, through emotions and the senses.”
A particularly exciting feature of the event is a small revolution in gelato making: the introduction of a “low sugar” artisanal gelato recipe. To support this innovation, a partnership has been established with Longarone Fiere Dolomiti.