“To the eternal Italian culture of good food.” With these splendid words, the host, King Charles III of England, accompanied on the occasion by Queen Consort Camilla, welcomed guests at the exclusive gala evening held in the magnificent estate of Highgrove House, His Majesty’s private residence in Gloucestershire. The event once again demonstrated the enduring strength of the relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom, a bond that has lasted for centuries.
Chiara Soldati: “Made in Italy is increasingly recognized and appreciated as a global model.”
An evening specially dedicated to promoting Slow Fashion served as a clear reflection of two nations looking in the same direction, particularly when it comes to culture, with a special focus on food and wine.
The event featured an exceptional guest list, including prominent figures such as Helen Mirren, David and Victoria Beckham, Rod Stewart, Sienna Miller, the Italian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Inigo Lambertini, and the British Ambassador to Rome, Lord Edward Llewellyn.
A renowned film star known for The Devil Wears Prada and his deep passion for Italian cuisine, showcased in the acclaimed series Searching for Italy, Stanley Tucci was one of the key figures of the evening. He worked alongside Chef Francesco Mazzei, a vital bridge between the two nations who has brought the flavors of his native Calabria to London, in designing a menu specifically curated for the occasion.
“To better emphasize the special friendship between the two countries” – Mazzei commented – “Stanley and I created an Italian menu made almost entirely with ingredients sourced from the United Kingdom. I must say, I discovered some excellent products that rival those from Italy. The only ingredients I had shipped directly from Italy were extra virgin olive oil and wines.”
On the wine front, a leading role was played by La Scolca, the prestigious winery from Piedmont. Their Gavi dei Gavi Black Label 2023 proved to be the perfect pairing for two of the dishes served during the gala dinner.
“It was an honor to represent Italy, my region, and my territory at such an important occasion”, emphasized Chiara Soldati, CEO of La Scolca and Cavaliere del Lavoro.“This event celebrated the excellence of the Italian lifestyle. Chef Mazzei did a fantastic job in creating a gastronomic bridge between the two countries, forming not only a symbolic union but also a real fusion of two great cultural and culinary traditions. Events like these offer a crucial opportunity to highlight the value of our food and wine heritage and our craftsmanship, elements that make ‘Made in Italy’ a globally recognized and appreciated model.”
