As March begins, we prepare to celebrate Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, we remember the accomplishments of great women who have made their mark in history. In March, we also celebrate International Women’s Day, which honors all women worldwide.
If you are looking for ideas for a perfect Women’s Day celebration, treat your partner to an evening of fine dining. It is said that Italy offers the best culinary experiences. For centuries, Italian cuisine has captivated and entranced fine dining connoisseurs. Despite the fact that the Italian food industry is dominated by famous male Italian chefs, Italy has produced some of the most talented and well-known female chefs in the world.
As we celebrate the accomplishments and talents of women all over the world, let us take a moment to honour these pioneering Italian women in the food industry. Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring authentic Italian cuisine while learning more about the women who have earned their place among Italy’s top chefs.
Renowned chef Nadia Santini is the proud co-owner of the three Michelin-starred Dal Pescatore restaurant. She was one of the first female chefs in the world to be awarded this prestigious recognition, and Nadia has been able to hold onto her three-star rating since 1996, despite the fact that Michelin stars are given and taken away based on the performance of the restaurant. The restaurant was founded by the great-grandparents of Nadia’s husband in the 1920s. Today, Nadia and her husband, Antonio, run the establishment together, staying true to their Italian family traditions.
Before she was married, her husband’s great-grandmother taught her how to cook. Nadia prioritises locally sourced ingredients, often procured from the restaurant’s own farm. Keeping with Italian family traditions, freshness and quality are non-negotiable in her kitchen, and she is renowned for her mastery of regional Italian cuisine, particularly her exceptional fish and pasta dishes.
The story of Luisa Marelli Valazza is a fascinating one, as she had no formal training or apprenticeships as a chef but ended up being one of the three female chefs in Italy with a three Michelin star rating. She was studying Italian literature, and her husband owned a restaurant in Borgomanero.
Unexpectedly, their head chef resigned. With no other option available and no formal training, Luisa took on the challenge and set out on a self-taught journey. She immersed herself in various cookbooks and drew inspiration from famous chefs such as Frédy Girardet, Georges Blanc, and Jacques Pic. With her determination and creativity leading her to create exceptional dishes, she soon became the driving force behind the culinary success of the restaurant. She continued her journey at Al Sorriso, the new restaurant she and her husband bought, where she was awarded Michelin stars for her excellence. With her husband’s gift for public relations and Luisa’s culinary talents, they created a world-class dining experience that continues to this day.
Cristina Bowerman is another successful chef from Italy who rightfully earned her place among the Michelin-starred chefs. She was a student of foreign languages and law, and while she was studying in the US, her hidden passion for cooking led her to study culinary arts at the University of Texas at Austin for two years. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu and moved on to David Bull’s restaurant, 5 Diamonds, where she gained valuable experience and credits their chef, Egil Valentin, as her most significant teacher.
She left the US in 2004, and after working at a few Italian restaurants, in 2006 she joined the Glass Hostaria, a restaurant in Rome. This restaurant is where she gained significant recognition in her field. The restaurant was facing challenges, but with Cristina on board, they earned a Michelin star in 2010. Cristina was the only woman to be awarded a star that year.
She is a role model for aspiring female chefs, and she actively encourages and inspires women in the traditionally male-dominated world of fine dining. She is a vocal advocate for sustainable and ethical food practices, promoting responsible sourcing, and minimising environmental impact. Additionally, she blends her knowledge of international cuisine with the essentials of classic Italian cooking to create signature dishes.
If you wish to experience the magic and taste of authentic Italian recipes, visit AQUA Forte in Galle, Sri Lanka where you can enjoy the pleasurable sophistication of fine dining. Make reservations to dine in style this International Women’s Day, with recreations of some of the signature dishes of legendary chefs. AQUA Forte is an opportunity to connect with the rich culinary heritage of Italy while you let the inspiring flavours and stories behind each dish leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the power and passion women bring to the table.
