There is great anticipation for the first edition of the World Restaurant Awards that is will take place on February 18th in Paris. Over 293 restaurants from 45 countries will be considered by the judging panel that will award the winners of the 17 categories. Here are all the 20 Italian candidacies found among 12 different categories:
‘Arrival of the Year‘ – ‘DaGorini‘, Bologna is a candidate for the award that celebrates the best restaurant that opened between September 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018
‘Enduring Classic‘ – ‘Caffé Sicilia‘, Ragusa, or ‘Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia’, Milan, could be awarded the prize for the best restaurant that has been opened for at least 50 years
‘Ethical Thinking‘ – There are 3 Italian candidates in this category:
‘Food for Soul’, Massimo Bottura’s association that in various cities creates canteens for the needy in which to use the food that otherwise would be wasted; ‘La Lanterna di Diogene‘, Modena, where people affected by health issues such as Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy can work in the restaurant and on the farm; ‘S’Apposentu‘, Siddi (Cagliari), where chef Roberto Petza is the custodian of a Sardinian tradition that was believed to be lost
‘Event of the Year‘ – ‘Al Meni‘, Rimini, the circus-market of flavors where every year Bottura gathers 24 top chefs among the market stalls of excellent products and gourmet street food; and ‘Ein Prosit‘, Malborghetto (Udine), an event dedicated to the culinary and wine tradition of Friuli Venezia Giulia
House Special – The candidates with the strongest house recipe are ‘Lido 84‘, Gardone Riviera (Brescia), for its ‘Cacio e Pepe in Pork Bladder‘; and ‘Pepe in Grani‘, Caserta, for its famous ‘Margherita Sbagliata’
‘No Reservations Required‘ – The Italian candidate for the best restaurant where reservations are not required is ‘Retrobottega‘, Rome, where, in the heart of the Eternal City it is possible to rediscover ancient flavors and knowledge
‘Off-Map Destination‘ – Three candidates in three different corners of the Italian Peninsula: ‘L’Argine a Venco‘, Udine; ‘La Madia‘, Licata (Agrigento); ‘Reale Casadonna‘, Castel di Sangro (L’Aquila)
‘Original Thinking‘ – Niko Romito’s creativity and artistic expression are at the base of the candidacy of ‘Reale Casadonna‘, Castel di Sangro (L’Aquila)
‘Red Wine-Serving Restaurant‘ – The Italian restaurants that most shun current fashion and still champion the red grape are ‘Piazza Duomo‘, Alba (Cuneo) and ‘Roscioli‘, Rome
‘Trolley of the Year‘ – ‘Diana‘, Bologna, is nominated for its commitment to tableside service
‘Tweezer-Free Kitchen‘ – Among the restaurants recognized for their hands-on style of plating there are ‘Il Portico‘, Appaiano Gentile (Como) and ‘Lido 84‘, Gardone Riviera (Brescia)
Paolo Del Panta