Milan and Food Traditions: A Culinary Love Story with Laura Benitti

No matter where you are in the world, food and culinary traditions reveal a story. In this seminar, we will take a trip back in time: we’ll follow the monks and farmers who worked the fields around Milan and we’ll sit at the table at Sforza Castle with the Renaissance Dukes of Milan. Through these introductions we will begin to understand the reasons for many modern recipes and culinary specialties.

Gastronomy has always played an integral role in the culture and identity of Lombardy in Northern Italy. The area is rife with both fertile territories and cold winters: over the centuries, farmers and monks have developed increased cultivation skills to deal with the climate. From the cultivation of rice introduced by Milanese Dukes in the late 15th century to the abundance of year-round cured meats, especially pork, we will begin to better understand the Milanese food story. We’ll learn stories and legends related to famous recipes such as 'risotto alla milanese', Milanese cutlet and tiramisù, and discover. We’ll even discuss Leonardo da Vinci’s role in Milan’s culinary scene. (Hint: ovens).

In the latter part of our seminar, we will talk about restaurants and deli shops in Milan today, from Peck to Savini or the restaurant Boeucc. Led by an expert on art and local history, Laura Benitti, this interactive seminar will be dedicated to the history of food and local specialties. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge and curiosity about the culinary traditions of Northern Italy.