Genesis

Have you ever wondered about the meticulous process behind creating the most mesmerizing dishes from a Michelin-starred chef? Driven by this curiosity, I ventured to Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy, a stunning alpine destination, for the fourth edition of the Genesis event. Founded in 2021 by Riccardo Gaspari and Ludovica Rubbini, the visionary minds behind both Michelin star San Brite restaurant and El Brite de Larieto- which boasts a green michelin star for sustainability- Genesis was conceived with two main objectives: preserving the alpine culinary savoir-faire and creating a the perfect scenario in which the human being could rediscover nature through the universal language of food.

Genesis is the opportunity to reimagine our perception of food through thematic lenses. "Mission," which emphasized the importance of setting purposeful goals, asking critical questions, and making impactful decisions for both ourselves and the environment. This year's event focused on fostering a deeper connection with nature and honoring its natural rhythms. World-renowned chefs, partners, and enthusiastic guests came together to experience the mountains in an intentional, immersive way, all while celebrating the universal language of food, a true custodian of culture.

Imagine supplements and proteins made with honey from Ambrosoli, Italy’s leading honey producer, or mustard skillfully combined with herbs, or tasting pineapple as the first flavor when picking camomile flowers, concepts I never thought possible!

The event commenced with an extraordinary four-hand dinner by Riccardo Gaspari of SanBrite and Bas Van Kranen of Restaurant Flore in Amsterdam. Their collaboration exceeded expectations, blending contemporary nordic flair with alpine roots. The next evening, at the picturesque Rifugio Fodara Vedla, guests enjoyed an unforgettable experience under the stars, hosted by Alessio De Bona of Restaurant Ex Primo and David Clara of Rifugio Fodara Vedla.

The following day, the culinary artistry continued with James Henry and Shaun Kelly from Le Doyenné and Willem Hiele of Restaurant Willem Hiele. Their dishes captivated with vibrant, colorful presentations by Kelly and Henry, while Hiele’s abstract approach and the conceptual elegance of SanBrite were equally compelling. The sincerity and innovation of De Bona and Clara added further depth to the event.

I took the opportunity to sit down with these chefs to delve into the science and design behind their culinary creations, uncovering the intricate processes that drive their remarkable dishes.

What emerged as a common thread was De Bona’s emphasis on creative freedom. Specializing in cooking carrots, De Bona presented a delicate carrot tartare made with carrots, black cumin, and cauliflower. As he explained, “There is no rule in the way we present our dishes, but we mostly follow our hearts.” Kelly and Henry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of balancing creativity with technical expertise: “It’s very important to consider what and how we place ingredients on the plate, but most of the time it follows our emotions and how we feel that day. Still, mastering the ingredients is crucial; only through a deep knowledge of them can you craft a beautiful dish.”

During Genesis, I witnessed firsthand how the chefs’ expertise was translated into edible sculptures. Each dish was a testament to the skillful hands of these chefs, as if they were tailors or wood carvers, mastering every element.

Gaspari and Van Kranen also emphasized the significance of using the finest ingredients: “The colors, textures, and our ability to create the most sophisticated dishes are enhanced by the quality of the ingredients we use. That’s why it is so important for us to constantly seek the best raw materials. Only with the finest ingredients can we gift our customers — and ourselves — the best experience and lasting memories.”

So, what are L’Officiel Arabia’s takeaways on food design from some of the world’s most renowned chefs? First, creativity should come from the heart and soul. Second, it's essential to study and master the ingredients. Finally, the use of the finest raw materials is key to crafting unforgettable dishes.

For more information: www.genesis-cortinadampezzo.events ; @genesiscortinadampezzo