I am very fond of “Identità”, as we foodies call it, I have the dates marked on my agenda months before the event (including the dates of the Identità Golose spin-off in Rome and New York, later in the year).

 Paolo Marchi

Milan is a city that presents many food-related events, pretty much every day, but nothing comes close to the Identità Golose atmosphere. Each year the event brings food professionals from all over the world stimulating discussion around a common theme. The 2013 edition revolves around the topic: “respect”: for food, for the seasons, for ingredients, for the preparation of each dish, respect for tradition and innovation, and much more. Conferences, workshops and cooking shows are held by Michelin-starred chefs that are invited, interviewed and awarded by Paolo Marchi, the brain behind the event since the very beginning of the first edition, 9 years ago.

The 3-day long event will start on February 10 until the 12 and will, as usual, give the chance to food lovers and professionals to talk about food trends and exchange ideas and thoughts around it, and to have a taste of the best chef’s philosophies from around the world.

It’s not (only) about food in the strictest sense, in fact: yes, you’ll find tastings, but what characterises Identità is an inspiring occasion to discuss other food-related topics, like the new section “Identità di Sala”, focussing on the restaurant industry – how important it is to serve and listen to the client, how the lights can change the feel of the dishes served, and much more.

Identità di Pasta and Identità di Pizza celebrate the most famous dishes in Italy, with performances by the best Italian chefs cooking and introducing their creations. Identità Naturali is all about fresh, natural ingredients and recipes elaborated by chefs and explained by professionals from Italy and abroad. Identità Sardegna focuses on the region, and Identità Libri – a new entry of the event, too – addresses an important subject, that of food publishers and books.

Along with this event, many restaurants will celebrate with special menus for the occasion like the Chefs Cracco, Crippa e Lopriore that will cook together in Unplugged, Sunday February 10^th (Via Victor Hugo, Milan) at Cracco Restaurant.  (for reservations call: +39.02.876774).

Feeling curious? Find out everything about the venue and the programme on the Identità Golose website.