He's the creative force and owner behind the World's Best Restaurant, the star of Netflix's first-ever Chef's Table episode, and one of our renowned chefs at this year's Identità Golose. Get to know Chef Massimo Bottura, one of the world's most acclaimed Italian chefs!
Plus, you can get tickets to meet Massimo yourself this September at Identità Golose 2019 in New York. Seating is limited, so don't miss your chance! Then read up on this talented chef to get the full story before you dine with him – or maybe even run into him at our market! – at Eataly Flatiron.
ONE-OF-A-KIND CULINARY STYLE
Born in Modena in Emilia-Romagna, Massimo Bottura grew up "under the kitchen table" and eating some of Italy's most beloved dishes, including the region's famous tortellini and lasagne. He went on to cut his culinary teeth in the international kitchens of famed chefs like Alain Ducasse and Ferran Adrià. Massimo, however, has never lost sight of his roots, favoring the comforting flavors of his home region with an experimental twist.
Now, the Michelin-starred Italian chef is highly regarded by many for his innovative takes on traditional Italian cuisine. With iconic dishes like "The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna," Massimo finds highly creative ways to fuse the traditional fare of Emilia-Romagna with boundary-pushing techniques to make food that creates an unforgettable, and even emotional, eating experience.
OSTERIA FRANCESCANA
Tucked into the cobbled streets of Modena, Osteria Francescana was not always an international food destination. In fact, Chef Bottura's food was so experimental, the restaurant nearly closed in its early years, where the more traditional locals were resistant to his inventive style of cooking.
Luckily, Massimo persevered, and the restaurant steadily climbed the ranks: critical acclaim began to build starting with the restaurant's first Michelin star in 2002; it was awarded a second four years later and a third in 2011. Finally, the restaurant received the ultimate in industry recognition: Osteria Francescana was voted the number one restaurant in the world in 2016, and again in 2018, by nearly 1,000 gastronomic experts worldwide.
GIVING BACK THROUGH FOOD
In the words of the chef: "Food is a call to act." As founder of the Food for Soul non-profit, Bottura works to fight hunger and food waste. The non-profit works with partners worldwide to create and sustain community kitchens that serve the hungry, and raise awareness about food waste issues – a mission that we at Eataly share as we continue on our zero waste journey!
Recently, Chef Bottura also founded the Tortellante project, based on the beloved symbol of his hometown. Along with his wife, Lara Gilmore, Massimo teaches young people with autism to make tortellini – a symbol of culture, love, and social inclusion – alongside a group of rezdore, or traditional pasta makers from Modena.
Don't miss Massimo Bottura at this year's edition of Identità Golose at Eataly NYC Flatiron! Get your tickets for a chance to meet and eat with Italy's best chef.
