Not only FOOD but a life style

Approaching Costigliole d’Asti, whichever the road taken between the hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, the first surprising emotion hitting the eyes of the traversal is the view of the wonderful medieval Castle which stands above the narrow village near Asti.

It’s here in a unique and prestigious environment that the world famous institute of Italian cuisine is based; “ICIF” the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners Icif is a no profit association , founded at the beginning of the nineties through the will and the ideas of a selected group of Italian Chefs. Their target was to qualify, to protect and to promote the cuisine and the top products of our homeland, spreading knowledge and techniques to the professionals of the whole world.

It’s easily claimable that part of the later Italian culinary history took place in the halls of this castle. Indeed during its 20 years of active trade the Institute has trained more than 5000 students from all over the world. A lot of them have since opened high quality Italian restaurants in their home countries or been hired as managers in kitchens of major hotels or prestigious companies in the service sector.

Each year hundreds of applications are submitted from everywhere, meaning the demand for Italian traditions in the food sector is steadily growing.

The students’ meticulous education given by a group of teachers including qualified professionals (for instance famous Piedmont starred chefs or expert nutritionists) can be summed up with some fundamental principles which have to be preserved and used in any activity: authenticity of the products, of the cuisine and of the traditions through the adoption of healthy and environmentally sustainable habits and alimentary choices.

The next professional Chefs of food management beginning their career with Icif, are going to work in a rapidly changing world in which new countries and new people will break into the market.

They will be the highly prepared ambassadors who will have to spread the culture and the importance of the Italian enogastronomy, teaching people to understand and appreciate a proper lifestyle.

Nicolò Daniele