“To the eternal Italian culture of good food.” With these words, His Majesty King Charles III of England, accompanied by Queen Consort Camilla, welcomed guests to the exclusive gala evening held at Highgrove House, his private residence in Gloucestershire. The event once again highlighted the enduring and deep-rooted relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom, a bond that has lasted for centuries.
Chiara Soldati: “Made in Italy is increasingly recognized and appreciated as a global model”
Dedicated to promoting Slow Fashion, the evening served as a powerful reflection of the shared vision between the two nations, particularly when it comes to culture, with a special focus on food and wine.
The event featured a stellar guest list, including renowned personalities such as Helen Mirren, David and Victoria Beckham, Rod Stewart, Sienna Miller, as well as institutional figures like the Italian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Inigo Lambertini, and the British Ambassador to Rome, Lord Edward Llewellyn.
Among the evening’s key figures was Stanley Tucci, the acclaimed actor known for The Devil Wears Prada, who has demonstrated his deep passion for Italian cuisine through his highly successful series Searching for Italy. Tucci collaborated with Chef Francesco Mazzei, a vital link between the two countries who has brought the flavors of his native Calabria to London, in designing a special menu tailored for the occasion.
“To better emphasize the special friendship between the two countries,” explained Chef Mazzei, “Stanley and I created an Italian menu made almost entirely with ingredients sourced from the United Kingdom. I must say, I discovered some outstanding products that rival those from Italy. The only ingredients I had imported from Italy were extra virgin olive oil and wine.”
La Scolca and Gavi dei Gavi at the Heart of the Evening
On the wine front, La Scolca, the prestigious Piedmontese winery, played a leading role. Their Gavi dei Gavi Black Label 2023 proved to be the perfect pairing for two of the dishes served at the gala dinner.
“It was an honor to represent Italy, my region, and my territory at such a prestigious event,” said Chiara Soldati, CEO of La Scolca and Cavaliere del Lavoro. “This evening was a celebration of Italian lifestyle excellence. Chef Mazzei did an outstanding job in creating a gastronomic bridge between the two nations, blending two cultures and two great traditions. Events like this offer a unique opportunity to showcase the value of our food and wine heritage and our craftsmanship—key elements that make ‘Made in Italy’ a globally recognized and appreciated model.”
