Italian culture took centre stage in Mauritian hospitality on the occasion of “A Taste of Italy: Italiano in cucina”, a gathering dedicated to restaurant and hospitality professionals, to which L’Artigiano contributed by introducing participants to the richness of Italian culinary products and know-how. Organised by the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria (South Africa), the event took place on 13 September 2026 at Voilà Bagatelle, under the patronage of the Consulate of Italy in Mauritius, with the support of Websun Academy.
Through this workshop combining Italian language learning with a discovery of gastronomy, participants explored Italian in its professional, culinary and cultural context, notably through restaurant vocabulary, reading a menu and practical situations encountered in a restaurant.
For L’Artigiano, a partner in this event, the initiative was also an opportunity to share with hospitality professionals a key dimension of Italian gastronomy: that of the terroirs and expertise that shape its identity.
A culinary journey through Italy
The gastronomic part of the event gave participants the chance to discover a selection of products and specialities representative of several Italian regions. With the help of the L’Artigiano team, the tasting took the form of a genuine tour of Italy, from antipasti to desserts.
The journey began in Puglia, with two fine olive oil vintages from the Galantino house, accompanied by Bella di Cerignola and Peranzana olives. Participants also discovered taggiasche olives, emblematic of Liguria. The tasting then continued in Campania, with mozzarella di bufala campana and traditional bruschetta.
Émilie-Romagne was then in the spotlight, with a focaccia topped with mortadella di Bologna con pistachio, stracciatella and pistachio pesto. For the main course, the journey moved on to Veneto, with bigoli in San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, served with 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano. Finally, the discovery ended on a Sicilian note with pistachio-crusted cannoli, alongside a baba with whipped cream and strawberries. The culinary journey also included a presentation of the new Prosecco Astoria.
“Italian gastronomy tells a story made up of territories, traditions and expertise passed down from generation to generation. Through Taste of Italy, we wanted to contribute to that transmission by giving hospitality professionals the chance to discover the diversity of Italian products, while also better understanding what makes them authentic. For L’Artigiano, this is a concrete way of keeping that culture alive in Mauritius,” says Daniela Quaranta, CEO of L’Artigiano.
Showcasing the products, passing on a culture
L’Artigiano’s participation forms part of a broader effort to bring Mauritian professionals closer to the richness of Italian gastronomy. Participants at the event included chefs and representatives from several major players in the Mauritian hospitality industry, among them LUX*, Constance, Beachcomber, Marriott, Club Med and Sunlife, as well as representatives of Polytechnics Mauritius.
For L’Artigiano, working with hospitality professionals therefore goes beyond simply supplying Italian products. It is also about fostering a better understanding of their origin, their characteristics and the culinary traditions with which they are associated. “Our role is also to build bridges between Italian producers and the professionals who bring gastronomy to life in Mauritius. When a chef discovers the story behind a product, its terroir and how it is traditionally used, they can in turn pass that story on to their teams and their customers. This is the chain of transmission that we want to encourage and develop,” she explains.
The event was held under the patronage of the Consulate of Italy in Mauritius, represented by the Consul of Italy, Stefano Zinno, who also took part in the presentation of certificates of participation. The initiative brought together the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria, the Consulate of Italy in Mauritius and Websun Academy.
With “A Taste of Italy: Italiano in cucina”, Italian language, gastronomy and culture thus came together in a single space, offering hospitality professionals an experience built around discovery and transmission. This approach reflects the mission of the Italian Cultural Institute, which seeks to promote the Italian language and culture through initiatives aimed at both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
