Italian gastronomy, known for its refinement and quality, owes much to the sacrifices and dedication of those who have contributed to defining its standards. One of the initiatives that promotes this spirit of excellence is the Alma Ambrosi scholarship, a tribute to the historic figure of the Vecchia Lugana restaurant in Sirmione, on Lake Garda. This year, the recipient of the award is Davide Fiorentino, a fourth-year student at the San Paolo Hotel Institute in Sorrento.
The award ceremony for the third scholarship took place at the San Paolo Institute in Sorrento. Prominent figures such as Alfonso and Livia Iaccarino, who will host the internship, Edoardo Raspelli, Pierantonio Ambrosi, and Amalia Mascolo, the school principal, were present at the ceremony. In addition to receiving a training internship at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Don Alfonso 1890, Davide Fiorentino also received a check for 2,500 euros.
The Alma Ambrosi scholarship is not just an award, but a real investment in the future of young professionals in the culinary industry. By promoting professional training, the initiative seeks to convey the beauty and depth of Italian culinary tradition, emphasizing how passion and commitment can lead to success.
Alma Ambrosi was the soul of the Vecchia Lugana restaurant for a long time, which under her guidance and then that of her son Pierantonio, became a point of reference for lovers of good food. Founded in 1911, the restaurant has been part of the Le Soste association since its inception in 1982, being among the 18 founding restaurants gathered in Milan under the guidance of Gualtiero Marchesi. Vecchia Lugana is one of the oldest institutions in Italy, with documentation dating back to the 1600s.
The press has played an equally important role in promoting Italian gastronomy. Critics like Edoardo Raspelli have influenced the public perception of restaurants, being able to determine their success or failure with their reviews, long before the advent of social media and influencers.
Today, the name of Alma Ambrosi symbolizes the continuity between past and future, testifying to the love for cooking that has been passed down from generation to generation, up to Allegra, Alma’s granddaughter, who came up with the idea of the scholarship to perpetuate the memory and commitment of her grandmother.
This award is part of a broader context of valorizing talents in the field of catering, with the perspective that every year a new student can benefit from significant experiences in excellent restaurants. The next edition has already been defined, it will return near Lake Garda, in Verona, and will allow a student to carry out an internship at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Dodici Apostoli Casa Perbellini.
Italian Version
