Italian Embassy launches ‘Dolce Vita in Serendib’
The Italian Embassy last weekend launched the coffee table book ‘Dolce Vita in Serendib’ - a gastronomic journey of authentic Italian cuisine in Sri Lanka with over 60 recipes interwoven with accounts of Italy’s culinary history.
Eight restaurants in Sri Lanka contributed recipes of their signature Italian dishes while both the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador’s well-loved recipes have also been added. The featured restaurants – Aqua Forte, Capital Bar & Grill at the Shangri-La, Dolce Italia, Echo at the Cinnamon Grand, Lago Italian Bistro, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Park Street Trattoria and Tintagel were handpicked as serving the most authentic Italian fare.
Complementing the recipes are articles on Italy’s romance with food, starting off with an introduction to fashionable food and progressing to wine, cheese, pasta, ham, olive oil, coffee, gelato and pizza, to the history of etiquette, slow cooking, the Mediterranean diet and kitchen culture, while also adding a reality check with the conservation of food.
Speaking at the book launch, Ambassador for Italy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Rita Mannella who coauthored the book together with Savithri Rodrigo, said, “The idea of publishing a recipe book showcasing Italian cuisine came to my mind almost immediately on my arrival. I wanted everyone to try preparing, eating and enjoying Italian food in their own home, with authentic Italian recipes. As an Italian, it is well known that we love our traditional food. I’ve also seen the deep appreciation and love for Italian cuisine among our Sri Lankan friends and this is no surprise as Italian food is truly universal.”