The story of Gualtiero Marchesi, unanimously considered the founder of the ‘new Italian cuisine’ and – in the opinion of many – the most well-known Italian chef in the world, began in Milan, where he was born in 1930. In 1986, he was the first Italian chef to receive 3 Michelin stars, the ultimate foodie accolade, that were subsequently reduced to 2 in 1997.
In June 2008, however, in a controversy with the Michelin system, Marchesi also became the first chef ever to famously denounce the award. He was critical of the stressful burden placed upon the chefs and he lashed out at the French guide explaining that he no longer wanted points for his new restaurant, Il Marchesino at La Scala – only reviews and ratings.
Alongside the Marchesi Fondazione, set up to promote the arts through taste, he established the Accademia Marchesi, ‘a place for study, training and experimentation’ – he claimed proudly – where he could ‘teach young cooks and promote the principles of healthy eating’.
As a true innovator, he was also the mentor of today’s most talented chefs (a definition that Marchesi did not like, preferring to be called a ‘cook’): many of the contemporary food celebs have passed through his doors – Enrico Crippa, Andrea Berton, Carlo Cracco, Davide Oldani, Ernst Knam and Pietro Leemann to name a few only.
Find out more about the story of the founder of the New Italian Cuisine by checking out the video interview on Raiplay.