We were delighted to attend the Calabria Food Fest, kicking off for the first time this year, as we walked along the red carpet with some incredible people we had made friends with over the past week.
I arrived clueless, unaware of much around the history and culture of Calabria, but I leave a convert, hooked to the cuisine and in love with the area. For such a small community of people, it’s incredible how lively it is, while I was captivated by how everyone knew each other, the constant ‘ciao’s’ as people walk through the streets. This is a place I could easily live forever. But anyway, on to the Food Fest…
Where Did It Take Place?
The Food Fest took place at the Squillace Castle, built in 1044 on the grounds of a former monastery after the Normans took control of Squillace. The castle is gorgeous, while it also delivers sunset views across Calabria, being set high up on a hill.
When Is The Calabria Food Fest Celebrated?
While next year’s dates aren’t set in stone yet, this year the event took place on the 20th June. We arrived on the 15th and explored Calabria alongside a number of influencers, journalists, actors and musicians all week, taking on numerous activities such as pasta and bread making.
As well as the big festival on the Friday, we also enjoyed a Gala event on the Saturday 21st June, ending in a string orchestra playing while we ate dinner.
What Happens At The Calabria Food Fest?
This is an amazing chance to try dishes by local companies and chefs, delivering the best local cuisine. There were also alcohol tables setup, so you can enjoy wine throughout the event without having to pay extra beyond your ticket.
In case you’re thinking of attending, I have to give praise to one drink I loved on the day, Cream Cardus, a beautiful creamy liquor. I’m not a big fan of the Amaro that is common in Calabria as a digestivo, made from herbs and roots, but this was beautiful, close to a Baileys.
The event is a huge credit to Sognare Insieme Viaggi, the travel consultants who offer experiences in Italy and abroad. The whole event was magical from start to end, an incredible amount of work that went into it by the amazing dream team of Anthony, Angela, Alberto, Daniel and Giovanna (plus numerous others who undoubtedly worked so hard). Also, a personal shout out to Jason, who made our time so special!
So Who Attended?
There were numerous big names in attendance. The Columbian actress Ana Lucía Dominguez, the hilarious American actor Zane Phillips, Celebrity make-up artist Reynaldo Sandoval, Venezuelan travel blogger Veronica Weffer, Private chef Gianluca Ruggieri, the amazing Pasta Grammar couple Harper & Eva, just to name a few.
But I would give a huge shout out to journalist Patrizio Nissirio, Michaella Parkes (writing for Pasta Grannies), Travel editor Silvana Longo, Elisabetta Basile and her friend from The Italian Foodaholic, all of which we hanged out with and shared plenty of laughs throughout. But the biggest shout out once again has to go to Jason, our hero from the trip.