Double recognition for two protagonists of the Messina restaurant industry, awarded yesterday in Pozzuoli with the “Star Chef Golden Lion”, one of the most prestigious international awards in the gastronomic panorama. To receive the title of “Knights of Italian Cuisine in the World” were Carlotta Andreacchio, Lady Chef and patron of The Sailor’s Trattoria by Galati Marina, e Mirko Iannello, owner together with his wife Sara Madafferi from the pizzeria Pizzburgh of Messina.
Established in 2022, the award celebrates the best chefs at an international level, capable of combining creativity, innovation and respect for gastronomic tradition. The selection is entrusted to one jury made up of chefs, food critics, journalists and industry experts, who every year identify professionals who stand out for their contribution to the valorisation of Italian cuisine in the world.
For the city of the Strait, the double recognition represents a tribute to excellence and talent, but also to the ability to tell Sicily through the flavors and stories of its people.
«Receiving the title of Knight of Italian Cuisine in the World is an emotion difficult to describe – declared Carlotta Andreacchio -. It is the fruit of a journey made of study, sacrifices and love for my land. Every dish I create comes from the desire to tell about my Sicily, my Messina and the people who accompanied me on this journey. Sharing it with a friend and colleague like Mirko makes it even more special.”
The chef from Messina wanted to dedicate the award to her family, her husband, her daughters and her work team: «This recognition is not a point of arrival, but an invitation to continue to believe in the strength of passion, roots and work done with the heart».
Enthusiastic too Mirko Iannello, who expressed gratitude towards his family and the team that works alongside him every day: «I am deeply happy and honored to receive this prestigious recognition. I dedicate it to my children, who are my greatest source of inspiration, and to my team, who with commitment and passion makes every goal possible. Sharing this moment with Carlotta, an extraordinary friend, makes it even more significant.”
Two different paths but united by the same philosophy: enhance the Sicilian and Messina culinary heritage, bringing the taste, tradition and identity of the cuisine of the Strait to the world.