Executive Chef at Idylio by Apreda at The Pantheon Iconic Hotel
A signature dish for the holidays
Francesco Apreda, a Michelin-starred chef class ’74 of Neapolitan origin and cosmopolitan soul, is the emblem of the evolution of Italian cuisine in the world. Transplanted to Rome, the chef brings in his culinary path the echo of experiences that range from Italy to London, from Tokyo to Mumbai and New Delhi.
A career full of awards, including the two Michelin stars won at Imàgo dell’Hassler and, more recently, at Idylio by Apreda, the restaurant of The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel.
On the occasion of Christmas, Apreda welcomed us in his kitchen to present a dish created especially for the holidays: “Earth and iodine”, a tribute to the union between the gifts of the earth, sea and sky.
The inspiration behind “Earth and Iodine”
“I wanted to tell the essence of the holidays through the language of my kitchen, which is a bridge between Italian flavors, oriental influences and global suggestions,” explains Apreda. “Christmas is a time of union and reflection, and this dish represents the balance between seemingly distant but deeply connected elements.”
The dish, a sensory journey
“Earth and iodine” is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. At the base, a velvety cream of roots and tuberous aromas, enriched by the savoury of the anchovies in oil. Above, three dipping that explore the depths of the sea and the colors of the earth: a mousse with sea urchins, an oyster and beet cream and an emulsion with sepia black. The dish is completed by edible flowers, which enhance its aesthetic component with bright shades, and by corn puff flavored with spices, a symbol of lightness and crispness.
A global dish for Christmas
“My cuisine is a narrative of my life: from the Italian roots to oriental influences, to the spicy aromas of India,” says the chef. ” ‘Terra e Iodio’ is a global dish, where spices, land, sea and flowers come together to create a unique experience, perfect for celebrating Christmas with elegance and a touch of innovation.”
A message for Christmas
The meeting with Apreda ends with a special message for readers: “Cooking, like Christmas, is an act of love and sharing. With ‘Earth and Iodine’ I hope to bring a little poetry on the tables of parties, because food, when it tells a story, can make us travel even while staying at home.” With dishes like this, Francesco Apreda continues to represent a reference point for Italian haute cuisine, giving emotions that are not only impressed on the palate, but also in the heart.
Reporter : Katia La Rosa