On seeing falling stars you express desires. If instead of ‘falling’ the ‘Stars’ cook the desire to taste something superb is definitely fulfilled!

“The Stars on Lake Orta” is an event at which top chefs from the provinces of Novara and Verbania donate their work for charity. Each Chef has one, two or three Michelin stars … the accreditation being displayed on their respective uniforms.

This year, thanks to Giorgio Palma, Bailli of Novara-Lomellina & Lago Maggiore, the event at the Hotel Approdo in Pettenasco was partnered by the Chaîne. The principals, both of whom hold two Michelin stars, were Maître Rôtisseur Antonino Cannavacciuolo from Villa Crespi in Orta San Giulio and Chef Marco Sacco of Piccolo Lago on Lake Mergozzo.

During the dinner, the Michelin-starred chefs prepared each dish in a competition with only one winner: the taste! To honour special guest, Annie Féolde (Michelin 3 stars) from Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, French and Tuscan wines paired with the dishes.

The service was entrusted to the students of the prestigious Maggia Hotel School in Stresa, coordinated by Matteo Pastrello. Sommeliers of the AIS di Novara were in charge of beverages.

There were 200 participants. Representing the Chaîne, as well as Bailli Giorgio Palma and his local Bailliage members, there were Gérard Canarie, Bailli Délégué of the Principality of Monaco, with his wife, Michelle, and Stefano Pistorozzi, Bailli of Florence.

The evening began with a sumptuous Champagne reception at which Brittany oysters were served as well as finger food by emerging Chefs Sabina Villaraggia (Villa Pizzini in Mottarone) and Matteo Sormani (Locanda Walter Schtuba in Formazza). For those who did not wish to have champagne, gin and tonic and much more was available. Musical interludes and tango performances added to the ambience.

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Annie Féolde (***) - Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence
Home-cured smoked and marinated ricciola
Marchesi Antinori Cervaro white wine from Sala 2016

Luisa Valazza (**) - Ristorante Al Sorriso in Soriso
 Terrine of foie gras with pistachio
Domaine Gentile Muscat of Cap Corse 2008

Marta Grassi (*) "Queen of risotto"
- Ristorante Tantris in Novara
Risotto of blueberries, chanterelles and Sicilian red prawns
Michel Juilllot Mercurey Blanc 2003

Massimiliano Celeste (*) - Ristorante Il Portale in Verbania
Lobster, lemon grass, veal, raspberries
Michel Juilllot Mercurey Blanc 2003

Antonino Cannavacciuolo (**) - Villa Crespi in Orta San Giulio
Glazed, vacuum-sealed pork cheek cooked at low temperature
shredded oxtail wrapped in filo dough
Brunello di Montalcino ‘Le Macioche’ 2013

Marco Sacco (**) - Ristorante Piccolo Lago on Lake Mergozzo
"My way tart"
Champagne Lanson White Label Brut

During the evening the Alessi Career Award was presented to Cesare Ponti who, with Ponti Spa, has exported vinegar, pickles and pepper from Novara to all over the world thus bringing much prestige to “Made in Italy”.

At the end of the evening special thanks were given to Oreste Primatesta, owner of Hotel Approdo, who as its tireless organizer had been the heart and soul of the event. Oreste will join the Chaîne as a Maître Hôtelier during our 2019 Grand Chapitre in Pescara.

Isabella Varese
Vice-Chargée de Presse