When it came to Niçoise cuisine, she was never far away and, without mincing words, she knew how to defend the precious asset that is our culinary heritage. Renée Graglia has gone to join her last celestial team but, undoubtedly, she will always have a benevolent eye, wherever she is, on this passion that built her life.
As the iconic president of the Capelina d’Or, Renée Graglia was involved in every battle to protect and promote Niçoise cuisine. From cooking contests to the Nissarte Day at the National Assembly, including conferences on the typical dishes of this cuisine that is uniquely named after its city, she was by far the most fantastic ambassador of Niçoise cuisine.
But Renée Graglia also gave us the famous “Cuisine Nissarde” label * which rewards restaurateurs who respect the tradition of this local cuisine. Indeed, it was in 1995 when the Capelina d’Or circle and UDOTSI decided to label a cuisine too often undermined by many restaurants, just like the famous Niçoise salad in which one sometimes finds “exotic” ingredients as Mrs. Graglia liked to call them. Away with green beans, potatoes, and other green salads!
The world of Niçoise cuisine has just lost one of its key figures, but as she often said, “the story continues and we must keep up the fight…”. No worries about that, Mrs. Graglia, the next generation is already ready and will defend the values you have taught them over all these years…
Ciao Viva Renée…
