They are chefs, cooking teachers, or enthusiasts of Niçoise cuisine, and they are leading a common project: to have Niçoise cuisine recognized as UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
Their names are Laurence Duperthuy-Stramigioli, Alex Benvenuto, Franck Bermond, Eric Capuzzo, Luc Salsedo, Daniel Silvetti, and Franck Viano. Respectively, a Niçoise culinary blogger and newly a home cooking teacher, a historian writer from the County of Nice and author of five books on Niçoise cuisine and a member of the editorial committee of the Sourgentin, a recognized teacher of Niçoise cuisine at the Greta de Nice and a member of the disciples of Auguste Escoffier, a cooking teacher at Lycée Hôtelier Paul Augier, chefs, and owners of their restaurant Luc Salsedo and Lu Fran Calin and chefs labeled “Cuisine Nissarde,” and a former winner of the show “Un dîner presque parfait” and a member of the Cercle de la Capelina d’Or, they have come together to embark on an original adventure that could well have a very beneficial outcome for Niçoise heritage.
Their idea is simple. Try to have Niçoise Cuisine recognized as UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. A crazy endeavor attempted by these seven friends who embark on an adventure that is completely unknown to them… although: “Of course, none of us have ever compiled a request file for UNESCO, but we have come across fantastic people who warmly welcomed our initiative. It’s like standing in front of Mont Blanc… in flip-flops!” joke the project participants.
Indeed, the journey to reach UNESCO will not be the simplest, nor even the most direct, as the request process can take more than 18 months: “All the better, it will give us time to prepare and put together our file properly. What’s great is that since we’ve spread the word on social media, we’ve already received offers of help and a lot of support. The adventure is just beginning…” explains the group gathered around… a good table in the old town.
An association will soon be established to carry the project, and we will keep you regularly informed about this 100% Niçoise adventure that could turn a dream among friends into a reality beneficial to everyone!
The project’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cuisine.nicoise.unesco?fref=ts
