There should never be an Italian presence in Kenya without exchange, mutual learning (and of course respect). Especially when it comes to our institutions.
As part of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, the Embassy of Italy in Kenya has been organising masterclasses. Professional and qualified chefs from Italy come to teach local chefs and aspiring chefs some of the secrets and techniques that make Italian cuisine special, healthy and easier to prepare.
After spending a week teaching students at Utalii College, Nairobi's Hotel and Catering School, chef Luca Mastromattei, one of the world's ambassadors of Italian flavours, spent a whole day with 30 Malindi chefs recruited by PWAM to teach them how to make fresh pasta: tagliatelle, tortelli and ravioli.
This year, in addition to chefs from hotels already accustomed to international cuisine, such as Diamond Dream of Africa, Kilili Baharini and Ocean Beach Resort itself, which hosted the masterclass, chefs from local restaurants and popular 'kibandas' also took part, keen to add some Italian dishes to their menus to attract tourists, and also because Kenyans themselves are increasingly demanding it.
Amidst the burners in the large kitchen of the Marini family's resort, the chefs also helped Mastromattei prepare lunch for Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung'aro, Malindi and Watamu MPs Amina Mnyazi and Owen Baya, and county women's representative Mama Gertrude, who met with Italian Ambassador Roberto Natali. Together they presented the 30 chefs with their diplomas for attending the Italian masterclass, with a big party and a final group photo.
Mung'aro and Natali reminded of the strong ties between Malindi and Italy and the desire to work together to improve not only relations but also the infrastructure and tourism sector of the whole county.