Description
INCÖ
La terra è viva
by Simone Cantafio
Simone Cantafio is the executive chef at Hotel La Perla in Corvara, located in Alta Badia, in the heart of the magnificent Dolomites. With an approach deeply rooted in respect for nature and the land, Cantafio has developed a culinary concept he defines as ‘the earth is alive.’ This philosophy goes beyond the simple selection of ingredients, embracing a holistic vision of the relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of a genuine and sustainable connection with our environment.
‘Thanks to my mentors, I learned that the value of raw materials is unique, but what makes it truly special is not only its taste, elegance, or transformation, but also its story. I refer to those who have made it great: who they are, how they raised, cultivated, or fished it—ultimately, who is behind the ingredient. Those stories represent the real value of my cuisine, so that the ingredients come from the values and principles of women and men who, like me, live to give their best. They are the guardians, and I simply try to support them in their daily efforts, which are not about recognition, stars, or medals, but about early mornings, missed Sundays and holidays, because even on Sundays, nature doesn’t stop—it continues its vital cycle. With this project, I aimed to give space and substance to their hard work through everyday cuisine: in the Ladin language, INCÖ means TODAY. INCÖ perfectly expresses what I wish to convey through this new guest table of mine. These producers arrive each day with true gifts, rare pieces, the best of their labor, the finest harvests; I just need to weave the right canvas around that marvel, to remove the extreme part of technique and cook with the instinctive part of the heart.’