The gastronomic competition “Lick your chops” promoted by ADiSU Umbria in collaboration with Vivenda SpA, has ended with Vitaly Didyk winning with his Ukrainian dish Deruny. The ceremony was attended by ADiSU Umbria’s sole administrator Giacomo Leonelli, Umbria Region vice-president Tommaso Bori, regional councilor Fabio Barcaioli, Perugia mayor Vittoria Ferdinandi, Genoa mayor Silvia Salis, city councilor Andrea Stafisso, David Grohmann, Provincial vice-president Riccardo Vescovi, MEP Marco Squarta and Vivenda SpA, a company belonging to the La Cascina Consortium, represented by Giovanni Malagnino and Vincenzo Bottone.
«This initiative was born with the idea of putting students, their stories and their roots at the center. – says ADiSU sole administrator Giacomo Leonelli – Food is a door that opens to different cultures, and today these cultures are in dialogue on the same plate». The guests and institutions present at the lunch in the “Pascoli” canteen in Perugia, in addition to tasting the winning dishes, also tasted the dishes of the finalist students: Turkish-style red lentil meatballs by Zeynep Igde, Kibbeh with tabouleh and spicy potatoes by Sarah Fakhreddine, Gatò potatoes by Margherita Rossi. «We are very happy to have representatives from the institution, the academic world, the student community and the press – said Leonelli – This is a project that unites, that creates spontaneous meetings and enhances the richness of an increasingly inclusive ADISU, where every origin becomes a valuable part of our community, with the aim of its overall growth thanks to the interaction between different cultures and traditions, according to the best traditions of our region».
The competition organized by ADiSU Umbria was born in collaboration with Vivenda SpA «We are enthusiastic about the active participation of the younger generation – said Vincenzo Bottone, Branch Manager Umbria, Marche and Abruzzo for Vivenda SpA – Competitions like this are a valuable opportunity to celebrate multiculturalism through food. The four finalist dishes are a testament to how cuisine can be an authentic bridge between different cultures and traditions. We embrace this initiative because it aligns with the company’s mission and vision inspired by respect, curiosity and openness to global culinary heritage. In an increasingly connected world, increasing gastronomic diversity also means enriching our cultural background and strengthening the values of integration and dialogue between different traditions.”
«We are what we eat – said councilor Fabio Barcaioli – and today we have shown that we are an open community, able to welcome and respect differences. Through food you build bonds, discover new perspectives, and recognize parts of yourself in others. Thank you to Adisu and sole director Leonelli for their commitment to promoting initiatives that encourage hospitality between people. Congratulations to the boys and girls who today introduced us to their culture with passion and creativity, reminding us how great food can unite beyond all borders.”
The preparation was accompanied by chef Andrea Palmieri. «Thank God they didn’t ask me what my favorite dish was – said chef Palmieri – I wouldn’t have been able to choose, they were so delicious».
The guests and users present in the canteen voted for the best dish, thus determining Vitaly Didyk’s victory with his Ukrainian dish Deruny. In second place is Kibbeh with tabouleh and spicy potatoes by Sarah Fakhreddine, in third place is Gatò di potatoes by Margherita Rossi, followed by Turkish-style red lentil meatballs by Zeynep Igde.
