Our origins shape the way we cook, share, and connect.
This month, inspired by the question Where are you from?, we look at how food carries stories across borders.
At Refettorio Ambrosiano, Chef Virgilio Martínez brought a piece of Peru to the table, turning surplus ingredients into a moment of cultural exchange—one that continues to inspire us today.
Our journey is the result of the choices we make – choices that honor our roots, embrace new connections, and celebrate the universal language of food.
At Food for Soul, we believe that hospitality is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and seen. This idea, nurtured in the heart of Osteria Francescana, has transformed into a global movement that is about restoring dignity and nourishing the soul through food.
A moment stands out: in 2015, Chef Virgilio Martínez shared a piece of his story at Refettorio Ambrosiano. Drawing from his Peruvian heritage, he crafted refrescos – juices made from surplus fruit. He paired them with handwritten notes. Each bottle carried a message, an invitation to connect, to share a part of his culture. Around the table, these bottles became bridges, uniting strangers in a shared moment of discovery.
Fennel was among the surplus ingredients delivered to Refettorio that day and it became the centerpiece of a dish uniting Peruvian creativity and Italian hospitality. This spirit of connection came alive in a special dish he prepared for the community: Black Rice, Fennel, and Radicchio Salad. A reminder that food is a universal language.
Where are we from?
Food for Soul is part of the Francescana Family. We see hospitality as an act of love. We believe in restoring dignity through food. We celebrate diversity, and honor the stories each of us bring to the table.
Warm regards,
Food for Soul
