New York recently hosted an event that shone a spotlight on Lombardy’s culinary tradition, confirming its key role in the global food and wine scene. In the heart of Manhattan, at the Bar Milano of Eataly Flatiron, a select group of guests experienced an exclusive sensory journey, led by chef and television personality Roberto Valbuzzi.
The initiative, promoted by the Italian Trade Agency of New York in collaboration with Regione Lombardia, saw the participation of the Deputy Consul General of Italy in New York, Cesare Bieller, highlighting the institutional significance of the event. Alongside him, the Councilor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, Alessandro Beduschi, emphasized the importance of these occasions for strengthening the presence of Lombard products in international markets. In addition to celebrating the region’s gastronomic excellence, the evening served as a strategic milestone for the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The evening’s menu was a tribute to Lombardy’s tradition, celebrating its historical and cultural roots through iconic dishes. Among the most appreciated courses were saffron risotto with ossobuco, pizzoccheri with gorgonzola, and the quintessential cotoletta alla milanese. Traditional appetizers such as mondeghili and casoncelli were also served, paired with a selection of Lombard wines that enhanced every nuance. The dinner concluded with a classic regional dessert: sbrisolona with zabaglione.
What made the event even more engaging was the storytelling by chef Roberto Valbuzzi, who intertwined tradition and innovation, highlighting the value of Lombard cuisine not only as a cultural heritage but also as a prominent economic asset. The evening’s opening, with the cutting of a wheel of Grana Padano, symbolically represented the excellence of a sector that continues to stand out for its quality and authenticity.
The event also had a strong economic and promotional impact. The United States is a strategic market for Lombard agri-food exports, with numbers constantly on the rise. Erica Di Giovancarlo, director of ITA-NY, highlighted how Lombardy plays a key role in Italian exports, contributing to a sector worth billions of dollars.
But it wasn’t just a triumph of flavors: the evening was also a valuable networking opportunity. Importers, distributors, and industry professionals had the chance to engage directly with Lombard producers, laying the groundwork for new business collaborations. The initiative thus strengthened the bond between Italian gastronomic tradition and a market that is increasingly attentive to the quality and origin of products.
One of the key elements of the evening was the connection between Lombard cuisine and the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Councilor Alessandro Beduschi reiterated how Milan and Valtellina will be in the spotlight not only for sports but also for their ability to tell their story through their gastronomic and cultural heritage.
The New York event was thus a preview of the role Lombardy will play on the international stage in the coming years. With this initiative, the region reaffirmed its commitment to promoting an excellence that goes beyond national borders, transforming cuisine into a vehicle of identity, prestige, and economic development.
A taste of what Milano-Cortina 2026 promises to be: an event capable of uniting sports, culture, and tradition in a single, extraordinary experience.
