A Journey Into Taste: Ischia Safari 2024 Is Less Than A Month Away!

As the calendar flips towards mid-September, anticipation is building for the eighth edition of Ischia Safari, one of the Mediterranean’s premier food and wine festivals. From September 15 to 17, 2024, the picturesque island of Ischia will once again transform into an epicenter of culinary excellence, attracting chefs, pastry chefs, pizza makers, and industry aficionados from across the globe. This celebrated event not only promises an array of gastronomic delights but also stands as a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of the culinary world, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation.

This year's edition is particularly noteworthy, not just for the diversity and quality of the culinary experiences on offer, but for its dedication to addressing pressing issues within the gastronomy sector. On September 17, the Lisola Restaurant will host a pivotal round table, gathering experts to delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the food and wine industries. This discussion will spotlight sustainability and innovation, crucial themes as the sector navigates a rapidly changing global landscape.

A highlight of the festival is the Charity Dinner on September 15, set against the stunning backdrop of the Hotel Regina Isabella. 

Under a canopy of stars by the sea, attendees will feast on dishes crafted by some of Italy's most esteemed culinary artists, celebrating both the rich local terroir and the art of cooking. Beyond the culinary indulgence, the event underscores its commitment to nurturing future culinary talent, with all proceeds dedicated to funding scholarships for deserving students of Italian hotel schools and purchasing equipment for professional institutes. This dedication ensures that the legacy of Italian cuisine is passed on to the next generation, making Ischia Safari not just a feast for the senses, but a beacon of hope and opportunity for young aspiring chefs.

The chefs of the evening:

●       Andrea Berton - Berton Restaurant (Milan)

●       Domenico Candela - George Grand Hotel Parker's (Naples)

●       Fratelli Cerea - Ristorante Da Vittorio (Brusaporto)

●       Fabrizio Mellino - Quattro Passi (Massa Lubrense)

●       Francesco Bracali - Bracali Restaurant (Grosseto)

●       Francesco Sposito - Taverna Estia (Brusciano)

●       Giuseppe Guida - Antica Osteria Nonna Rosa (Vico Equense)

●       Maicol Izzo - Piazzetta Milù (Castellammare di Stabia)

●       Nino Di Costanzo - Daní Maison (Ischia)

●       Pasquale Palamaro - Indaco (Lacco Ameno)

●       Riccardo Valore and Salvatore Elefante - L'Olivo/Il Riccio (Anacapri)

●       Roberto Di Pinto - Sine Ristorante Gastrocratico (Milan)

●       Savio Perna - Li Galli (Positano)

The  pizza chefs who will delight guests will be:

●       Francesco Martucci - The Masanielli (Caserta)

●       Gabriele Bonci - Pizzarium (Rome)

●       Ivano Veccia - L'Isola (Forio)

●       Renato Bosco - Renato Bosco Pizzeria (Verona)

The master pastry chefs who will enchant with their creations will be:

●       Gianluca Fusto - Fusto Milano (Milan)

●       Sal De Riso - Sal De Riso Pastry Shop (Tramonti)

●       Nello Iervolino - Indaco (Lacco Ameno)

●       Andrea Pansa - Pasticceria Pansa (Amalfi)

●       Galileo Reposo - D.Ream International (Milan)

●       Loretta Fanella - Loretta Fanella Pastry Lab (Stagno-Collesalvetti)

●       Mario Di Costanzo - Pasticceria Di Costanzo (Naples)

●       Benito Odorino - Benito Pastry Shop (Casal di Principe)

●       Emilio Panzardi - Gelateria Emilio (Maratea)

●       Antonino Maresca - Pastry Consultant (Meta)

●       Salvatore Capparelli - Pasticceria Capparelli (Naples)

●       Tommaso Foglia - Pastry Chef (Nola)

Ischia Safari 2024: A Culinary Journey into Taste, September 15 to 17, 2024

Mark your calendars, foodies!! The eighth edition of Ischia Safari, the celebrated gastronomic event that highlights Italian culinary excellence, is gearing up to dazzle the public from September 15 to 17, 2024.

The lush, green island of Ischia will transform into a grand stage for a "Journey into Taste," a sensory exploration that masterfully blends tradition with culinary innovation.

A Unique Experience for Food Lovers

Ischia Safari returns this year with over 300 of Italy’s finest culinary talents. What began in 2015 as a charitable dinner organized by Michelin-starred chefs and friends Nino Di Costanzo and Pasquale Palamaro, has flourished into an internationally renowned food festival. Initially envisioned as a multi-course dinner to raise funds for a good cause, the event has evolved into a grand celebration of food that attracts chefs, pastry chefs, pizza makers, producers, restaurateurs, and wineries. Thousands flock from all over Italy to savor the exceptional dishes, wines, and products on offer.

The proceeds from ticket sales will continue to support the provision of materials and scholarships for students of hotel schools, embodying the democratic spirit of Ischia Safari. This inclusiveness is evident as the event features both Michelin-starred chefs and local cooks, renowned pizza chefs and humble traditionalists, celebrated pastry chefs and young, creative innovators. The festival truly honors the great tradition of Italian cuisine, rooted deeply in family recipes and memories, making it a dive into the gastronomic heritage that forms the core of our cultural identity.

A Program Full of Events

The schedule for Ischia Safari 2024 promises a series of unmissable events that will delight the palates and senses of food lovers everywhere.

September 15: The festivities kick off with a Gala Dinner at the prestigious Hotel Regina Isabella. Around 20 Michelin-starred chefs and renowned pastry chefs will craft an exclusive tasting menu for 150 lucky guests, set in an elegant and refined atmosphere.

September 16: The celebration continues with the Festa al Negombo. This event offers a unique opportunity to sample specialties prepared by over 250 culinary stars, both Michelin-starred and non-starred. Chefs, pizza makers, pastry chefs, and artisans of taste will present their creations in a joyous, seaside party under the stars. The evening will be capped off with live music and a magnificent fireworks display.

September 17: The final day focuses on the future of gastronomy. A roundtable discussion featuring renowned experts will delve into future trends and current issues in food and wine. The event will conclude with a refined brunch and a prestigious pastry competition, where master pastry chefs will create desserts that embody the spirit of Ischia, blending tradition and innovation into masterpieces of taste.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website: Ischia Safari.

Ischia Safari, 17-19 September 2023

In just a couple of weeks, the 7th Edition of Ischia Safari kicks off  This fund raising event has reached it's 7th edition  featuring chefs, pizzaioli, pastry chefs, and artisans from the food and beverage sector with one objective in mind.  That objective is to raise money to train young people in the hospitality industry.  This year, the  funds raised will be dedicated to an institute in Emilia Romagna that the Saperi e Sapori Association, promoter of the event, has identified with the support of local chefs. The dates for this not to miss event are the 17th-19th of September.  

Nino Di Costanzo and Pasquale Palamaro

"The commitment is as always at the highest levels" – explain the Ischian starred chefs Nino Di Costanzo and Pasquale Palamaro, the two creators among the promoters and organizers of the event -. Already last year we witnessed the resumption of the event that for two years had been stopped due to the Pandemic, now we are even more charged and eager to do well, to raise funds for the training of young people who invest their future in this sector. We have already supported the students of Basilicata, Campania, Umbria, Calabria and now Emilia Romagna to establish a sort of bridge of solidarity towards a territory that, like ours, has suffered a flood and  where there are many accommodation and catering facilities, a natural employment outlet for young people from hotel institutes in the area."

Here is the breakdown:

17 September 2023 - Charity Dinner

The seventh edition of Ischia Safari will begin on Sunday 17 September with the charity dinner at the Albergo della Regina Isabella. The appointment is at the hotel's Dolce Vita restaurant where Michelin starred chefs will collaborate with pizzaioli, pastry chefs and food artisans will collaborate together to create an exclusive menu for a dynamic gourmet dinner that will be the forerunner to a very special event.

18 September 2023 -  Negombo Festival

The festa will be held at the Negombo Thermal Park. The long-awaited appointment in the bay of San Montano with food points and stands set up in the park of over nine hectares showcases the gastronomic excellence of the territory, with around 250 booths.  Not to miss!  A particular shout out to Ischian born and raised pizzaiolo Ivano Veccia who organized an amazing line up of 30 or so top pizzaioli from all over Italy.

me, Ivano Veccia, and Carl Sammarco

19 September 2023 - A Dessert for Ischia

This is something new for the 2023 edition, at the Aragonese Castle: the pastry competition (Entrance by invitation) that will identify a Dessert for Ischia, a tribute to the island and its typicality.

 The cultural association Ischia Saperi e Sapori - Cultural and Artistic Center organizer of Ischia Safari has as its founding members Nino Di Costanzo, Pasquale Palamaro, Giancarlo Carriero, Marco Castagna, Paolo Fulceri Camerini, Marianna Schiano. It is non-profit and pursues exclusively the purpose of promoting food and wine culture.

Involved in organizing Ischia Safari also two personalities known for their commitment to accrediting Ischia as an international tourist destination, Giancarlo Carriero of the family that owns L'Albergo della Regina Isabella and Paolo Fulceri Camerini, owner of the Negombo Thermal Park.

For more info and tickets to the events, check out the website.

I'll be at the Negombo Festival.  I'm actually quite excited since I haven't been since 2018.  You can see my video tour of the stands (in Italian) below.

Ci vediamo ad Ischia Safari!

Ischia Safari - 5th Edition, 15 and 16 September 2019

Chef Di Costanzo and Chef Palamaro

The 5th edition of Ischia Safari is just around the corner - literally.  In just a few days, the big green island of Ischia will be bubbling and bursting with activity with some of the biggest names in food and wine not only in Campania, but throughout Italy as well.
Ischia Safari is Chef Nino Di Costanzo ( Dani Maison -2 Michelin Stars)  and Chef Pasquale Palamaro's ( Ristorante Indaco - 1 Michelin Star) baby.  A baby whose intent is to raise money for aspiring and deserving youth in search of scholarships to enter into the restaurant world as well as help provide equipment and supplies needed for training at culinary schools.

There are two moments that will contribute to our fundraising with  proceeds of the tickets going  to the Professional Institute for Hotel and Catering Services" Antonio Turi "of Matera. This year, in fact - explains Chef Palamaro - the leading region will be Basilicata, in the year in which Matera is European Capital of Culture and is also Ischia's twin city”.

The fun begins on Sunday night, 15 September.  An exclusive gala dinner with top Michelin star chefs preparing a dinner at the beautiful Regina Isabella Hotel.  Here's the line up - Andrea Berton ("Ristorante Berton" of Milan), Andrea Aprea ("Vun" of Milan), the Cerea brothers ("Restaurant Da Vittorio a Brusaporto ”, Bergamo), Domenico Stile (“ Enoteca La Torre at Villa Laetitia ”, Rome), Emanuele Petrosino (“ Restaurant I Portici ”of Bologna), Francesco Sposito (“ Taverna Estìa ”in Brusciano, Naples), Gaetano Trovato ("Arnolfo", Colle di Val d'Elsa, Siena), Giancarlo Morelli ("Pomiroeu", Seregno, Monza), Jean Christophe Ansanay Alex (the Auberge de L'Île Barbe, Ile Barbe, Lyon), Pino Cuttaia (Restaurant La Madia, Licata, Agrigento), Vitantonio Lombardo (Restaurant Vitantonio Lombardo, Matera), Andrea Migliaccio and Manuel Conti (L'Olivo - Hotel Capri Palace, Anacapri) and many other chefs, artisans of taste, pastry chefs, pizza makers.  More info here.

Then on the evening of the 16th, over 200 stands feautring chefs, pizzamakers, and pastry chefs will take over the beautiful Negombo Spa with their delicacies, food and fun.

More info here.

New this year?  An after party on San Montano beach beginning at 11 pm for those who are not ready to go to bed just yet! Music provided by the  Frankie & Canthina Band.

"It is certainly one of the most important events on the island. We would like Ischia to present itself as a sort of center for promoting and enhancing the excellence of Italian food and wine. Because - explains Nino Di Costanzo - the products of our land are, together with our monuments and our culture, the best business card for those who honor us every year with their presence ".

Ischia Safari 2018 -A Lot of Good Hearts and Great Cuisine!

Chefs Nino Di Costanzo and Pasquale Palamaro

The 4th edition of Ischia Safari is just around the corner.  Safari - as I call it is the ambitious undertaking of two of Ischia's top chefs; Nino Di Costanzo and Pasquale Palamaro. This year promises to be bigger than ever with nearly 200 chefs, pizza chefs, and pastry chefs participating in two grande evenings on the isle of Ischia.(take a look who here) The objective of this fabulous fund raising event remains the same---raising money for students to attend hotel and restaurant management school. 

Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect...

Sunday, 16 September an exclusive Gala Dinner at  Ristorante Indaco featuring some of Italy's top 1 and 2 Michelin starred chefs.  Tickets can be purchased online here. 

Monday, 17 September a grande festa at Negombo.  A fantastic opportunity to mix and mingle, drink and dine.   Tickets can be purchased online here.

For more info check out the website!  For a quick look at what went down last year, take a look at my report.

Ci vediamo a Safari!

Ischia Safari - My Three Day Ischiaddicted Diary, 17-19 September, 2017

The dates had been penciled in on my calendar since last spring - and finally...finally the big event arrived.  Ischia Safari - a fun filled gastronomic fest on the big green island.  I had the pleasure to attend, though it was definitely a challenge balancing the island nightlife and work the next morning on the mainland.

I thought it would be fun to put together an Ischia Safari diary jam packed with ischiaddicted moments.  Here's a look - Enjoy!

Sunday, 17 September 2017.

2:15 pm - Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ciccio ,Forio

Though the press dinner was scheduled for 8 pm, I decided to arrive around lunchtime for a pizza and beer at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ciccio located in Forio.  There I tried Ivano Veccia's Da Ciccio - the house pizza.  The pizza is topped with creamy Ischia white onions (that had been cooked under ashes) along with  rosemary, basil, and oregano, fior di latte and mozarella cheese and then baked in the oven. After it comes out, Veccia adds his tuna capaccio - prepared by Veccia by placing the tuna fillets in salt, sugar, and spices for five days. 

Ivano Veccia's Da Ciccio 

2:51 pm - Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ciccio ,Forio

A quick caffe' before tackling the rest of the day.

3:37 pm - Negombo, Lacco Ameno

Veccia offered to give me a ride to my hotel in Ischia Porto, but first he hand an errand to run.  Veccia - pizzaiolo in charge for Ischia Safari - needed to light the ovens so that they'd be the right temperature for the following evening.

Ivano Veccia

3:51 pm - Negombo, Lacco Ameno

Michelin starred chef, fresh from a packed lunch service at nearby Ristorante Indaco, arrived to check thins out.  Palamaro, alongside Chef Nino Di Costanzo is one of the organizers of this event, now in its third year.

Chef Palamaro (right) and sous chef Tommaso Luongo

9:12 pm, Casa Colonica 1930, Negombo, Lacco Ameno

Press dinner featuring some amazing local dishes, sparkling wine, music, friends and fun!

Buffalo mil mozzarella cheese

Fried 'montanara' pizza

Fresh tomato salad

Friarielli greens and black olives

Bruschetta, butter, anchovies, and lemon/orange zest

Pane/Pomodoro - Bread and tomatoes

9:35 pm, Casa Colonica 1930, Negombo, Lacco Ameno
 During the meal, we sang along to Neapolitan classic hits courtesy of Girolamo Mattera.

Marinated sardines, mint, and fresh oregano

Fried cod and sweet onions

10:25 pm, Casa Colonica 1930, Negombo, Lacco Ameno
In the kitchen as pasta maker Giovanni Assante of Gerardo di Nola prepares his pasta and beans. Yum!

Jack Monti and Giovanni Assante

Pasta and beans/ pasta e fagioli

Spaghetti, pine nuts, raisins and very very hot chili peppers

Dessert! Sfogliatelle and donuts

September 18, 2017

00:15 am  Ischia Porto

Lights out for me! I have a ferry to catch at 0620 am!Yikes!

8:02 pm Negombo, Lacco Ameno

A full day of school, a rush to the ferry, and a quick taxi ride - my 2nd night at the Safari!

Around 2,500 people attended this fundraising event.  For forty five euro, guests had the chance to try five dishes choosing from over 100 chefs, pizzamakers, and pastry chefs. 

First stop: Chef Zone

Chef Crescenzo Scotti's stuffed pepper

Chef Lino Scarallo

Scarallo's beef and marinated eggplant sandwich and horseradish sauce

Chef Domenico Iavarone

Golden fried calf's head, white beans, and marinated onions

8:22 pm Negombo, Lacco Ameno
Pizza and Panini Zone

Gianfranco Iervolino's pizza with anchovies, garlic and black olives.

Gianfranco Iervolino

Ivano Veccia

Giuseppe Pignalosa's rucola, yellow tomatoes and tuna

Giuseppe Pignalosa

Bifulco's tuna and yellow tomato sandwich

8:57 pm Negombo, Lacco Ameno

Back to the Chef Zone

Chef Palamaro's dish starring pecorino cheese, pepper, sea snails, mantis shrimp, and frairielli greens

9:05 pm Negombo, Lacco Ameno
A little rock music with guitarist Matteo Di Meglio and company.

 9:09 pm Negombo, Lacco Ameno
Chef Zone
A quick conversation with Chef Crescenzo Scotti - (who later served as my uber driver!)

Chef Scotti and Emanuela Mazzella

Chef Umberto De Martino

Chef Giorgio Bartolucci's bastoa', foie gras, and apricot chutney

Chef Giulio Coppola's mussel soup

Chef Ciro Mattera's tanuta fish with burrata cheese,lettuce and red saurkraut

 9:56 pm Negombo, Lacco Ameno

Pastry Zone:

Here I found a couple of familiar faces and tried some tasty pastries.

Pastry chef Nello Iervolino's dish reminds one of candy often given to kids by their 'nonna'/grandma

Pastry Chef Angelo Tramontano's fried San Giuseppe zeppole

Random pics from social media...

September 19, 2017

05:25 am Ischia Porto
My taxi picks me up at my hotel.  Another ferry to catch! Grooooaaaan!

8:20 pm Ristorante Indaco, Lacco Ameno

Perfect location for aperitifs prepared by Michelin starred chefs for the last evening of Ischia Safari.  About a hundred or so guests.  I even wore a dress.

Chef Andrea Migliaccio

Migliaccio's pasta al genovese, beans, and friarelli greens

Migliaccio's marinated amberjack in tomato water with avocado, annurca apple, and sea asparagus

Butcher Mario Carrabs bbq platter

Chef Francesco Sposito's soft taco with celery, turnip, tuna, and a pistachio vinagrette

Sposito's crunchy part of fried macaroni

Chef Vittorio Fusari's perch fish cerviche and amberjack spritz

Chef Giuseppe Ianotti's 'tonnato sbagliato'

Franco Pepe's fried Ciro pizza

9:56 pm Ristorante Indaco Lacco Ameno
After aperitifs poolside, I'm led to my seat inside Indaco for the start of the main portion of our meal.  Each dish served with a glass of champagne.

Chef GaetanoTrovato's oyster and burrata cheese appetier

Chef Bobo Cerea's risotto with tarragon cream, pumpkin bisque, and sea scallops

Chef Gaetano Trovato's agnolotti pasta with red shrimp, zucchini, mint and caviar

10:57 pm Ristorante Indaco
A quick peek in the kitchen!

11:05 pm Ristorante Indaco Lacco Ameno
Back at the table...

Chef Pino Cuttaia's beef fillet, artichoke oil, and potato

11:22 pm. Ristorante Indaco Lacco Ameno
Pic with the brigade of the night.

Time to head outside behind the restaurant, on practically hugging the sea for dessert! I tried 2 dishes- that's all I had space for!

Pastry Chef Carmine Di Donna's passion fruit

Pastry Chef Antonino Maresca's 'Mexico and Clouds'

 20 September, 2017
02:00 am Ischia Porto
A last get together with friends while waiting for the ferry - at 2:30 in the morning!

So, that's my diary!
A grande grazie to Chef Nino Di Costanzo, Chef Pasquale Palamaro and my partner in crime, Ivano Veccia.

Ciao Ischia
Ciao Ischia Safari-

A presto