Olio Piro Proudly Supports “An Autumn Night of Italian Elegance” for Reffetorio Harlem with Food for Soul and Les Dames d'Escoffier New York
Olio Piro was honored to participate in the recent “An Autumn Night of Italian Elegance,” a fundraising dinner for Refettorio Harlem hosted in partnership with Food for Soul and Les Dames d'Escoffier New York (LDNY). This elegant evening, held on November 4, 2024, at Refettorio Harlem, brought together culinary enthusiasts, Italian food lovers, and esteemed chefs from the LDNY community, all united to support a cause dedicated to dignity, nourishment, and community.
As part of our commitment, Piro proudly donated our latest Cucino Extra Virgin Olive Oil, crafted for peak performance in culinary creations, as well as our signature luxury Piro bottle, designed for the perfect finishing touch at the table. Both products were available for guests to enjoy throughout the evening, allowing them to savor the finest in Italian olive oil and experience the distinctive qualities of Piro firsthand. Additionally, our contribution included items for the auction, helping to raise funds for a cause that aligns closely with our values.
This fundraising dinner is in support of Refettorio Harlem, a project by Food for Soul—an international nonprofit founded by Chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Refettorio Harlem serves as a welcoming place for connection, inclusion, and advocacy, offering meals to vulnerable neighbors, promoting a healthier and more just food system, and celebrating cultural diversity. Food for Soul empowers local communities by addressing food waste, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable practices.
A Culinary Journey with Les Dames d'Escoffier New York
The evening’s menu was a testament to Italian culinary excellence, featuring dishes curated and prepared by some of LDNY’s most celebrated chefs, paired with an exceptional selection of wines from Italy’s renowned regions.
The evening began with passed hors d’oeuvres, including stuffed mushrooms, focaccia with roasted vegetables, and bocconcini caprese. These delightful bites were perfectly paired with Planeta’s 2023 La Segreta Bianco and 2021 La Segreta Rosso, crafted by Dame Cathy Coluccio Fazzolari.
As an aperitivo, guests enjoyed black and green olive focaccia, roasted garlic crisps, rosemary cornmeal grissini, and parmesan pistachio puff straws, paired again with Planeta’s 2023 La Segreta Bianco and 2021 La Segreta Rosso. The aperitivo selection, prepared by Dame Kathryn Gordon, was accompanied by an assortment of mortadella and prosciutto from Rovagnati, adding an authentic Italian touch.
For the amuse bouche, Dames Silvia Baldini, Chiara Carfi, and Sabrina Notarnicola presented a chilled fall cauliflower panna cotta topped with Italian Calvisius caviar and an Urbani truffles bite. This elegant course was complemented by an assortment of Franciacorta sparkling wines, offering a refined start to the meal.
The starter course featured San Domenico NY’s renowned Uovo in Raviolo with truffle butter alla Tony May, an iconic dish brought to life by Chef Odette Fada and Dame Marisa May. Paired with Zenato’s 2023 Lugana San Benedetto Vineyard wine, this dish embodied the rich traditions of Italian cuisine.
For the main course, Dame Anne Margaret O'Hare served a pan-roasted Hudson Valley duck breast accompanied by Roman gnocchi and roasted autumn vegetables. This hearty and flavorful dish was beautifully matched with Pio Cesare’s 2022 Barbera d’Asti, providing a perfect balance.
Dessert concluded the evening with an olive oil cake topped with compote and whipped cream, crafted by Dame Yvette Leeper-Bueno. Additionally, Dame Silvia Baldini prepared poached saffron pears with plum compote, rounding out the meal on a sweet and sophisticated note, accompanied by an assortment of wines.
The evening was a remarkable celebration of Italian flavors, community spirit, and a shared commitment to supporting meaningful causes. Olio Piro extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team at Food for Soul and Les Dames d'Escoffier New York for their inspiring mission and tireless work. We are grateful to have played a part in this event and look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that nourish both the body and soul.
Photography by Lisa Nichols at Bread and Beast Photography
