There are many ways to promote and make known the typical Sicilian cuisine and companies of the agri-food excellence, but the Gustoso Sicilian Food Excellence - the new business network created to bring to the United States the Sicilian SMEs characterized by typicality, authenticity, link with the territory, DOP and IGP principals, history and tradition - has identified a unique and highly effective channel: the association Les Dames D'Escoffier. 

From April 15th to 22nd, twelve Ladies of the Association Les Dames D'Escoffier will be on tour in Sicily to learn about the products, the chefs, the companies and the secrets of local food and wine. A tour organized by the Italian Culinary Foundation (ICF), whose founder is Tony May, guru of Italian food and ambassador of Italian cuisine in the world. The ICF, is a non-profit-organization based in New York that deals with the dissemination of a deeper understanding of authentic Italian cuisine and of raising its standards through training and activities.

The members of the authoritative philanthropic association Les Dames D'Escoffier are women belonging to the world of food, beverage and hospitality, a reality that includes more than 2,300 members, especially from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico.

The association bears the name of the inventor of Haute Cuisine, Auguste Escoffier, born in Villeneuve, France in 1846, Louber and chef of emperors and heads of state.

The tour will stops in several locations in Sicily (including Enna, Trapani, Partanna and Campobello di Mazara), where some of the major companies associated with the Gustoso network are located, and where 12 guided tours and tastings are organized for the 12 Dames.

The Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, a partner of the Gustoso network, will host the participants and will also be the headquarters of the Master Classes held by Chef Beppe Giuffrè in collaboration with Carmelo Trantacosti, Head Chef of the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea.

Peppe Giuffrè, 54, of Erice, an expert in banqueting and food, in reality it is a bit all these things together and even much more. Among all the roles, what undoubtedly suits him best is ambassador of taste.

Carmelo Trantacosti, a training course studded with important collaborations in the most prestigious venues of the Veneto and Italy. From its inspiration come dishes that satisfy the most refined palates, conquer the view and highlight a unique refinement.

The program includes important full immersions to discover unique tastes, in places rich in history and participation, and in the search for products that make Sicilian recipes rich. Les Dames will be conducted by Chef Giuffrè in the Ballarò market but will also have the opportunity to visit the fish market in Trapani. They will discover how the meat in Sicily plays an important role by visiting a sausage factory near Alcamo. Naturally, traditional cheeses will have their moment of glory with a visit to a dairy in Terrasini. And again, Chef Giuffrè will lead Les Dames to the Monastery of Santa Caterina to tempt them with the best of Sicilian pastry.

The last day of the great eno-gastronomic tour of Les Dames D'Escoffier will be reserved for an unforgettable fishing trip in front of the Gulf of Cefalù.

"The visit of Les Dames D'Escoffier is an important moment of divulgation, sharing and promotion of Sicilian cuisine, its products and its companies - says Daniele Cipollina, President of Gustoso Sicilian Food Experience - the 12 companies of the Gustoso network can benefit from this initiative to develop relationships with authoritative stakeholders from the United States. This appointment is a first moment of a structured project that intends to lead the companies in their paths of internationalization".