The Accademia del Tartufo
Founded
by the Urbani Family in Umbria, Italy
The
Accademia del Tartufo was founded in Umbria, Italy in
early 2007 by the Urbani family as a tribute to their life's passion-the
elusive art of the truffle. The mission is to provide a mecca
for truffle lovers around the world-culinary professionals, scholars
and gourmet food enthusiasts alike-where knowledge, experiences
and innovations surrounding this gift of nature could be shared
both intellectually and gastronomically.
"The
Accademia's mission is to cultivate the culture and tradition
of truffles throughout the world," said spokeswoman Olga
Urbani. "While founded by our family, the Accademia del Tartufo
belongs to all those who fill it with their knowledge, love and
innovation for truffles and the unique culture that surrounds
them."
In
accordance with the Accademia's mission, all visitors are asked
to prepare their finest original truffle recipe to be shared by
attending students and reviewed by Urbani representatives and
Accademia chefs. These recipes are then archived and explored
as possible selections for Urbani's line of frozen truffle entrées-currently
under development and expected to become available for purchase
in late 2008.
The
hope is that visitors to Urbani's Accademia del Tartufo in Umbria
will enhance their knowledge and respect for the prestigious art
and culture of truffle hunting, production and preparation of
fine truffle cuisine by sharing their collective experiences in
an open and hospitable environment. "We want to inspire creativity
in the Accademia's students and empower them to share their truffle
knowledge and innovation with the world," asserted Ms. Urbani.
The
Accademia's structure also pays tribute to the truffle's natural
assets. The building, constructed entirely of crystal, sits among
truffle trees where the natural scent of truffles hangs in the
air, mixing with the scent of the truffle dishes being prepared
within the Accademia. Classes explore truffles from discovery,
to distribution, to preparation, beginning with the elusive history
of the truffle and offering a glimpse into the secretive world
of truffle hunting. The Accademia also plays host to celebrated
chefs and culinary schools throughout Europe. In September, the
Accademia will be visited by the Ecole de chefs Ritz-Escoffier
of Paris for a week long seminar.
Gastronomy
is not the Accademia's sole focus, however. The Urbani family
encourages the participation of all students interested in the
art of the truffle-whether their interests lie in culinary arts
and agriculture, or less analogous disciplines such as sociology,
science and cultural studies. "The study of truffles offers
insight into many disciplines of life," explains Ms. Urbani.
"For our family and for so many others, truffles are a way
of life and have been throughout history."
Entry
criterion to the Accademia is simple: Students to the Accademia
del Tartufo need only have an appetite and admiration for all
things truffle. Accademia programs-including seminars, lectures,
classes, movie presentations and tastings-are complimentary and
available in a wide variety of languages.
Other
Related Links:
The
Accademia del Tartufo
Urbani
Tartufi Launches Grant Program To Inspire American Chef' Use of
Truffles
The
Annual Urbani Truffles Academy Grant Program
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