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Murmurs of mmm and exhales of ahhh abounded at Taste: In Viaggio con le Diversitá Del Gusto, a lavish affair of flavours and thoughts held at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence earlier this year. Gastronomic enthusiasts from around the globe indulged in a realm of authentic Italian delights in a posh setting, designed by architect Alessandro Moradei, and produced by Pitti Immagine, an organizer of exclusive fashion shows and cultural initiatives. Steaming dishes of pasta, succulently cooked and cured meats; select quality cheeses, sinful delights, and others were offered by over 170 of Italy’s first-class exhibitors. While champagne flutes clinked and the aroma of delicious fare wafted through the revered venue, around 8,000 food enthusiasts and industry insiders were aflutter as they embarked on a five-stage journey set in a rich atmosphere. With every kiosk brimming to life and satiating Florence’s reputation as a key cuisine destination, the tastes and textures, smells and sights simmered a new meaning to the mores of food. The delicious flight through the organic and enlightening diversities of food was also paired with vintage wines, gourmet cook books and the opportunity to bring home mouth-watering finds from vendors like Donnafugata and Cioccolato Peyrano.

As guests savoured every bite, a glamorous resto-bar featuring a limited edition display of commemorative ceramic plates with exhibitor logos glimmered. Created by architect and designer Paola Navone in collaboration with Italy’s famed porcelain factory Richard Ginori, the exclusive backdrop paid tribute to the event’s major players. “We are really very happy for how Taste has grown,” says Raffaello Napoleone, Pitti Immagine’s appointed administrator. A meeting ground for those seeking genuine, authentic flavours, Taste is the brainchild of Davide Paolini, referred to as the “Gastronaut” for his vast experience as an explorer of tastes. The three-day, fourth edition event also introduced Fuori di Taste, a new program dedicated to highlighting foods around the city through 40 fun-filled events. With every visitor lovestruck by the Taste fair, palates were abuzz in the heart of Italy’s historically rich Florence. www.pittimmagine.com