Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine - Studying culinary arts through the ALMA-Prue Leith partnership Carlo-Maria Ricci (ALMA La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana | Chef Ambassador) Italian cuisine is deeply immersed in culture and terroir and the best way to master it, is to study it at the origin. Through the partnership with Italy's premier culinary school, ALMA La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana, the Prue Leith Culinary Institute has sent nearly 30 students to study in Italy since 2012. In this episode we talk to ALMA ambassador, chef Carlo-Maria Ricci, about the international programme, the challenges of studying in a foreign country and what the most important aspects are to master in an Italian culinary education. We also discuss the importance of learning 'the Italian spirit' and understanding ingredients. With Massimo Bottura's restaurant, Osteria Francescana, named the world's best restaurant on two occasions, contemporary Italian cuisine has taken a front and centre position on the global restaurant stage. In light of this we also discuss Italian culinary innovation and who the latest chefs are to look out for. To wrap up we talk about the culinary industry in a post-Covid world, which seems to promise even more innovation. Music : Stephan Gericke