Luca Gnizio: building a dish, from the garden to the table

2017-07-10 Eco-social designer Luca Gnizio creates his furnishings from industrial scrap. For the last ten years or so, ever since he founded his brand FordesignFor, he has offered environmentally sustainable design of high added value. Or rather, high added values: both ethical and aesthetic.
Gnizio aims to increase awareness among industries, for wider ranging, more concrete respect for the environment, and involves a number of social associations in making his products. It is the principles of cooperation and sharing that allow him to propose a new approach to the market and to consumers. A success, judging from the international attention that his creations have attracted!
What is the ingredient you can’t do without, Luca?
“Pasta, absolutely! However it is served, even just with “garlic and olive oil”. I think that’s the food I really couldn’t do without.”
What is the funniest item in your kitchen?
“A coffee pot with two spouts! But that might be because it brings to mind a funny memory.”
Is there a dish you’d like to try making?
“Homemade pasta and sauce. I’ve always loved the idea of eating something I’ve entirely made myself, just as I love the idea of eating produce from my own garden that I’ve watched growing day after day.”
Which recipe do you do best?
“Venere rice with squash, porcini mushrooms and gorgonzola fondue.”
What qualities do you appreciate in a cook?
“Above all dedication, sacrifice: working on days when everyone else is on holiday, living in the kitchen, even in summer, when it’s hot; rushing about while staying calm and polite, and expressing this by putting a lot of care into the dishes you make. I take this question very personally, because my father is a great cook and a truly talented pastry chef. And so it reminds me how important cooking was in my childhood. I think of when I felt sorry to see him go to work at the restaurant in the evening, and demanded to be allowed to go with him, even if it meant I had to wash the dishes. That’s what I did. Of course after the second evening, I realised it was not really much fun... And I remember my early jobs, when I was still a student. I worked as a waiter for five years. A very instructive experience – everyone should do it!”
What’s the meaning of food in your experience?
“Food is above all nourishment. If it’s balanced, good, and healthy, we will be too. It’s meaning is all about the importance of living. Food is life! Seeing as we can’t do without it, we might as well communicate and socialise while we eat.” (end)

Mariagrazia Villa