Luna Nova: Chef Massimo Mantarro and Chef Tommaso Luongo Celebrate Vegetarian Cuisine in a Collaborative Dinner at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

Between the moon and the stars, on the day of the new moon in July 17, 2023, two “stellar” chefs pay tribute to plant-based ingredients by creating a one-of-a-kind dinner: the “Luna Nova.”

Massimo Mantarro, Executive Chef of San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, and Tommaso Luongo, Executive Chef of Botania Relais & Spa on Ischia will be collaborating to create this special event entirely dedicated to vegetarian cuisine, an area of focus for both.

In both Sicilian and Neapolitan dialects (the respective homelands of Chef Mantarro and Chef Luongo) –the word “new” is pronounced “nova,” hence the choice of the name of this never-before-created event, where the plant-based cuisine is the absolute protagonist.

Tommaso pioneered vegetarian cuisine on the island of Ischia at his restaurant il Mirto, which earned him Michelin’s green star. Massimo, on the other hand, who is the soul of Principe Cerami at San Domenico Palace, earned his first red star this year. He continues to emphasize his strong connection with the local culture, traditionally based on agriculture in full respect of the times and seasons that define the identity of his dishes and guide him in choosing the elements from which to start.

For the first time the two Chefs are creating a dinner that pays homage to the land and its natural elements – offering only vegetarian dishes, selected from the different raw materials of the two islands, Sicily and Ischia.

To emphasize the importance of Mother Nature’s “phases” that give life to the elements of the land, protagonists of the cuisine, the Chefs chose the new moon evening, an occasion on which traditionally people “seed” for the future. In fact, during this natural stage, vegetable roots and leaves grow more easily. Farmers have always looked to the phases of the moon to plan their work; an ancient tradition that has been preserved through the centuries and believes in the moon’s influence on agriculture, in every part of it – from sowing to pruning and harvesting.  Symbolically the new moon is also a wonderful opportunity to “plant” one’s dreams and express hopes and intensions for the future.

The dinner will also be held for the first time in the Belvedere Garden of the iconic hotel in Taormina – where nature itself takes centre stage and envelops guests in the enchanted atmosphere of an elegant Sicilian Garden.