On 19 November at 8:00 pm, InterContinental Sofia invites guests to an exclusive Gala dinner featuring Italian guest chef Giacomo Devoto of Locanda de’ Banchieri, a restaurant awarded a Michelin star in both 2025 and 2026.

Chef Devoto is a member of Associazione Italiana Ambasciatori del Gusto, an association of Italian culinary ambassadors. Under his leadership, the Lunigiana region earned its first Michelin star.

The flavours of the Ligurian Riviera will come to life in a specially created four-course menu with an amuse-bouche, inspired by the culinary traditions of Tuscany and Liguria. Each dish will be paired with a different Ligurian DOP olive oil and complemented by a carefully selected wine pairing, presented by Mr Spas Bozovayski, Wine Expert at BNK Wines.

The menu features:

♦ Amuse-bouche: Testaroli del Ponente with “Malandrone” Parmigiano Reggiano traditional Ligurian testaroli | “Malandrone” Parmigiano Reggiano | fresh basil pesto | crispy basil Olive oil: Riviera Ligure DOP Lavagnina Wine pairing: Franciacorta Berlucchi ‘61 Extra Brut

♦ Starter: Salt cod brandade – a modern interpretation Salt cod cream | salt cod foam | Taggiasca olives | caramelised onion Olive oil: Riviera Ligure DOP Lavagnina and Razzola Wine pairing: La Scolca Etichetta Nera

♦ Risotto: Risotto with Ligurian fish soup reduction Carnaroli risotto with Ligurian fish soup reduction | creamed with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano | wild herbs Olive oil: Riviera Ligure DOP Pignola Wine pairing: Rosato “Le Sabbie dell’Etna” DOC

♦ Main Course: “The Ligurian sea” – Mediterranean catch of the day monkfish | roasted fish stock | fish and milk sauce | potato mille-feuille Olive oil: Riviera Ligure DOP Lavagnina Wine pairing: Paolo Manzone “Carlin”, Nebbiolo

♦ Dessert: “Autumn” – chestnut cake in three textures Lunigiana DOP chestnut flour | chestnut cream and jelly | toasted pine nuts Olive oil: Riviera Ligure DOP Pignola Wine pairing: Terre L’Ocra Moscato Naturale

Before the Gala dinner, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the conference “A Taste of the Ligurian Riviera DOP: History, Culture and Territory” will take place. Leading experts will explore Ligurian DOP olive oil, its origins, distinctive character and place in the region’s culinary heritage. Guests will also have the opportunity to taste the olive oils during the Gala dinner.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the culinary world of Italy and discover the authentic flavours of the Ligurian Riviera.

The event is organised in partnership with Accademia Italiana della Cucina Sofia, the Italian Cultural Institute in Sofia, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria.

InterContinental Sofia looks forward to welcoming guests to the event! Places are limited.

Price for the gala dinner, including an exclusive wine selection generously provided by BNK Wines: €119 per person

For reservations: ☎️ +359 87 961 2850 ✉️ violeta.milusheva@ihg.com