Prosecco DOC Maxi On Cooking Star: where the elegance of sailing meets the culinary arts 

Amidst the waves of the Adriatic, the spectacular Maxi Yachts, a symbol of luxury and elegance, took on a course among the islands of Istria. However, what made this event truly unique was that at the helm were not professional sailors, but star chefs, ready to compete not only in the kitchen, but also as skippers. After taking a sailing lesson from an international champion, the chefs took the helm of the Maxi Yachts, flanked by boat owners and seafaring professionals. It was a competition where talent and passion met, both between the stove and on the surface of the water.

The beautiful ACI Marina Rovinj, one of the most luxurious and modern in the Adriatic, was the setting for the opening of the event. Here, chefs discovered their pairings with the Maxi Yachts through an exciting draw, officially kicking off the competition. The atmosphere was charged with expectation, with institutions, journalists, VIPs and partners present to celebrate the start of this extraordinary adventure.

The second part of the event took place in the sumptuous kitchens of the Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula, where the star chefs, after the regatta, competed in the Cooking Star 2024 contest. Guided by Chef David Skoko, who selected products of the highest quality, the participants had to create an innovative dish to present to two juries: an expert jury and a popular jury consisting of VIPs, journalists and partners. The chefs’ creativity and culinary skills emerged in refined dishes that reflected their ability to transform excellent ingredients into gastronomic works of art. Each course was carefully designed to be accompanied by a selected Prosecco DOC, creating a perfect balance between the flavors of the sea and the fresh and complex notes of the wines.

Floriana Ružić’s appetizer, a julienned squid salad on ricotta and lemon cream with basil sauce, was enhanced by De Stefani’s bottle-refermented Prosecco DOC “Naturalmente,” whose liveliness and complex structure married beautifully with the freshness of the dish.

Fabio Groppi’s first course, a “Fake Risotto” with cream of rice, yellow carrots, sea bass, green apple and Nonino grappa, found its ideal pairing with Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2022 Brut from the Salatin winery, whose fruity and mineral notes added depth and contrast to the delicate sweetness of the cream of rice and carrots.

Another first course to remember was Nicola Laera’s risotto with asparagus, young leeks and bruscandoli, accompanied by a beat of raw mackerel. This dish was sublimated by San Simone’s Prosecco DOC “Perlae Zero” Millesimato 2022 Brut Nature, whose dry and precise bubbles emphasized the herbaceous tones and freshness of the raw fish.

No less interesting was the proposal of Alessandro Gavagna, who paired his pasta with monkfish, wild asparagus and raw tomato with Masottina’s Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Brut “Via Venti.” The citrus notes and minerality of the wine enhanced the delicate but intense flavors of the dish.

Moving on to the main courses, Felice Lo Basso proposed a potato gnocco with cuttlefish ragout and its black and lemon mousse, paired with Piera 1899’s Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2022 Brut Nature “Clâr de Lun,” which added a pleasant freshness and slight effervescence to the rich flavor of the cuttlefish.

Finally, among the main courses, Salvatore Bianco’s cuttlefish in toto with truffle and salicornia was accompanied by Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry from Viticoltori Ponte, a pairing that combined the sweetness of the cuttlefish and the savoriness of the truffle with the slight sweetness and delicate bubbles of the wine.

Each pairing was designed to bring out the best in both the dishes and the wines, giving guests an experience that combined the sophistication of starred cuisine and the freshness of Prosecco DOC.

The Prosecco DOC Maxi on Cooking Star 2024 culminated with the awarding of the best Star Chef and the best Maxi Yacht, combining achievements both at sea and in the kitchen.  

Prosecco DOC Maxi on Cooking Star provided a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of the sea and the charm of starred cuisine in an exclusive setting. This event, acting as a promoter of sports and gastronomy, celebrated an experiential journey that combined talent and passion. For lovers of sailing, cuisine and good living, it was a must-attend event.