After the remarkable success of the first three editions, which welcomed over a thousand accredited attendees, the Food Festival returns in 2025, organized by the online newspaper Linkiesta. This year, it will take place in Milan on May 25 and 26, 2025, at the Bagni Misteriosi of the Teatro Franco Parenti.

Conceived to address significant topics in the gastronomic sector on an exceptional stage, this Festival aims to unite people and stories, industry operators and the public in a productive dialogue, with professionals under 40 taking center stage.

The 2025 Festival will span two days, one dedicated to the public and the other entirely focused on workshops for industry professionals, allowing for in-depth discussions on the most relevant topics chosen by the editorial team.

The program for the first day, Sunday, May 25, is as follows: The day is free of charge and open to the public, with prior reservation required.

9:30 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy discussions with the Gastronomika editorial team while sipping coffee and herbal teas and sampling pastries from Festival participants.

10:00 AM

Expensive Breakfast

This session explores the reasons behind rising costs for breakfast ingredients, examining international dynamics, current political agendas, climate change, and shifts in dietary choices.

Speakers include Francesco Sanapo, Founder of Ditta Artigianale; Vincenzo Maglio, Cioccolateria Maglio; Cesare Murzilli, Pastry Chef at Portrait Milano; and Laura Prosperi, University Professor.

10:45 AM

The Flavor of Surprise

This interactive tasting guided by neuroscience reveals how our minds influence our perception of taste.

Led by Fiamma Rivetti, Coordinator of the Behavior and BrainLab Research Center at IULM.

11:15 AM

Changing Wine

As the wine sector undergoes transformation, this session discusses the ongoing changes, challenges, and solutions, including the rise of non-alcoholic options.

Featuring Michele Antonio Fino, University Instructor; Giuseppe Carrus, Gambero Rosso Wine Guide Curator; Pietro Monti, Winemaker and Vice President of FIVI; and Ettore Ravizza, Founder of Legendary Drinks.

12:00 PM

Career Changes

The post-COVID era has ushered in new realities for the restaurant industry, focusing on values, work-life balance, professional standards, fair compensation, and the recognition of employees to revitalize a profession losing its appeal.

Speakers include Daniel Canzian, Chef and President of JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs; Massimo Raugi, Director of Villa Crespi; and Andrea Chiriatti, Labor Manager at Italian Federation of Public Businesses.

3:00 PM

Normalize Normal Kitchen

Gaia Spizzichino, aka Normalize Normal Home, conducts a self-interview.

3:45 PM

Are Guides Still Relevant?

As influencers and social media change how people discover dining experiences, this discussion examines who truly influences restaurant success today.

Featuring Giano and Francesca from Cosa Mangiamo Oggi, Andrea Grignaffini, Gastronomic Critic, and insights from Marco Do, Michelin Guide Italy Communication Director.

4:30 PM

I Won't Change - The Obsessed Never Change: Or Do They?

Passionate artisans pay meticulous attention to ingredients and details while facing new challenges in their craft.

Speakers include Stefano Guizzetti, Founder of Ciacco; Giorgio Poeta, Beekeeper; Davide Macchi, Pappaluga; and features from Giulia Busato of Tocio Bread.

6:00 PM / 7:00 PM

Show

The Song of Recipes

Mila Fumini, a historian studying women's culinary manuscripts, explores their stories, revealing connections to medieval and Renaissance traditions. Along with Chef Alessia Morabito and scents by Filippo Sorcinelli, they delve into this historical journey.

Masterclass

10:00 AM / 10:45 AM

Restaurant Marketing

With Fulvio Zendrini.

11:00 AM / 11:45 AM

Changing Everything, Including Communication

With Mariachiara Montera and Antonella Gigante.

12:00 PM / 12:45 PM

Cured Meats

With the San Daniele Ham Consortium.

3:00 PM / 3:45 PM

Servers and Served

With Massimo Raugi of Villa Crespi.