by Daniela Rector
It took place on November 26th, at theFerraris Hotel Management Institute of Caserta, the project's press conference "500 Gourmet. The small engine of great flavors", a unique initiative born from a collaboration between the Institute and the Fiat 500 Club Italia – Coordinamento di Caserta, involving local businesses, culinary excellence, and 500 enthusiasts. As moderator and, more importantly, creator of the project, I explained the format's origins, its structure, and the creative process that involved students, faculty, and professionals.
A key element of the initiative's success was the collaboration of the school principal, Fabiola Del Deo, described by many as an enlightened leader, capable of nurturing the institute's talents and enthusiastically supporting projects that combine innovation, culture, and local identity. Her vision has enabled the virtuous intersection of school, history, gastronomy, and automotive tradition.
It was highlighted that the Caserta Coordination was among the first in Italy to have conceived a project capable of combining the history and charm of the Fiat 500 with the curiosity, creativity, and vision of the future of the students. This synergy was made possible by the collaboration between myself and the trustee. Domenico Filippella, in order to create an innovative model destined to be replicated.
La press conference It was a great turnout, with a packed hall of students, faculty, enthusiasts, and institutional representatives. Numerous Cinquecento enthusiasts also attended, demonstrating their attachment to the legendary Fiat 500. Among the guests present, in addition to the aforementioned Del Deo and Filippella, Michele Piccolo, owner of Piccolo Supermarkets and the event's main sponsor; Colonel Antonio Grilletto, head of the Piccolo Supermarkets press office; Chefs Rosanna Marziale and Sasa Martucci, world-renowned ambassadors of Caserta cuisine; Colonel Di Palo of the Caserta Garibaldi Brigade, present in the room; and institutional representatives and local political figures.
During the conference the following were presented: five teams of students who created a dish inspired by the colors of the historic Fiat 500: Coral Red, Positano Yellow, Hope Green, Seppia Black, and Pearl White. The culinary creations were previewed and will form the heart of the contest.
The official social media of the institute is now active. online contest, where you can vote for dishes via reactions. The most voted color dish will be declared the winner at the end of the voting period.
The final phase, expected in the next few weeks, includes: the reproduction of the dishes The students will participate in a tasting led by industry professionals, the announcement of the winning team of the 500 Gourmet 2025–26, and the presentation of prizes and awards. All this will take place during the closing banquet offered to guests in the spacious halls of the Ferraris Institute.
“500 Gourmet” is more than a competition: it is an example of how schools and local communities can collaborate to build educational experiences rich in meaning and of how the Fiat 500 is a symbol not only of the past, but also of the creative and professional future of students.
