©UNICEF/2009/S. Caleo

After spending the afternoon around Rome’s most bloody arena, the J8 were treated to an evening of high cultural cuisine by one of Italy’s most famous chefs, Gualtiero Marchesi.

Gualtiero Marchesi is considered by many to be the founder of modern Italian cuisine and was the first Italian chef to be awarded three Michelin Stars.

The meal was not only attended by the J8 representatives, but also by representatives from local Government and UNICEF Italy, giving the J8 their first taste of the diplomatic exchanges and events that often accompany international summits.

As well as a chance to sample some of Italy’s best food, it was also an opportunity to relax and get to know some new faces. Enjoying the fine Italian summer weather, the J8 enjoyed their opening dinner together outside at a leisurely Italian pace.

However, the meal was not just based on creating fine food for the J8. All of the ingredients originally came from outside Italy and became adapted into cornerstones of modern Italian cuisine.

The creators hoped that this would be able to demonstrate the strength and importance of cooperation. In the process of adaption these ingredients also changed the cuisine and strengthened it. The meal also emphasised very natural ingredients and eating with hands to remind the diners of the basic common features that bind us all together as humans.

The international ingredients used in the various dishes included potatoes from Peru, chocolate from the Andes and squid and octopus ink from the Far East.