Slow Food, Fast Cars: Casa Maria Luigia Cookbook by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore (Signed Edition)

Add an exclusive touch to your culinary collection with this special edition of Slow Food, Fast Cars: Casa Maria Luigia – Stories and Recipes, personally signed by chef Massimo Bottura and restauranteur Lara Gilmore.

This breathtaking cookbook invites you to experience the enchanting world of Casa Maria Luigia, an idyllic guest house nestled in the heart of the Italian countryside.

When Massimo and Lara opened Casa Maria Luigia, their vision was to offer guests a remarkable experience—an opportunity to revel in the splendor of the Emilia-Romagna region while savoring its delectable, earthy cuisine.

Beyond outstanding food, the country house also boasts remarkable art, design objects, exquisite interiors, and an impressive collection of cars and motorcycles.

Within the pages of this book, you will embark on a sensory journey guided by illuminating texts, simple yet irresistible recipes, and evocative images that capture the essence of staying at Casa Maria Luigia.

Slow Food, Fast Cars features 85 recipes inspired by the dishes and drinks served at the villa, allowing you to experience the magic of the Italian estate within the comfort of your own home.

The cookbook leaves no culinary desire unfulfilled: from delightful jams and preserves to mouthwatering cakes and pastries, from frittatas and focaccias, vibrant salads and refreshing beverages, to exquisite fish, meat, and vegetable dishes, with each recipe offering seasonal variations, and insights into their origins and the regional ingredients that make them truly authentic.

As you delve deeper into this culinary journey, uncover Casa Maria Luigia’s seamless blend of the past with the contemporary, presenting a harmonious fusion of old and new, from the captivating art gracing its walls to the remarkable collection of cars, the meticulous design, the enchanting garden, and the awe-inspiring landscape.

Of course, Slow Food, Fast Cars also celebrates the incredible food that takes center stage in this remarkable setting!

Don’t miss your opportunity to own this signed edition of Slow Food, Fast Cars: Casa Maria Luigia – Stories and Recipes celebrating Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore’s passion, creativity, and dedication, and prepare to be transported to the heart of Emilia-Romagna as you infuse your kitchen with the magic of Casa Maria Luigia.

About Chef Massimo Bottura

Renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura revolutionized Italian gastronomy at Osteria Francescana, his prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Modena.

Since its establishment in 1995, Osteria Francescana has garnered numerous accolades, including topping The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in both 2016 and 2018 while maintaining its three Michelin stars since 2012.

Bottura’s culinary style is an exquisite fusion of innovation and tradition, rooted in a profound exploration of Italian cooking, drawing inspiration from history, art, and philosophy.

In 2011, Bottura expanded his culinary empire by acquiring Franceschetta58, another Modena-based restaurant. Unlike its counterpart, Osteria Francescana, Franceschetta58 adopts a contemporary bistro concept, providing a convivial atmosphere that showcases local ingredients.

Bottura’s visionary talent and creativity have gained global recognition through his appearances on the first episode of the popular Netflix series Chef’s Table and in the 2016 documentary Theater of Life.

The latter documented Bottura’s Refettorio Ambrosiano project, a collaboration with Caritas Ambrosiana during EXPO Milan. This initiative aimed to combat food waste and address societal challenges by utilizing surplus food to feed those in need. The project’s remarkable success has inspired similar endeavors around the world.

Further expanding his gastronomic influence, Bottura has also embarked on collaborative international ventures. In 2018, he opened Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence, a remarkable restaurant celebrating the fusion of local traditions and multicultural encounters. This establishment earned its first Michelin star in 2019 and subsequently expanded to Beverly Hills in 2020, Tokyo in 2021, and Seoul in 2022.

In February 2019, Bottura partnered with W Hotels to launch Torno Subito at W Dubai – The Palm, and in May of the same year, he and his wife, Lara Gilmore, unveiled Casa Maria Luigia, a charming country inn set on an enchanting 18th-century estate in the picturesque Modenese countryside.

This idyllic retreat provides guests with an opportunity to indulge in Bottura’s exceptional culinary creations while immersed in the natural beauty of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Beyond his restaurant ventures, Bottura also produces PGI Balsamic Vinegar and extra virgin olive oil under the Villa Manodori banner in a testament to his unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest quality ingredients.

Furthermore, Bottura’s passion for sharing his culinary knowledge led him to publish six books, including Never Trust a Skinny Italian Chef (2014) and Bread is Gold (2017), offering insights into his culinary philosophy and showcasing many of his innovative recipes.

His most recent publication, Slow Food, Fast Cars: Casa Maria Luigia (2023), sheds light on his latest hospitality concept.

Massimo Bottura has earned his esteemed status among the world’s most celebrated chefs through his exceptional culinary skills, humanitarian efforts, and unwavering commitment to culinary innovation.

With his ability to gracefully balance tradition and innovation, he continues to redefine Italian cuisine, having already left an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy.

About Lara Gilmore

Lara Gilmore is a remarkable individual who has significantly contributed to the culinary and social spheres.

She married Massimo Bottura in 1995, four months after the first service at Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy.

Since then, Lara has played a pivotal role in the restaurant’s and the couple’s growth and success, overseeing its operations, international marketing, and communications.

Lara’s father served as the editor-in-chief for Reader’s Digest, instilling in her a passion for communication and storytelling and her vibrant personality and measured approach make her the perfect counterpart to her husband’s creative culinary genius.

However, Lara’s journey goes beyond the realm of fine dining. As a mother to a special needs son, she has faced unique challenges that have inspired her to make a difference in the lives of others.

Recognizing the need for a support network, Lara formed a community for parents in similar situations, which later evolved into a non-profit association called Tortellante which has created numerous opportunities for children with special needs and their families.

One of Lara’s notable achievements is the establishment of a fresh pasta lab and workshop within Tortellante. This unique initiative, launched in November 2018, provides young adults with autism the opportunity to learn the art of making traditional Modenese tortellini.

Beyond her involvement with Tortellante, Gilmore’s contributions extend to other remarkable ventures. Her commitment to using food for social transformation led her to become the president of Food for Soul, a non-profit organization founded by her and Massimo.

Food for Soul aims to combat food waste and social isolation by creating community kitchens and supporting projects that promote social gastronomy.

In addition to her numerous accomplishments, Gilmore has also published the cookbook Bread is Gold, featuring recipes from the Refettorio Ambrosiano, a project launched by Food for Soul.

Published in the fall of 2017, Bread is Gold showcases culinary excellence and highlights the importance of utilizing food resources responsibly and creatively to address social challenges.