Star Chefs Dinner

Star is born, a regional charity project conceived by Simon's Food and organized with Michela Paini. This event will combine local excellence and solidarity, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the Noi Per Loro Association, supporting the youngest patients in the Oncology Ward of Parma's Maggiore Hospital.

Under the Parma sky, STAR was born: a project that tells a story of human connections and the desire to create a support network. A collective embrace that translates into a convivial celebration of life and raises funds for the Noi Per Loro ODV Association, led by President Nella Capretti . For forty years, the association has cared for children with cancer at Parma Hospital and their families, offering them practical, financial, and psychological support during the most critical and difficult moments of their illness.

The idea was born from Simon's Food , aka Simone Gusto: a blogger, content creator, and influencer from Parma who, since 2013, has been chronicling the world of restaurants by discreetly reviewing venues throughout Italy, promoting the food sector. His vision, shared with Michela Paini —an event and conference organizer, passionate about good food, and a former ward volunteer with the Giocamico Association—has taken shape and found its most authentic expression thanks to the work of Reggio Emilia-born Brand & Identity Designer Davide Reggiani .

Simone and Michela, firmly believing in the power of synergies built on shared visions and mutual empathy, have brought together a group of diverse yet complementary personalities, united by enthusiasm and the desire to bring a shared and meaningful plan to life.

Thus, on April 20, 2026, the Reading and Conversation Circle inside the Palazzo della Riserva —a hidden jewel and the last residence of the Duke of Parma, preserved daily by the work of the non-profit organization led with passion and dedication by Cavaliere Dottor Massimo Fraconti and Commendatore Dottor Francesco Ferrari —will open its doors to 200 guests.

A rich buffet of regional specialties and finger food will welcome you, prepared by Francesco Ambrosini (Ristorante Locanda Stendhal da Francesco, Sacca, Colorno, Parma), Carlo Belloni (Borgo20 Bistrot, Parma), Giuseppe Mazzocca and Chiara Masino Quarta (Coce Bakery, Parma), and Federico Pettazzoni and Mario Zamboni (Comfort Home Restaurant, San Giorgio di Piano, Bologna). Exclusive cocktails by Bartender and Mixologist Mattia Schiaretti (Choice - Cocktail Bar, Parma) will accompany your meal.

The journey will continue through a menu inspired by the dishes of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza , divided into five courses, like the tips of a star, each created by four hands by 5 Starred Chefs with 5 Michelin Guide Chefs from the Emilia-Romagna Region.

Three appetizers: fish " Trout"   (Trout tartare, passion fruit gel, and basil) by Simone Bravaccini (Ristorante Del Lago, 1 Michelin star, Bagno di Romagna, Forlì-Cesena) and Demis Aleotti (Ristorante Bottega Aleotti, Crevalcore, Bologna); the vegetable “La Pizza che vuole essere Erbazzone” (Crispy pizza, parmesan foam, cream of herbs, onion, and puffed lard) by Andrea Incerti Vezzani (Ca' Matilde Ristorante Locanda, 1 Michelin star, Quattro Castella, Reggio Emilia) and Ciro Sieno (Enigma Restaurant, Reggio Emilia); and the meat “Nador” (Pea and watercress gazpacho, horseradish sour cream, and smoked duck ham) by Jacopo Malpeli (Osteria del Viandante, 1 Michelin star, Rubiera, Reggio Emilia) and Elia Otgianu (Brisla Trattoria, Parma). As a first course, “Rosette” (Rosette of herbs with caramelized eel) by Aurora Mazzucchelli (Casa Mazzucchelli, 1 Michelin star, Sasso Marconi, Bologna) and Dimitri Harding (Ristorante La Valle, Fidenza, Parma) and for the second course, “The Black Pig of Parma” (Braised cheek, cotechino and artichoke xo, snout salad, radicchio and chocolate) by Mattia Trabetti (Alto Ristorante, 1 Michelin star, Fiorano Modenese, Modena) and Mirko Pacifico (Ca' Apollonio Heritage, Bassano del Grappa).

The party will culminate with surprise sweet delights created by renowned pastry chef and celebrity entertainer Damiano Carrara.

Luciano Spigaroli (CEO of Ristorante al Cavallino Bianco, Polesine Parmense, Parma) and Benedetta Spigaroli (Event Manager and Director, Antica Corte Pallavicina, Polesine Parmense, Parma) will manage the dining room; Carlo Belloni (Borgo20 Bistrot, Parma) will be the Chef de Cuisine Coordinator, Viviana Fabbri (Wedding Planner, Bologna) will oversee the design and decor, and Erica Corioni , an event tour leader from Brescia, will handle the reception.

The narration is entrusted to the photography of Ioris Premoli (Still Life & Food Photographer, Milan), the filming to Davide Bianchi (Videomaker & Drone Pilot, Parma); the website was handled by the Dedeho Agency (Web Agency, Parma), while communications are handled by Parma-based journalist Chiara De Carli and food writer Asia Torreggianti . The social media content will then be shared by Francesco Lia with VisitParma , while the final video is by Mayonese (Digital Media Agency, Parma).

During the evening, the convivial story of wine and food pairings will be revealed step by step by Wine Storyteller Veronica Rossi (Food & Wine Content Creator, LoveFooding, Parma).

The young and lively Mario Bolivar , collaborator of Identità Golose and Gambero Rosso, will present.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased online at the official website www.starchefsdinner.it.

Star is being together, feeling good, being united, being at the table, because together we go much further.