Fine dining at maximum security in Toscany

Cinzia Cuneo 3 giugno, 2013 cucine del mondo

Fancy a fine dining experience with a difference? I’d like to recommend the “Cene Galeotte” at Fortezza Medicea in Volterra (not far from Pisa). At only €35 (about $47) for a 6-course meal, including wine, you’ll have a memorable experience.

Once a month, from November to June, this restaurant, housed inside a high-security prison, opens its doors to the public for a gastronomy event.

Top chefs work with inmates to create the likes of Parmesan, pear and mustard tart, and veal cheek with artichokes, black truffles and mashed potatoes, with all proceeds going to charity.

Prison residents work as cooks, as waiters, as well as entertainers (yes, you’ll be serenaded while enjoying your candle-lit dinner!) Dinner is served inside the deconsecrated chapel of the 500 year-old fortress, set behind the 60 ft. high walls, watch towers, searchlights and security cameras.

Photo: YouTube, Cene Galeotte.

Photo: YouTube, Cene Galeotte.

Cutlery is plastic, in case you were worried….

If you wish to participate, book early on cenegaleotte.it, since all diners need to be vetted by the Italian Ministry of Justice.

* Update November 29, 2021: Please note that unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the organization of new “cene galeotte” is suspended for the moment.

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.