FICO, the Disneyland of foodies awaits you in Bologna
Last November 15, 2017 Opened its doors FICO Eataly World or what is the same, the largest agro-food park in the world . How could it be otherwise, FICO was born in Bologna, also called the ' ghiotta' (gluttonous) , homeland of tortellini, bolognese sauce and mortadella.
But before we get into the details, let's start with the introductions. FICO is the acronym for Italian Farmer Factory. ( contadine in Italian, hence the Sufic 'co') ; fico also means fig in Italian, in fact this fruit is the mascot of the park; and to say that someone (a boy) or something is fico in Italy means handsome, cool, cool...
FICO Breads
“The idea came up with the last MILAN EXPO , we were able to touch with hand the enormous interest in Italian food around the world . Our food is one of the most desired. Not only do we have an extraordinary biodiversity - and therefore, unique ingredients for variety and quality - but also a great know-how in the production and processing and an extremely rigorous control system . Also, our food is tasty, simple, healthy, homemade, accessible and executable by all. Our know to do represents the great value of FICO. It is a heritage that we have to preserve and transfer to the whole world”, with these words they summarize, from the organization, the reason for this project and what its aspirations are.
During the first FICO week has been visited by 120,000 people, always according to official data, and it is estimated that it can receive a total of 6 million visitors per year , 2 million from abroad.
Making dough on FICO
FROM FIELD TO FORK
One of the mottos of this project is 'from field to fork', so in its 10 hectares we find all the biodiversity of the country of the boot , through fields and farms in the open air with more than 200 animals, 40 factories where it is possible to learn live and direct the process of making meat, fish, cheese, pasta, oils, sweets, beers... And 45 restaurants, including bars, trattorias, cafes, food trucks and 4 Michelin Star restaurants.
Specifically in FICO you can reserve a table at the two-star Ristorante Cinque Enrico Bartolini of Le Soste , La Pasta di FICO from the Michelin star ** Pasta Bologna by Amerigo **, Il Mare di Guido of the Michelin star Guido di Rimini and in Rulian of the three stars Heinz Beck.
The universe of this sui generis amusement park, where more than 700 employees work directly, It is composed of 150 companies from North and South Italy of all types and sizes: cooperatives and consortiums, large groups and small producers.
They all share the same denominator: the passion for excellence and the commitment to promote Italian food throughout the world, one of the most cutting-edge sectors in the world. Made in Italy and a great attraction for tourism.
FICO orchard
COMMITTED TO EDUCATION
FICO is also education and research, since it welcomes the FICO Foundation for Food Education and Sustainability and four universities (l’Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, the University of Trento, the Suor Orsola Benincasa University and the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, which collaborate with the **Future Food Institute)**. In addition, with the aim of promoting food and environmental education for responsible consumption, it works closely with the Italian Ministry of the Environment, through **CREA (Council for Research in Agriculture)**.
In this ' foodie disneyland ' we also find six educational attractions dedicated to fire, earth, sea, animals, wine and the future ; a theater and cinema where around 30 events are scheduled per day; spaces for sports, reading and children ; a congress center for between 50 and 1000 people; Y six didactic classrooms , in which 50 courses are taught daily.
There are no classics monographs on pizza, pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, truffles, ice cream , but there is also room for slightly more niche themes, such as Sulmona Confetti or the licorice candies , among others.
FICO Showroom
In short, FICO – Via Paolo Canali 8, 40127 Bologna - is fun, culture and knowledge. "It cannot be compared with anything similar, because it encompasses all Italian biodiversity, from North to South, in one place", conclude its promoters.
You can explore the site on foot or by bike, on your own or in the company of the ambassadors of Italian biodiversity. **Open every day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and here, on their website ** , you can start designing your experience.