Celebrating Italian Style

Autogrill is consolidating its presence at Fiumicino by opening four new foodservice concepts in the new T3 area inaugurated by Aeroporti di Roma in December 2016. The additions will complete the company's existing food and wine offering by offering choices designed to meet the increasingly diversified needs of the Roman airport's multinational clientele.

Alongside a new Bistrot, a second Rosso Intenso and the first Kimbo Caffè Espresso da Napoli, the big new development - which has been presented to the press and bloggers - is the launch of Assaggio, a unique concept that takes travellers on an explorative tour of the finest wines from Italy's regions selected for Autogrill by ZONIN1821, one of the best-known wine producers in Italy and beyond.

Assaggio represents the new standard in wine and fish bars by combining first-class table service with a food offering which is overseen by Michelin star Chef, Cristina Bowerman, who also designed several recipes on the menu (the 65° egg, PDO mozzarella di bufala campana and potato in a pan; mezze maniche [pasta] filled with romesco sauce, mozzarella water and almonds; diced avocado, trout, pink pepper, tomatoes, sesame seeds).

Cristina Bowerman entertained guests at the press event with a special cooking performance.

"Autogrill is the world's leading foodservice provider to travellers: our philosophy is based on developing original concepts for a quality offering in motorway service areas, airports and railway stations all over the world. To ensure the very best, we maintain invaluable partnerships with star Chefs and with our new brand, Assaggio, the partners we selected are ZONIN1821 and the creative talent of Chef Cristina Bowerman - a team that enables us to take travellers on a tour of fine wining and dining", said Ezio Balarini, Autogrill Group Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

Commenting on her role, Cristina Bowerman said: "I am very happy to have worked with Autogrill again by creating a premium choice fish and greens menu to pair with the best offerings from Italian vineyards, and think it is significant that a company like Autogrill has a policy of investing constantly in developing innovating food concepts which are "fast" but nevertheless represent quality and are capable of elevating travellers' food experiences to higher levels."

The hallmarks of the Assaggio brand are its minimalist and contemporary design, and the choice of a location that is perfect for relaxing within the coolest part of the airport, surrounded by big-name boutiques. Everything is carefully thought out in the minutest detail, from plates provided to staff uniforms; from the elegant, gilt-edged menu to the intriguing shapes of the tableware and the colouring of the food, itself - as well as delivery of an expert and efficient service that helps customers to discover the peculiarities of the menu, the best food and wine pairings, and origins of what they eat and drink".

Assaggio's menu offering caters for the clientelle of Roma Fiumicino Airport throughout the day by including everything from the smallest of aperitifs to multi-course meals.

Visit www.autogrill.com for additional information.