Ciao, Milano Expo! Reporting from the city just before the Expo―② ~"Ambrosio's Cafeteria"~

The theme of the Milan Expo is "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life." As the first Expo ever dedicated to food, various food-related initiatives are planned throughout the event. Among these, a project reflecting the Catholic spirit of sharing bread and wine—seen in Leonardo da Vinci's mural "The Last Supper" in Milan—will be implemented in conjunction with the Expo. Currently in Italy, approximately 25% of all food ingredients are discarded weekly, while the number of people visiting soup kitchens providing free meals to the poor increases annually. Against this backdrop, the "Refettorio Ambrosiano" project was proposed. Famous chefs will use leftover ingredients from the Expo venue to prepare meals for the poor. The name, meaning "Ambrosius's dining hall," honors Milan's patron saint, Saint Ambrose.

For the first three months, 40 world-renowned chefs, including French culinary master Alain Ducasse, will take turns showcasing their skills using ingredients that are within their expiration dates but would normally be discarded. Food safety and hygiene are, of course, guaranteed. A disused 1930s theater (pictured) has been renovated by students from the Politecnico di Milano, with multiple contemporary artists contributing to its decoration. Twelve tables designed specifically for this event by leading Italian designers—Gaetano Pesce, Aldo Cibic, and Fabio Novembre—will also be placed in the dining hall. A visit by the Pope is scheduled during the event period. The project will continue for the foreseeable future even after the Expo concludes.

Additionally, the "Women for Expo" project has launched, reexamining food from a female perspective. It posits that women's knowledge and customs surrounding food, along with their spirit of hospitality, are driving forces in building new relationships between food and culture. At a meeting held last December at the Expo site and elsewhere, the "Women for Expo Alliance" was established. This alliance aims to have women worldwide tackle food loss (the issue of discarding edible food) and strengthen women's roles in agriculture. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and others participated in discussions about women's social roles and how Expo Milano will provide an opportunity to discuss new ways of life for women in agriculture, food, and business. During the Expo, events will be held for all women, regardless of region, culture, or age, to share their "recipes for life."

Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from near Milan, was selected as the Expo's official sparkling wine. The Italian Pavilion will feature a dedicated wine pavilion titled "Vino a Taste of Italy." In collaboration with the international wine fair "VINITALY," it explores the relationship between people and land through the depth of Italian wine. A space within the pavilion, named "la Biblioteca del Vino" (the Wine Library), will showcase wines from across Italy. Italy's renowned wine region, Langhe-Roero-Monferrato, was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Professional sommeliers will lead wine tastings, and events will be held on the terrace. Visitors can experience and learn about the 5,000-year history of wine and various aspects of Italian wine through all five senses.

Fashion brands are also using the Expo as an opportunity to expand into food. Prada acquired Milan's historic pastry shop "Pasticceria Marchesi," founded in 1824, and plans to open a new café on the main street, Via Montenapoleone. Incidentally, Prada also plans to open the Prada Foundation Museum in May. Furthermore, Japanese companies and chefs are opening restaurants in Milan one after another. By the time the Expo ends, hundreds of new establishments are likely to have sprung up.