La Dîner des Agrumes (The Citrus Dinner)

La Dîner des Agrumes (The Citrus Dinner) is an event that has been held for several years at Villa Medici, home of the French Academy in Rome.

Citrus fruits have been part of the history of this site since the Renaissance. Lemon trees, bitter orange trees and citrons have traditionally been cultivated in its gardens and used in the Villa’s kitchens for their aromas, culinary applications and properties. This dinner is rooted in that tradition and seeks to highlight this living heritage.

The event began with a citrus tasting from Todolí Citrus Fundació, conceived by Paolo Rosso as part of his project I Naranzeri. The day culminated with the dinner, a moment in which culinary practice, design and craftsmanship entered into dialogue with the historic context of Villa Medici.

In this edition, the gastronomic proposal was led by the chef-in-residence, Alice Héron, accompanied by former resident chefs Arturo Franzino and Martin Planchaud, together with guest chefs Harry Cummins, from La Mercerie (Marseille), and Léonie Augereau.

The project also involved the collaboration of various creators and professionals, including the ceramists of Four, Sonia Oet and Jeanne Viviès, responsible for the tableware and decorative elements designed for the occasion, as well as designer Martin Flugelman, who created the lighting installations incorporating citrons as lampshades. Marion Laperche (Marion Lemon Story), Laura Vidal and the Small Group team also took part.

For Todolí Citrus Fundació, it was an honour to be part, once again, of this gathering, which offers a space for reflection and creation around citrus culture.