The Tortellante: an opportunity for autistic young people

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] In Modena, "The Tortellante" has been established as a culinary workshop for autistic young people. The project, initiated by the Aut Aut Modena association, is supported by world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore. The first edition of "The Tortellante" began in the first half of 2016. Silvia Panini, who conceived the workshop, stated that the Modenese culinary course has dispelled most of the preconceived notions about autistic young people.

The Tortellante

In Modena, "The Tortellante" has been established as a culinary workshop where autistic young people aged between 16 and 18 learn to cook, socialise, and challenge themselves, in a context different from what they are used to. The project has also involved world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore, along with many volunteers. Thanks to the commitment of the municipality of Modena, at the beginning of September 2018, the workshop will also have a physical location. There, the tortellini, known as the navel of Venus, produced by the young people of "The Tortellante", will be available for purchase. However, the opening of the shop will have to wait for the renovation works to be completed. Another course, called the "Laboratory of Autonomy", will be added to the workshop. Here, the young people will be divided into groups to be supported by educators who will teach them to be self-sufficient.

Job opportunities and tradition

Chef Massimo Bottura, who was a guest at the "Refettorio del Vescovo", cooked the famous tortellini for over 200 people. These were served by the young people of "The Tortellante", who took on the role of waiters for the occasion. This is an excellent opportunity for the young people, as the more skilled among them could find employment in artisan workshops and restaurants. But "The Tortellante" is not just this, as the workshop is a great way to keep alive the tradition of preparing the navel of Venus, a typical Italian dish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]