@photo credits Andrea Moretti
Isa Mazzocchi, chef at La Palta restaurant in Borgonovo Val Tidone, has captivated the Italian gastronomic scene with her cuisine that weaves historical memories and contemporary creativity, earning numerous accolades including the 2021 Michelin Guide's Female Chef of the Year award.
Biography
Born in 1968 in Piacenza, Isa Mazzocchi developed a passion for cooking early on, growing up in a family environment deeply rooted in the traditions of the region. She studied at the Carlo Porta hotel school and began her career working with iconic figures in Italian gastronomy such as Gianfranco Vissani, Gualtiero Marchesi, and Herbert Hintner.
In 1987, Isa opened La Palta with her sister Monica and her husband Roberto Gazzola, who serves as the sommelier today. Located in Borgonovo Val Tidone, the restaurant has become a benchmark for Piacentine cuisine, thanks to a mix of traditional recipes and avant-garde techniques. Isa is known for her "La Palta method," which balances personal life and work, allowing all staff to harmonize both aspects effectively.
Isa Mazzocchi's culinary offerings are distinguished by the use of local and seasonal ingredients that narrate the countryside and agricultural economy of the region. Among the iconic dishes at La Palta are the "Whole wheat toast with preserved venison, sour herbs, and jujube mayonnaise" and "Seared sturgeon with smoked bean puree, lentil dressing, lemon balm, and crustaceans." These creations showcase her ability to reinterpret tradition with flair and technical precision.
Isa defines her cooking as "feminine cuisine," not for its delicacy but for its ability to nurture and care. Each dish she creates tells a story and conveys emotions linked to historical memory and personal experiences. Another signature dish is the "Rice Ravioli from East to West," which blends Thai cuisine elements with Italian ingredients, demonstrating her skill in fostering a dialogue between different cultures.
Throughout her career, Isa has received numerous accolades, including the Michelin Guide's 2021 Female Chef of the Year award and membership in Euro-Toques Italia, an association of Italy's finest chefs. She has also recently published her first cookbook, titled "Isa," which compiles personal and professional experiences.
Isa Mazzocchi continues to maintain a positive and resilient attitude, tackling the challenges of running the restaurant with determination and passion, and contributing to the training of the next generation of chefs by sharing her knowledge and innovative techniques.
