On 23 September Massimo Bottura spoke about food and sustainability at the United Nations General Assembly. On 24 September the award-winning chef, whose restaurant Osteria Francescana has been ranked as the best in the world, came to Sotheby’s to celebrate his curatorial role for the Contemporary Curated sale. Joined by his wife Lara Gilmore, Bottura shared his passion for cuisine, art and philanthropy at a reception held in partnership with RIMOWA, whose 121-year-old archive is being exhibited at Sotheby’s from 20–25 September.
After explaining why he “jumped” at the opportunity to select his favorite works from Contemporary Curated, Bottura discussed Gilmore’s and his nonprofit Food for Soul, whose mission is to reduce food waste through healthy, equitable and inclusive community development. Having opened eight Food for Soul kitchens around the globe, Bottura revealed the organization’s next location will be New York.
Charlotte Van Dercook, Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated head of sale, had a reveal of her own: in addition to the 300-plus Contemporary works being offered in the sale, Sotheby’s will also auction an experience lot to join Bottura in his hometown of Modena. With proceeds from the lot benefiting Food for Soul, Bottura promised the winning bidder will not only dine at Osteria Francescana, but will also get to drive “very fast” with him in his Maserati. For more information on this experience and to donate or bid, click here.
Ahead view images from the evening, including the decadent seven-course dinner Bottura prepared, with dishes ranging from lamb tartare to his signature “Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart” dessert. –Stephanie Sporn
