June 1 in Bitonto: Euro-Toques dinner celebrates extra virgin olive oil and Italian Cuisine UNESCO heritage

Bitonto will host an event on June 1, 2026 dedicated to extra virgin olive oil (EVO) and Italian Cuisine, recognized as UNESCO intangible heritage. The evening, organized by the Association Foglia d'Olio in partnership with Euro-Toques Italy, takes place in the historic Piazza Cattedrale and is the Puglia stop of the Euro-Toques dinner series.

The initiative links gastronomy, cultural identity and local production, with EVO at the center as a symbol of Mediterranean diet and culinary memory.

• Date: June 1, 2026
• Venue: Piazza Cattedrale, Bitonto (BA), Italy
• Organizers: Association Foglia d'Olio with Euro-Toques Italy
• Guest of honor: Michele Placido
• Key figures: Enrico Derflingher (President Euro-Toques Italy), Gennaro Sicolo (Italia Olivicola)
• Attendance: dinner by reservation, phone +39 3687501700

Four local Bitonto chefs will design the tasting menu, interpreting EVO through dishes that balance tradition, creativity and haute cuisine technique. The event is backed by regional and national institutions, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of Puglian olive growing.

The public program includes afternoon activities:

• a conference on “UNESCO Cuisine and EVO Gastronomy”, exploring the cultural value of olive oil and the future of Italian Cuisine as an identifying heritage;
• the “Olio d’Artista” exhibition inside the Cathedral, showcasing contemporary artistic reflections on oil and creativity.

Bitonto's millennial link with olive cultivation provides the setting for a celebration of food, art and place. For reservations and further information use the telephone number above; full program details and participating chefs will be announced ahead of the event.