OUR HISTORY

Caterina de'Medici was born in 1519 in Florence, Italy. It was a very important time in culinary history when she made the voyage to France in 1533 for her marriage to King Henri II. She brought a retinue of expert cooks who introduced to the French the secrets of the most sophisticated cooking of the time. It was a move away from Medieval heaviness and disguise, toward an emphasis on natural colors, tastes and textures. The art of making pastries, dessets and especially gelati was introduced. During Caterina de'Medici's lifetime, Italian and French culinary methods combined to form the beginning of classical cooking.

It is our appreciation for these cooking methods and the pairing of fine wines to accompany them that caused the Caterina de'Medici Gastronomic Societe to form in 1982. Our goal is to share knowledge and appreciation for the glories of classical Italian cooking, its great and varied wines, as well as its cultural heritage. Our members are men and women of all ages and backgrounds, as well as food and wine industry professionals. Criteria for membership is simply the love and appreciation for Italian food and wine, amenability with other members and a sense of decorum.

ABOUT US:

The Caterina de'Medici Gastronomic Society is a distinguished gastronomic organization dedicated to celebrating the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine. With a focus on the rich culinary heritage of Italy, our society hosts exquisite dining events in notable locations such as Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and various regions in New Jersey.

Our members and guests come together to savor the art of fine dining at carefully curated host restaurants, where every meal is a feast for the senses. The essence of our society lies in the joy of communal dining, where like-minded food enthusiasts gather to appreciate the diverse and exquisite dishes crafted by talented chefs.

Dinners are an experience like no other, starting promptly at 4pm on select Sundays. The ambiance is set for an evening of gastronomic delight, where food and wine from Italy take center stage. From traditional Italian classics to innovative culinary creations, our events promise a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves lasting impressions.

Join us in embracing the essence of Italian cuisine and indulge in the beauty of flavors, aromas, and shared experiences. For more information and to explore our upcoming events, please visit our dedicated page. We look forward to welcoming you to the Caterina de'Medici Gastronomic Society. Buon Appetito!