At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Franciacorta, Italy’s premier sparkling wine, made its debut as the official sparkling wine of the Emmy Governors Gala. The post-ceremony dinner, held at the Peacock Theater on September 15, also saw Chef Augusto Pasini, from the Franciacorta region, make history as the first non-American chef to cook for the star-studded event. Joining celebrated American chefs like Jet Tila, Brooke Williamson, and Michael Voltaggio, Pasini’s contribution was a significant cultural moment for both Italian cuisine and the Franciacorta region.
Reflecting on the experience, Pasini shared, “I felt very proud, and it was a great privilege to be the first Italian chef to cook for the Emmys. It was an overwhelming emotion. Representing my culinary tradition meant putting my roots, my professional journey, and my emotions on the plate. During those days, it felt as if I could see the last 22 years spent in the kitchen in slow motion.”
A day before the gala, Pasini’s spoke about his signature dish—a unique take on gnocchi. At first glance, it appeared that the gnocchi might have sat a little too long on the fire, with the edges crisped to a deep golden hue, but once you hear Pasini’s connection to the dish, you realize this effect was entirely intentional. The gnocchi, as Pasini explained, was inspired by a childhood memory, and each bite tasted like you were in the kitchen of your nonna. “The dish aimed to convey a sense of home, family, and tradition,” Pasini shared. “It was a recreation of the taste I had as a child when I would sneak the last burnt, crispy bits of gnocchi cooked in butter and sage from my mother Giovanna’s pot. They were the most delicious part!”
The presentation was stunning, and it was gnocchi as it had never been served before—a celebration of Italian roots in both taste and experience. “I believe an important part of Italian cuisine is its connection to its roots, and for me, representing Franciacorta was an honor. It’s not just the place where I work; it’s home, and being able to be its ambassador filled me with joy.”
Franciacorta wines, known for their elegance and versatility (and the Italian Sparkling Wine Partner of The MICHELIN Guide U.S.), proved to be the perfect pairing for Pasini’s dish. “Like all prestigious ingredients, Franciacorta encapsulates the taste of celebration. I also felt that Franciacorta and I were the outsiders at these Emmys—we became part of such an important stage so quickly, and that takes boldness,” he remarked.
Pasini’s approach to pairing Franciacorta with his dish reflected the wine’s flexibility. “Franciacorta is an excellent ally for chefs because it always adds value to the dish it accompanies, whether it’s a slice of salami or pigeon with foie gras.” The dish itself was simple but bold, featuring three key ingredients and a sauce made with Franciacorta, which Pasini described as essential. “It’s the sauce that makes the dish; without it, the dish couldn’t exist.”
Crafting a dish that spoke to both his Italian heritage and the global audience of the Emmys was no small feat. “The challenge is always with oneself. Every day, in my work, I try to improve; it’s like training, just as it is for an athlete. For me, participating in the Emmys was like going to the Olympics. My goal was to make the best and most beautiful dish, whether for a restaurant guest or a star-studded gala.”
For Pasini, the evening was not just a professional achievement but a cultural exchange. “I wanted to show that the communicative value of food has no boundaries, and it allows you to achieve incredible goals.” His dish, paired with Franciacorta, delivered that message in both taste and experience.
Reflecting on the gala, Pasini expressed his excitement for what this opportunity means for his future. “I was thrilled that so many people had the chance to taste my dish! This experience rewarded me for all the hours of work I’ve put in over 23 years in the kitchen, all the potatoes I’ve peeled, all the burns, and all the Christmases spent working. I believe this is a starting point, not an endpoint.”
Hero image: All images courtesy of Franciacorta
