Al Porticciolo 84 has become the first restaurant in Italy to be Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified. Owned by Michelin star chef and MSC Ambassador Fabrizio Ferrari, Al Porticciolo 84 can now serve seafood bearing the certification program’s eco-label.
"I am delighted and honored. I really hope to be an example for many other chefs. I strongly believe in the MSC's mission and the need to raise awareness of sustainable seafood, especially in Italy. It doesn’t take much – just purchasing seafood responsibly is a great start. This is a symbol of the importance of protecting our oceans biodiversity for today and the future. We all need to do our part!" said Ferrari.
Located in Lecco near Lake Como, Al Porticciolo 84 is a member of the international restaurant association Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe.
Ferrari is a 36 year-old law graduate who grew up in his family’s restaurant kitchen. He has worked with other renowned star chefs, including Rene Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen. This week, he will also be speaking about certified sustainable seafood at the 2016 edition of Identita Golose, being held in Milan, and one of the most important chefs’ congresses in Europe.
Marianna Benatti, communication manager for the MSC in Italy, said the certification of the first Italian restaurant was an important milestone for the MSC and sustainable seafood in Italy.
“Many restaurants in Europe are already demonstrating to their customers the importance of sustainable seafood. Now a restaurant in Italy is joining this commitment. I’m proud of Fabrizio and his team for taking this bold and important step,” she said.
