Chef Butticè and the Christmas Lunch for the Homeless.

A Solidarity Event in Monza

On Saturday 14 December, at 12.30 pm, at the Pavoniano Artigianelli Institute in Monza, the traditional Christmas Lunch was held for the homeless and for those living in conditions of serious marginality. The initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Monza as part of the Monza.CON project, represented a moment of solidarity and closeness, made possible thanks to the collaboration of numerous volunteers, students and other local realities.

The event took place in an atmosphere of welcome and sharing, confirming Monza as a city attentive to the needs of the most fragile. The synergy between institutions, volunteers and schools has made it possible to transform this lunch into a symbolic and concrete gesture of Christmas solidarity.

Statement by chef Butticè

“Contributing for years now as a teacher and as a chef to the Christmas lunch for the homeless flatters me”

“Initiatives such as the Christmas Lunch organized together with the students of the Olivetti Institute represent for me the true meaning of Christmas: a moment of sharing, solidarity and closeness to those who live in difficult situations. Cooking has the unique power to bring people together, to bring warmth and comfort not only to the body, but also to the heart.

It was an honor to collaborate with the young students and their teachers to offer a small gesture that I hope has given these people a moment of serenity and dignity. I sincerely thank all those who made this day possible, demonstrating that food is not only nourishment, but also a way to take care of others.

I wish everyone a Christmas of hope, with the hope that this is just one of the many gestures of solidarity that we can make together.”

Collaboration between Schools, Volunteers and Institutions

The protagonists of the day were the students of classes 4A and 4B of the “A. Olivetti” Hotel Institute in Monza, coordinated by chef Vincenzo Butticè and maître Antonella Butticè of the Il Moro Restaurant, as well as teachers at the Institute itself. The students, with the support of their teachers, have shown competence, passion and dedication in taking care of every aspect of the event.

The contribution of the Pavoniano Artigianelli Institute and the support of local companies such as Brianzacque and Acinque Energia were also fundamental. The commitment of Mayor Paolo Pilotto and the Municipal Council, who served at the tables together with volunteers, gave further symbolic value to the event, showing a tangible closeness between institutions and citizens.

A Menu Designed by Chef Vincenzo Butticè for Christmas lunch for the homeless.

The menu designed for the Christmas Lunch has been able to combine tradition and hospitality, giving guests a unique gastronomic experience. Chef Vincenzo Butticè, with the support of the students and his team, took care of every detail to create a lunch that was synonymous with celebration and warmth.

The courses on the menu are as follows:

• Appetizers : Carrot and gorgonzola pie, Nervi salad.
• First course : Emilian lasagna.
• Second course : Roast veal with potatoes.
• Dessert : Artisanal panettone by chef Adriano Del Mastro, accompanied by a mascarpone sauce.

Lasagna and Roast: The Heart of Tradition

The Emilian lasagna, a symbol of traditional Italian cuisine, delighted guests thanks to the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail. The fresh pastry prepared by the students was alternated with a flavorful Bolognese sauce and a velvety béchamel sauce, all complemented by generous layers of Grana Padano.

Roast veal with potatoes was also a great protagonist of the menu. The meat, marinated with Mediterranean herbs and cooked at a low temperature, has maintained a perfect softness and juiciness. The potatoes, crispy and flavored with rosemary and thyme, completed a second course worthy of special occasions.

Not just Food, but Sharing

Christmas lunch was much more than a hot meal: it became a moment of listening and closeness for people who live in conditions of extreme marginality. The Councilor for Welfare and Health, Egidio Riva, underlined the importance of initiatives like this, declaring: “Christmas lunch is a moment of closeness to the most fragile people. It is also an opportunity to thank volunteering and the third sector, which collaborates with the Municipality in the fight against poverty.”

Guests were not only able to enjoy a special dining experience, but they had the opportunity to share stories and moments with the volunteers and institutions present, strengthening ties with the community.

Monza: a supportive community

This Christmas Lunch has shown how important collaboration between institutions, schools, volunteers and local companies is to create moments of concrete solidarity. Monza confirms itself as a city that knows how to put the values of sharing at the center, offering support and serenity to those who need it most.

The day left an indelible mark in the hearts of those who participated, confirming that, through teamwork and solidarity, initiatives can be carried out that can really make a difference.