Chef Alessandro Borghese is marking International Women’s Day 2026 with a culinary tribute to women, creating two special dishes at his restaurants in Milan and Venice. The initiative, titled “La Luce della Donna” (The Light of Woman), aims to honor the strength and elegance of women through innovative gastronomy, available from March 6th to 8th.
The celebration extends beyond the kitchen, with an art exhibition complementing the dining experience in Venice. Borghese, known for his popular television show Alessandro Borghese 4 Ristoranti, continues to blend his passion for food with artistic expression, offering a unique experience for diners on this special occasion.
Borghese’s restaurants, AB – Il lusso della semplicità, will feature distinct dishes dedicated to his daughters, Alexandra and Arizona. This personal touch underscores the chef’s intention to create a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to the women who inspire him.
A Culinary Homage in Venice: “Arizona”
At AB – Il lusso della semplicità in Venice, located within the historic Palazzo Vendramin Calergi – which too houses the Casinò di Venezia – diners can experience “Arizona,” a savory creation dedicated to Borghese’s eldest daughter. The dish is described as a contemporary Italian interpretation featuring sunflower-shaped pasta filled with fresh goat cheese, accompanied by lime-marinated pink shrimp, yeast sauce, beetroot, and lagoon herbs. Virgilio.it details the dish as a representation of a “gentle and curious light that blooms free and luminous.”
Sweet Dedication in Milan: “Alexandra”
In Milan, at the AB – Il lusso della semplicità restaurant in the CityLife district, the celebration takes a sweeter turn with “Alexandra,” a dessert honoring Borghese’s younger daughter. This creation combines a vanilla Bavarian cream with white chocolate and yuzu mousse, pineapple and lime gelée, and passion fruit crisp. Sorsidimorsus.blogspot.com describes it as “a sweet and sparkling light capable of surprising.”
“4 Ristoranti” and Borghese’s Continued Success
Alessandro Borghese’s culinary influence extends beyond his restaurants, largely due to the success of his television program, Alessandro Borghese 4 Ristoranti. Now in its eleventh season, the show continues to attract a large audience on Sky Uno and NOW. The format pits four restaurants against each other, judged on location, menu, service, and a special category linked to local cuisine, with Borghese’s final verdict often proving decisive.
The show celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2025 with an event in Milan’s Piazza dei Mercanti, demonstrating the strong connection between Borghese and his fans. The 2025-2026 season continued to explore diverse Italian culinary landscapes, from the hills of Piacenza to Mount Etna, and cities like Turin, Pisa, Chioggia, and Reggio Calabria.
Art and Gastronomy Converge in Venice
Adding another layer to the celebration, the AB – Il lusso della semplicità in Venice will host a temporary art exhibition titled “Sapori Urbani” (Urban Flavors) by Pier Paolo Spinazzè, known as Cibo. Curated by Professor Simone Ceschin and organized by Tabor Group – Tabor Art division, the exhibition explores the intersection of street art and culinary traditions.
As International Women’s Day approaches, Alessandro Borghese’s “La Luce della Donna” initiative offers a unique and flavorful way to celebrate the contributions of women, blending culinary artistry with a personal tribute to his daughters. The special menus will be available for a limited time, providing a memorable dining experience for those seeking to honor the occasion.
Share your thoughts on this culinary tribute and how you plan to celebrate International Women’s Day in the comments below.
