ROME—The Collegium Cocorum is a career award earned through years of tireless service, one shift after another, for over a quarter of a century devoted to the culinary arts.
Among those called to the stage was a name that had crossed half the world to be there: Sandro Isabella, a chef from Lamezia Terme (Catanzaro) who has spent years bringing Italian cuisine to Australia.
He took an intercontinental flight, travelling thousands of kilometres to experience the moment in person. By his side was his brother Fabio, because at times like these, family must be close.
When his name was announced, the hall erupted in an unrestrained round of applause as more than 500 chefs shared in his emotion. On stage, Isabella reunited with old friends and classmates, companions through years of hard work, dreams and difficult hours—many of whom also received the same honour.
This was not a medal for cooking well, but recognition for those who never gave up.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, described by the chefs as “a friend of the Federation”, as food critics and leading figures from the culinary world were also present.
The event was broadcast nationwide on Rai’s Mi manda Rai Tre, transforming the event from a simple award ceremony to a public tribute.
With the humility of someone who knows that glory may fade but love for one’s craft endures, Isabella said proudly:
“This recognition holds within it my entire story in the kitchen.”
True careers don’t need fireworks—they are built on 5 a.m. alarms, hands marked by cuts and burns, and an unyielding love for the work itself.
