Bella Italia commissions Da Vinci's self-portrait made out of pasta, meats
The edible artwork was made by food artist Carl Warner.
Italian restaurant chain Bella Italia celebrated Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work by commissioning a self-portrait that has been reimagined with classic Italian ingredients following the launch of their brand new menu.
Made by food artist Carl Warner, the portrait is said to be inspired by Da Vinci’s passion for both art and invention, particularly in the world of food and kitchen design innovation, including his creation of a ‘spaghetti-making machine’ and an automated spit that roasted meat.
The edible artwork was made from six different Italian pastas, three cured and sliced meats, two artisan breads, mozzarella and a handful of olives.
Da Vinci’s passion for food is well-documented in the surviving ‘kitchen notebooks’, left to his student Francesco Melzi, in which the famed artist, scientist and inventor recorded his ideas on cooking, table etiquette and kitchen inventions.
The new menu, now available in all Bella Italia restaurants nationwide, introduces a range of over 30 new dishes including a traditional Cacio e Pepe, Gamberoni pizza, delicious dough bites and a brand-new range of desserts.
“Given our expertise in pasta, and with our new menu launch coinciding with the 500th anniversary of Da Vinci’s death, it felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Italian genius in the way we know best – with delicious Italian pasta and produce! We’re delighted with the finished product,” Bella Italia chief customer officer Célia Pronto said.
