Two degrees, work as a clinical psychologist, the Number zero. And, now, her nomination as mayor of Perugia. Vittoria Ferdinandi he has determination and tenacity to spare, qualities which he has always placed, before politics, in social matters, his profound interest. And it is precisely for this commitment that, in 2021, President Sergio Mattarella wanted nominate her Knight of the Republicrecognizing her the merit of having contributed significantly to the “promotion of practices of autonomy and social inclusion for psychiatric patients”.
Numero Zero the restaurant of the new mayor of Perugia
The recognition refers to the experience of the new mayor at Number Zero in Perugiathe first multifunctional center and most inclusive restaurant in Umbria, a place where the main value is the culture of diversity through work, good food and good wine. A restaurant that is certainly “special” and, precisely for this reason, extremely interesting. Here, in fact, more than half of the people who work are boys and girls of all ages with various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
During the day the place is a psychiatric day center and in the evening it becomes a restaurant: a space created for patients to socialize, but also a space of true inclusion, thanks to paid work. «Work is a primary need, fundamental basis for autonomy and the recognition of one’s social role” is the belief of the new mayor Ferdinandi.
Psychiatric patients in the kitchen
In a world where it seems to be becoming difficult again to recognize diversity as a value, Numero Zero has precisely this precise aim: to make diversity an asset including in the kitchen where the most diverse flavours and distant cultures mix with traditional recipes. Excellent menu where they appear excellent tuna carpaccio with mango salad, blueberries and passion fruit saucethyme and orange, the Chitarrini with lemon and basil with prawns and almond cream and again the gatzpacho, falafel, bean popcorn and courgette salad. Not to mention the Maritozzo filled with chocolate ice cream, berry coulis and cream and the Daquasè with coconut, mango mousse, white chocolate and raspberry ganache.
Respect for diversity and the environment
Plates and glasses have the authentic flavor of nature and that of respect for the environment. Why the kitchen carefully researches the freshness, quality and sustainability of the products that he puts on the table. And, in fact, many ingredients on the menu come from those small local producers who focus on innovation and low environmental impact.
At the center of Number Zero’s action there is the person, with his fragility and his uniqueness. Because only by creating opportunities for direct relationships with those experiencing mental disorders can we combat the prejudices that accompany it, finding the true antidote to indifference, marginalization and fears that everyone carries inside. And cooking is certainly a means that can help a lot.
