With Enrica Della Martira in her Wanda Cafe

We discover the bistro that tastefully ranges from breakfast to aperitifs

What triggered your passion for cooking?

During my childhood I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, who passed on to me her passion for cooking. I loved spending afternoons in her company, watching her cook, and longing to taste her delicacies every time.

Why did you choose to participate in MasterChef Italia 3?

It started somewhat like a game. I was not satisfied with my work, and felt that I could do much more. So I gathered the courage and threw myself into this adventure. That’s where I learnt to always stay true to my style of cooking. I think that the winning strategy is to cook something that really belongs to us.

You opened Wanda Café in San Frediano, dedicating it to your grandmother. What does this place have of her?

It is a place where our respective identities are perfectly interwoven. My grandmother’s cuisine was made up of modern dishes, light but rich in flavour, tastes that blended perfectly while maintaining their authenticity. I wanted to follow her philosophy by enhancing her recipes with an international touch developed during my travels.

A place to be experienced from morning until evening. What inspired this choice?

To convey the idea that Wanda Café is a meeting point, a place to pamper yourself and spend the whole day, between work and relaxation.

What dish would you recommend we try?

Grandma’s curry chicken!

Your Florence in three of your favourite addresses.

Atelier de’ Nerli, my favourite restaurant; La Sorbettiera, which I think serves one of the best ice creams in the city; and San Miniato al Monte, the place for a unique view.