Cooking show with chef Viviana Varese

The International White Truffle of Alba Fair is one of the main showcases of haute gastronomy and Italian excellence.

The theme chosen for the 2026 edition, Authentic Relationships, represents the natural continuation of the thematic paths developed in recent editions.

After placing the future, the intelligence of nature, and deep respect for the earth at the center, the Fair now intends to explore the value of authentic relationships: those between man and nature, between community and landscape, between tradition and innovation, between the territory and the world, and between those who safeguard the truffle heritage and those who discover it through tourist and cultural experiences.

The new image of the 2026 edition visually captures this approach: the paw of the tabui, the truffle dog, rests on the Tuber magnatum Picco held by a human hand, in a gesture of delivery, trust, and reciprocity.

Cooking show

The Cooking Shows offer an immersive experience of signature cuisine, where the chef prepares the dish live on stage, weaving together technique and inspiration.

Alta Langa elegantly accompanies the entire journey, which culminates in the tasting, enriched—upon request—by the White Truffle of Alba and exclusive dedicated gifts.

It includes:

• The dish prepared by the chef
• A glass of Alta Langa DOCG
• S.Bernardo water
• A 100g panettoncino by Galup
• The Tartufo Regale, an exclusive artisanal praline created by Michelin-starred chef Ugo Alciati, which faithfully reproduces the shape and color of the famous Alba Truffle.

Viviana Varese

Viviana Varese is one of the most authoritative and innovative Italian chefs.

Born in Salerno in 1974, she grew up in the family fish trattoria and trained in prestigious international establishments, including El Celler de Can Roca, Enigma, and Aponiente.

After opening her first restaurant, Il Girasole, in 2007 she inaugurated Alice Ristorante in Milan, earning her first Michelin Star in 2011.

Her cuisine combines technique, creativity, and respect for seasonality, enhancing excellent ingredients from both sea and land.

In 2015, she joined the Le Soste association and was named Chef Ambassador for Expo Milano. In 2019, Alice became VIVA Viviana Varese, included in the prestigious 50 Best Discovery guide.

Over the years, she has developed numerous entrepreneurial and gastronomic projects, including W Villadorata Country Restaurant in Sicily, VIVA il Bistrot in Noto, the social ice cream parlor Io sono VIVA Dolci e Gelati, and the restaurants POLPO and FAAK in Milan.

Since 2024, she also curates the gastronomic offering of Passalacqua, one of Italy’s most prestigious hotels.

Her career is accompanied by important awards: best female chef for Identità Golose (2010), Michelin Star (2011), 50 Best Champions of Change (2021), entry into Forbes Italy’s Top 25 Most Powerful Chefs (2024), and The WineHunter Food Star award (2024). In addition to culinary excellence, Viviana Varese stands out for her social commitment and for the promotion of female talent in the world of catering.

Beppe Fenoglio Hall

The Hall is dedicated to the writer from Alba Beppe Fenoglio (1922 – 1963), author of works such as Il Partigiano Johnny, Una questione privata, and Primavera di bellezza.

In the splendid monumental complex of the Magdalene Courtyard, the center of Alba’s cultural life, two large works by Gallizio face each other on the walls of the conference hall dedicated to Beppe Fenoglio.

This hall, set up during the Truffle Fair, hosts the Cooking Shows.