La Locanda chef launches “Agrichef on Wheels”

Maurizio Bocchi, Agrichef invites food enthusiasts to join him as he travels across Lancashire for a new video series “Agrichef on Wheels.”

Sourcing the best quality local produce has always been a priority of Maurizio’s, with more than 80% of his restaurant, La Locanda’s ingredients locally sourced. A chef passionate about creating authentic, handcrafted dishes. But he also has another passion – Italian motorbikes – so why not combine the two!

From farms, forests and meadows to rivers and coastlines

Traveling by motorbike, cooking outside with local producers, Chef Maurizio will create traditional Italian recipes using foraged ingredients – on location to demonstrate what Lancashire has to offer, whilst respecting the traditions of Italian cuisine, culture and heritage.

Working with producers whose ethos aligns with his own – those who produce ingredients using natural farming methods, free from chemicals and pesticides; and the highest standards of animal welfare. These ingredients bring flavour and character that wouldn’t be possible with intensively-farmed produce or mass-produced produce.

A dietary staple

Importantly, Maurizio also uses the highest quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from Italy in his cooking. Extra virgin olive oil is integral to Italy’s culture and has been a dietary staple for thousands of years. At La Locanda their extra virgin olive oil is supplied by world acclaimed producers the Gabrielloni family from Recanati, in the Marche region of Italy. This is not just a business partnership but a lifelong friendship.

Maurizio, Agrichef says “I am impassioned to share my knowledge and develop people’s understanding of the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet; its impact on healthier eating and introducing Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a sixth element of the daily diet.”

To coincide with the week of this year’s Clitheroe Food Festival, Maurizio’s restaurant La Locanda will host an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Tasting Event (“Assaggi di Oli”) on Tuesday 8th August. With his vast knowledge, at this unique event diners will:

·       Learn how to recognise a quality EVOO

·       Taste a variety of EVOOs with home breads and crudité

·       Dine at La Locanda and enjoy homemade pastas with a glass of Italian wine (naturally!)

Leading the way

In 2022 Maurizio was named Marketing Lancashire’s latest Taste Lancashire Ambassador. Joining a stellar line-up of the county’s most celebrated chefs. Leading the way promoting Lancashire as a must-visit food destination.