The food challenge is an annual contest in which chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and pizza makers compete to create traditional dishes that are most faithful to the Florentine wine and food tradition. 12 challenges are organised every year, and each one is dedicated to a typical dish – from castagnaccio (chestnut cake) to francesina (Tuscany’s leftover beef recipe), not to mention focaccias and first courses based on game sauce.

Each challenge becomes an event to celebrate the Florence culture and cuisine, with judges rating dishes not only for their taste, but also for their genuineness and their adherence to tradition.