Michigan, US, 4th July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Cuculia Ristorante, an exceptional dining destination in the heart of Florence, continues to raise the bar for fine dining with its groundbreaking approach to Italian cuisine. With accolades from prestigious organizations—including the Michelin Guide and the Forchettiere Awards—Cuculia has firmly established itself as one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, attracting both local connoisseurs and international food lovers alike.

Led by Chef Oliver Betancourt and his wife Roberta Del Prete, who serves as manager, maître d’, and sommelier, Cuculia delivers an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates creativity, quality, and sustainability. While the restaurant offers a wide range of expertly crafted dishes rooted in Italian tradition, it has also earned international recognition for its exceptional vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Global Recognition in the WE’RE SMART® GREEN GUIDE

Cuculia is proud to be ranked 10th in Italy and 94th worldwide for its vegetarian and vegan cuisine by the WE’RE SMART® GREEN GUIDE, the leading international guide for sustainable, plant-forward gastronomy. This recognition places Cuculia among the top restaurants globally for its excellence in plant-based cuisine—an especially notable achievement in a region known for its meat-centric culinary traditions.

It’s important to note that while Cuculia’s vegetarian and vegan menus have garnered critical acclaim, they are just one facet of a broader offering. The restaurant’s menu encompasses a full spectrum of refined dishes, marrying the richness of traditional Italian flavors with contemporary techniques and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

A Prestigious Michelin Recognition

Since 2023, Cuculia Ristorante has been recognized by the Michelin Guide—a globally respected symbol of culinary excellence. The Michelin recognition affirms the restaurant’s exceptional standards across all aspects of the dining experience, from food quality and creativity to authenticity and service.

At Cuculia, each dish is a testament to Chef Betancourt’s craftsmanship. The menu evolves with the seasons, offering guests an opportunity to explore both plant-based and traditional dishes made from the finest Tuscan ingredients.

The Forchettiere Award: Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany

Cuculia was also recently honored with the Forchettiere Award for Best Fine Dining in Florence/Tuscany. Voted by the public, this prestigious accolade further cements Cuculia’s role as a leader in the region’s culinary landscape. The award is a testament not only to the restaurant’s refined plant-forward offerings but also to its broader commitment to culinary excellence.

A Bold and Balanced Culinary Vision

In a city steeped in culinary tradition, Cuculia stands out for its bold, plant-forward menus that coexist seamlessly with more traditional Italian offerings. While its vegetarian and vegan tasting menus showcase the artistry and innovation of Chef Betancourt, diners can also enjoy a variety of other dishes that reflect the richness and diversity of Italian cuisine.

Cuculia’s success lies in its ability to reimagine Tuscan ingredients—wild herbs, seasonal vegetables, artisanal cheeses—in new and inspiring ways, without ever straying too far from the roots of Italian gastronomy.

Chef Oliver Betancourt: A Visionary Leader

With over three decades of international experience, Chef Oliver Betancourt brings a global sensibility to Cuculia’s kitchen. Originally from Venezuela, his culinary journey has taken him through renowned kitchens in France, Spain, and Italy. This eclectic background informs his innovative yet grounded approach to Cuculia’s menus, blending elegance with accessibility.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is central to Cuculia’s philosophy. The restaurant partners with local farmers and producers to ensure every dish is crafted with the freshest, most responsibly sourced ingredients. From minimizing food waste to adopting energy-efficient practices, Cuculia is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the highest culinary standards.

Redefining Florence’s Dining Scene

As Florence continues to evolve as a gastronomic destination, Cuculia plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s modern culinary identity. Its innovative blend of traditional Italian cuisine and celebrated plant-based offerings challenges conventional expectations and opens up exciting new possibilities for food lovers.

Looking Ahead

Chef Betancourt and Roberta Del Prete remain committed to pushing boundaries—whether through evolving seasonal menus, expanding global culinary influences, or deepening sustainable practices. As Cuculia moves forward, its mission remains clear: to deliver an immersive, refined, and unforgettable dining experience for every guest.

Conclusion: A Gem in Florence’s Culinary Landscape

Cuculia Ristorante has firmly established itself as one of Florence’s premier dining destinations. With Michelin recognition, a Forchettiere Award, and global acclaim from the WE’RE SMART® GREEN GUIDE for its outstanding vegetarian cuisine, Cuculia is a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in Italian fine dining.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.cuculia.it.

Contact:

Cuculia Ristorante
Phone: +39 349 434 4518 (Mobile)
Phone: +39 055 277 6205 (Landline, available after 5:00 PM)
Website: www.cuculia.it

A self-directed summer theater experience with expert guidance, immersive rehearsals, and unforgettable performances in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Dobbs Ferry, NY, 3rd July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Long Lake Camp for the Arts is proud to announce its much-anticipated 2025 Musical Theater Summer Program, offering teens ages 8 to 16 a unique and empowering experience rooted in full creative freedom and professional-level support. With enrollment now open and spots filling fast, families are encouraged to secure their teen’s place in one of the most dynamic performing arts programs available.

Set on a stunning 200-acre lakefront campus in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Long Lake Camp has cultivated a warm and nurturing artistic community for over 55 years. The camp’s musical theater program remains a standout opportunity for young artists to grow in confidence, skill, and self-expression—all while crafting unforgettable memories through performance.

“Giving our campers full control over their program, with seasoned guidance alongside—not in front of—them, makes all the difference. They leave not only with polished scenes and songs, but with a profound sense of ownership over their artistic growth.”

In 2025, Long Lake is offering two immersive six-week sessions and three intensive three-week sessions. The six-week sessions begin on June 22 and July 14. The three-week sessions start on June 22, July 14, and August 4. Pricing and additional information are available on the camp’s official website.

What sets Long Lake’s musical theater program apart is its approach to growth and creativity. Campers are granted 100% choice in their training experience. Each performer decides which roles to pursue, what styles to rehearse, and how deeply to engage with specific skills, all while working under the guidance of experienced directors, choreographers, and instructors. This structure helps young artists develop their voice, presence, and style in ways that feel natural and personal.

Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Long Lake empowers every camper to take ownership of their artistic journey. Whether they arrive confident and experienced or nervous and new to the stage, each camper is met with genuine care and mentorship that helps them thrive on their terms.

Through rehearsals, stage time, and structured lessons offered daily, teens are supported in strengthening their vocal abilities, sharpening their acting technique, and expanding their physical presence through movement and choreography. As they grow throughout the summer, campers become more comfortable not just in performance, but in themselves.

One parent shared that their child, once shy and hesitant, returned home from Long Lake transformed. “He stepped off the bus, standing taller and more confident than I’ve ever seen him. He told me, ‘I found myself on stage.’ That’s the power of Long Lake.”

The camp’s facilities include full performance theaters, rehearsal studios, and costume and set shops, providing teens with the experience of real production work while also maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment. Campers enjoy traditional outdoor activities in addition to rehearsals, from watersports, campfires, and talent nights.

Long Lake’s commitment to fostering independence and artistic discovery makes its programs not only impactful in the short term but lasting in the lives of its alumni. Many go on to continue their arts education or remain involved in theater throughout high school and beyond. What they take from camp is more than technical training—it’s self-assurance, lasting friendships, and the pride of creative accomplishment.

As spaces fill quickly for both session types, families are encouraged to register now to secure their preferred dates. With experience and a reputation built on trust, growth, and exceptional care, Long Lake Camp remains one of the country’s most respected summer programs for young artists.

About Long Lake Camp for the Arts

Founded in 1969, Long Lake Camp for the Arts offers immersive performing and fine arts experiences for teens in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. With a focus on camper-led training, supportive instruction, and a vibrant, creative community, Long Lake fosters personal growth, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the arts.

Contact Information

Address: 199 Washington Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Website: www.longlakecamp.com
Phone: 914-693-7111 (no texts)
Text:  914-430-7535 (texts only)