Cibi e libri – a Genova la gastronomia vegetariana

A vegetarian cafe, a small library and free-wifi spot, a place where friends meet to talk, eat and take vegetarian cooking classes – Cibi e libri fulfils a number of roles, more than you might imagine when you first pass by the small cafe on via Ravecca, 48R in Genova.

It’s more than a cafe, I noticed this thing about it in the hours I spent there – friends called by, strangers want conversations and Lorenzo makes time for them all.

Lorenzo, the owner of Cibi e libri, took some time to explain how his cafe came into being.

He started out as a philosophy student then worked as a journalist in television for fifteen years.  He didn’t enjoy the competitive state of mind that exists within that world and began cooking as a way to recover from a stress-filled day.  He also developed a curiousity about the inter-relationship of all things and this led into the art and history of food ... including the positive aspects of vegetarianism.

Time passed and he decided, over a period of five years, to give birth to Cibi e libri ... his fourth child, the other three children being his actual flesh and blood.

I was invited to return for the weekly vegetarian course one evening and took photographs as Lorenzo went through the introduction, first the theory and then the cooking.  Students tasted all that was cooked but also made their own attempts, with plenty of space left for discussion and questions.

Cibi e libri also stands out as an ideal cafe for the traveller, offering a vegetarian menu, friendly English-speaking staff and free wifi.  Make sure you check it out if you find yourself in Genova, most especially if you’re vegetarian. Lorenzo is also able to recommend other Italian vegetarian cafes throughout Italy.

For more information you can phone: (+39) 010 24 67 050 email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

RD writes on Wed Jul 29, 2009

It will be one of my first stops when I visit Genova! I like his personal story. And I like how it’s becoming easier to travel the world as a vegetarian and actually be able to feed yourself.

• Author:RD
• Posted:Jul 29, 2009

Neal writes on Wed Jul 29, 2009

A veggie restaurant + library sounds great!

• Author:Neal
• Posted:Jul 29, 2009

Di Mackey writes on Wed Aug 5, 2009

I would like to become a vegetarian but it takes time, or that’s how it seems to me.  Anyway, I know you’ll love the place, RD.

It was Neal, the books were mostly in Italiano but I loved the concept.  Free wifi too.

• Author:Di Mackey
• Posted:Aug 5, 2009