Chef Gianfranco Moro presents the Municipality of Codognè with the original recipe for the first quince Club Sandwich.
Codognè. An idea that began as a joke, became a provocation, and then a creative challenge that gave birth to something unique: the first quince Club Sandwich. It was designed by Gianfranco Moro, teacher and chef, inspired by the suggestion of his colleague Paolo Favaro, who challenged him: “Why not create a dish dedicated to quince for the Codognè festival?” No sooner said than done. Thus was born a sandwich that has a lot to say. “Raw quince is woody,” explains Gianfranco, “and so I began a series of experiments to make it palatable without distorting its nature. I used the sous vide technique: half-centimeter slices blanched for 10 minutes in water at 80°C. This way, the apple retains its structure and expresses all its aromas.” The composition is a journey between sweet and savory, between intertwining textures and aromas: a first layer of quince “transformed” with a dollop of jam and a dusting of cinnamon. A second layer of escarole sautéed with anchovies, capers, and oil. A third layer of fried egg with rolled Venetian pancetta. All this enclosed between four slices of toasted bread and accompanied by a horseradish sauce that adds a tangy note. A sandwich to be savored attentively, to be listened to rather than simply eaten, because every ingredient has a story to tell: territory, experimentation, seasonality, tradition. And that’s not all: the recipe was officially donated to the Municipality of Codognè on the occasion of the 25th Quince Festival, becoming part of the town’s culinary heritage. The name chosen for the sandwich is “In Cotogna Veritas”: a play on words that celebrates the irony and identity of the area, transforming a simple sandwich into a symbol of local belonging and creativity.
“Why do I do it?” confesses Gianfranco. “For the sleepless nights spent experimenting, but above all for the kids. When I see their eyes light up, I’ve already won. This is the real reward.”
The Quince Club Sandwich was officially presented on Sunday, October 12th at 11:30 a.m., in front of Villa Toderini, during the cooking show by the ENGIM Brandolini Rota Institute of Oderzo.
The 25th Quince Festival was a day of flavor, tradition, and fun, including a market-exhibition of quince-based products, educational and creative workshops for children, and a tasting of quince-based sandwiches. Traditional games, integrated rugby, and archery; folk dances, live music, and show cooking; a craft market, fairy tales, and rural legends. All immersed in the greenery of the Mutera Park and the evocative setting of Villa Toderini, a symbol of the area.
The Quince Club Sandwich is more than just a dish. It’s the result of an idea, a discussion, and hours of testing. It’s the story of a celebration, a school, and a town showcasing its most distinctive fruit with creativity and passion. A sandwich that will leave you speechless.
Article by Federica Gabrieli | 16/10/2025
