For Italian Chef Enzo Neri, a culinary journey spanning over 20 years across the globe has always been driven by connection. When he made Tbilisi his home, he knew he wanted to channel that energy into something meaningful outside the walls of his professional kitchen – something that directly impacted people in need.
That desire sparked a charity initiative in 2019. Despite a brief, unavoidable pause during the pandemic, the momentum never stopped.
For a couple of years, I was trying to find an association to work with to do some charity for kids. I couldn't find anything, until my dear friend Nino Gagua introduced me to "American Friends in Georgia", and together we founded Dzegvi Shelter charity event, – Chef Enzo Neri.
What began as a personal mission quickly attracted a community of like-minded people. Alongside Nino Gagua and the "American Friends of Georgia", Chef Enzo helped build a beautiful annual tradition. This year’s event marks a major milestone, having officially earned the prestigious patronage of the Italian Embassy for this year thanks to Andrea Cilento and the italian ambassador Mr. Massimiliano D'Antuono.
Chef Enzo Neri's deep connection with Georgia began back in 2015 with a masterclass at Chateau Mere in Kakheti. What felt like a work trip quickly transformed into a lasting bond with the country. He even showcased his respect for Georgian cuisine while working as an executive chef in New York by inventing the famous Chocolate Khinkali – a ricotta-based dessert shaped like the iconic Georgian dumpling.
When Chef Enzo finally made Tbilisi his permanent home, he completely immersed himself in the local culinary scene. He spent years understanding the local palate and after recognizing a lack of truly authentic Italian dining in the city, he later partnered with Niccolò Ricciardi to bring that concept to Tbilisi on a larger scale. This led to the birth of Vera Italiana in the Vera district.
Yet, outside the walls of his bustling professional kitchens, Chef Enzo always felt a calling to do something genuinely meaningful for people in need. By combining his culinary expertise with his love for his adopted home, the Dzegvi Shelter charity event allows him to build a long-term story in Georgia that feeds both the body and the soul.
I feel a truly unique warmth and connection from the Georgian people, and I wanted to find a way to give that love back, – Chef Enzo.
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Dzegvi Shelter is a vital sanctuary managed by director Nana Gogochuri, hosting nearly a hundred residents, including children and individuals experiencing homelessness. For Chef Enzo and his team, the upcoming event is about long-term impact. The ultimate goal is to shine a widespread spotlight on Dzegvi’s daily mission, bring together residents, volunteers, and friends under one roof, and build reliable partnerships so the shelter receives the constant, year-round help it deserves.
Experience an afternoon where great food meets a great cause on 21 June 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Dzegvi Shelter, Georgia.
Hosted by Chef Enzo Neri alongside music partners and friends, this charity lunch is a celebration of community and shared purpose. This tradition already has the heart and the culinary talent behind it, and now, it just needs our voice and support to keep growing.
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