Mussel soup that unites dining and research: Assunta Pacifico at Ischia Safari 2026

In Ischia, cuisine becomes a social message. For Ischia Safari 2026, the founder of 'A Figlia d'o Marenaro, Assunta Pacifico, brought mussel soup with octopus broth to the island, a recipe that tells her story and that of her family.

The dish, a symbol of Neapolitan identity, was used as a tool to raise awareness for a common cause: supporting research into diseases like ALS and other rare forms. "This year, I've experienced firsthand the illness of some of my loved ones. I have friends who, unfortunately, fell ill overnight, and when something like this enters your life, you realize even more how important research is. That's why I think everyone who can should support it, according to their means," said the Neapolitan entrepreneur.

Pacifico has long been involved in social work: solidarity is a hallmark of her work, and she has often put both her work and her visibility at the service of others. "This isn't the first time I've participated in or supported solidarity initiatives, and it won't be the last. I believe that when you have the opportunity to do something for others, it's the right thing to do. We shouldn't just focus on large donations: everyone can contribute what they can," she reiterated.

The mussel soup, accompanied by the octopus broth used to soak the fresella, goes beyond the culinary aspect. It's presented as a simple and popular dish, yet enriched with meaning: it was created to be shared, placed at the center of the table and enjoyed together—values ​​that, according to Pacifico, remain the strength of Neapolitan tradition. "Sharing is also this: making what we have available to others. I started out in the kitchen and with my family, and over the years this work has given me so much. If I can give something back through what I do, I think it's right to do so," she explained.

The message goes beyond the kitchen: research isn't just about those who are sick, but an investment that involves the entire community. "When faced with illness, no one can feel truly distant. Today it could affect someone we know, tomorrow it could affect anyone. That's why I support research and I think everyone, in their own small way, should do the same," she added.

From Ischia Safari to the city of Naples, the history of soup becomes a symbol of daily sharing and solidarity that becomes concrete action, capable of connecting flavors, families, and a common cause.