L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano PAGE  18 THURS DAY,   MAY  30,   2013 Following Local Events around Town ANDREW BAGlEY Sicilian Festival, Little Italy Italian Quality Served on a Golden Plate 20th Annual San Diego Sicilian Festival in Little Italy Culinary Awards Ceremony, presented by Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, presented at the Convivio Center Approximately 65-70 guests gathered at the Convivio Center in Little Italy on Thursday, May 9 to witness the culinary awards ceremony of the Ospitalità Italiana – Seal of Authenticity, referred to as "Marchio Q". Conferred under the auspices of the Italian government, the "Q" Seal of Authenticity golden plate honors Italian restaurants abroad that demonstrate a respect for outstanding standards of Italian hospitality and qualifies the certified restaurants as Ambassadors of Italian cuisine and culture, committed to protect this world heritage against the growing phe- An estimated 75,000 participants attended the 20th Annual San Diego Sicilian Festival in Little Italy on Sunday, May 19. with clear blue skies as the streets were lit up with sun, color, food, games for kids, street vendors, culture, beer and wine garden, and with four sound stages, there was music for everyone. The Three Sicilian Tenors from New York City highlighted this year's event. There were many ItalianAmerican organizations in attendance, in addition to the cultural From L-R: Lucia Peretti, Guido Nistri, Roberto Bernardoni, Letizia Miccoli nomenon of "Italian Sounding" food products, in order to preserve history, culture, quality and authenticity. Presenting the "Q" Golden Plate award to the first two restaurants in San Diego County was Executive Director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, Letizia Miccoli and Project Manager, Lucia Peretti. Restaurant recipients were Bencotto and Operacaffé. Accepting the distinctive award was Executive Chef Fabrizio Cavallini and Guido Nistri, owner of Bencotto, and Executive Chef and owner Roberto Bernardoni of Operacaffé. Music was provided by Naples born tenor Rosario Monetti, accompanied by Jack Lasher, Dean of the American Guild of Organists, on keyboards. Light refreshments included appetizers provided by Bencotto and Operacaffe and coffee espresso provided by Caffé Barbera. Photo credit: Martin Brouwer The event is considered to be the largest Sicilian-American festival in the United States. The weather was beautiful pavilion helping support and promote the culture and heritage with live multimedia presentations and demonstrations as well as historical photographs presented by Convivio Society. Roman Holiday Ensemble blazed the way with traditional Sicilian and Italian music complete with costume as they have for the past twenty years and have not missed a beat since inception of the festival, marking their twentieth annual appearance. Now, that's amore! The car show was a popular attraction as car owners proudly displayed their rides from Ferrari, Lamborghini, AlfaRomeo, Lancia, and Fiat Kearny Mesa had a fleet of cinquecentos on display, as well as Vespa Motorsports showing off their modern, colorful, Vespa scooters. Festival founder Mario Cefalu who passed away in 2007, would be proud that his vision and festival he created is being carried on in tradition with festival organizers, Executive Director, Bernadette Tarantino, and Entertainment Director, Giovanna DiBona doing a tremendous job at organizing this popular and fun filled event for the whole family. Photo credit: Roberta D'Amore

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