L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 7 neighborhood and care very much about the neighborhood," says Cottrell. She went on to say that it was suggested that Little Italy follow the example of other communities who were doing "Taste of..." events in order to showcase the variety of restau- rants the neighborhood has to offer. Since its inception, the event has grown from 22 participating restaurants to 32 this year, including "several buzz-worthy restaurants like Juniper & Ivy [and] the new Ironside." Restaurants prepare 750 serv- ings of their selected dish(es) in an effort to reduce the lines and wait times at each restaurant, a decision Cottrell says has been well-received and much appreci- ated by those in attendance. While that number may seem high, the event has continuously sold out and is expected to do so There are several different neighborhoods in San Diego: There's Hillcrest, North Park, Downtown... Each offers a unique personality and character to those who visit it. Few are as culturally enriching, however, as Little Italy. From its landscaped piazzas to its murals, Little Italy effectively transports its visitors to a different place where the hustle and bustle of city life fade away and the freeway traffic softens to a dull roar that is easi- ly forgotten. Speed walking slows to a leisurely stroll and you look up from your smart phone to appreciate the world around you. Possibly one of the best and unique parts of this neighbor- hood, however, is its food. Hole- in-the-wall restaurants are squeezed in next to ultra-chic, ultra-modern restaurants and vis- itors can sample virtually any type of food from cultural fare to higher-end selections. It can be taxing on both your wallet – and your waistline – to work your way through the menus of Little Italy, however. Fortunately, the Little Italy Association has solved that prob- lem. Taste of Little Italy began in 2008 and was spearheaded by Sandi Cottrell, who continues to head the event to this day, six years after its inaugural event. Taste of Little Italy is open to any restaurant that wishes to open its doors to event-goers. "The event offers people the opportunity to go into restaurants that they haven't considered din- ing in before, taste the food from all these places they may not know and it certainly gives one just a little taste so that you want to go back and try the menu," explains Cottrell. "Little Italy Association has a very engaged board of directors and several committees and a very passionate group of com- munity members that support the Serving up Little Italy on a platter again this year. Taste of Little Italy is a charity event and all proceeds go straight back to the community to further the beautification projects that have made Little Italy the desti- nation hot-spot it is now. "In the mid-90s," Cottrell says, "this area was not very attractive and by the early 2000s, it became a whole destination and it contin- ues to be improved upon every year. Strolling through the neigh- borhood from restaurant to restaurant...gives you a chance to see all the amazing things the Little Italy Association has done [for the community]." The event will be held on Wednesday, June 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information on the event – including tickets, route maps and a full list of par- ticipating restaurants – is avail- able at http://www.littleitalysd .com/events/taste-of-little-italy/. MICHele Pluss Big crowd expected to attend the 2014 Taste of Little Italy June 12, Thurs. - Group Stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil - Join other soccer fans to cheer on Team Italy in the 2014 World Cup in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Convivio Center (2157 India St., San Diego, CA 92101) will be screening all the mat- ches of the World Cup, beginning Thursday, June 12 at 1 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested at the door. To view all match schedules, please visit conviviosociety.org/worldcup. (Note: Please make sure to change times to "your time" and not local (Brazil) time when viewing schedule.) June 14, Sat. - Cinema Little Italy screening of "Io Non Ho Paura (I Am Not Afraid)" directed by Gabriele Salvatores. The screening will be held at Amici Park in Little Italy at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, however a $5 donation is suggested at the door. More information about the film and others scheduled for Cinema Little Italy's summer lineup may be found at www.cinemalittleitaly.com June 18, Wed. - Taste of Little Italy from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Foodies are invited to experience Taste of Little Italy. Each year, our neighborhood's one-of-a-kind eateries open their doors for food lovers to enjoy a sample of each restaurant's most popular dishes, including appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages. Tickets range from $29 to $45. More informa- tion is available at http://www.littleitalysd.com/ events/taste- of-little-italy/. June 28, Sat. - Disco Party and Fundraiser at Convivio Center (2157 India St., San Diego, CA 92101). If you attend one party this year, make it this one! Put on your best disco outfit and ease on down to the Convivio Center for some good times! Hosted by Frank Giarratano and John Russo, former promoters of R & G Productions. Event proceeds will go to Convivio Society and the Italian Heritage program. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase online at convivioso- ciety.org

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