The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles to present the third annual taste of Italy on October 1

The third annual Taste of Italy, an evening of italian and italian american cuisine, will take place on saturday, October 1st, in historic little italy, Downtown Los Angeles. The event is a benefit for the italian american Museum of Los Angeles and showcases more than fifty of the city’s best restaurants, wineries, fine food and beverage purveyors as well as live entertainment.

This year, as a result of a collaboration with the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, Taste of Italy will feature Italian restaurants recently awarded with the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana, a seal of authenticity certifying the establishment’s cultural-gastronomic authenticity and the highest standards of Italian hospitality.

The Marchio Ospitalità Italiana is Italy’s highest culinary award, a highly coveted honor that was bestowed for the first time this year on an italian restaurant outside of Italy. With more than fifteen restaurants awarded the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana participating in the event, including Toscanova, Locanda Del Lago, Il Pastaio, Marino Restaurant, il Fornaio Pasadena, Pastina, Caffe Roma, Da Pasquale, Il Grano, Il Fornaio Beverly Hills, Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, Il Moro, La Bottega di Marino, Via Alloro and Academia Barilla, one does not need to travel to Italy to find authentic Italian food. “Just come to taste of italy,” says Italian American Museum president Paul Pagnone.

Over 1,500 people attended taste of Italy in 2010, from Santa Clarita to San Diego, and the event completely sold out within weeks of being announced.
Taste of Italy will feature other restaurants and fine food and beverage purveyors whose popularity is well-known. After delighting Italians, Italophiles and “foodies” at taste of Italy in previous years, Claro’s Italian Market, Perricone Juice, Colombo’s Steakhouse and Jazz Club, Frankie’s Biscotti, Federico’s Bakery, Olive Oil and Beyond, Bravo Systems, Palermo Ristorante Italiano, Coffee Brothers, Frankie’s on Melrose and Ralph’s Market will return to the event this year.

New faces at the 2011 event will include Fab’s Corner Cucina, Portofino Cucina Italiana, Pace, Paciugo Gelato, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Nonna Emma Pasta, Del grosso Pasta Sauce, The Capri, Big Bick’s Pizza, Tarantino Gourmet sSausage and Vergani Panettone.

Taste of Italy will also feature tastings of dozens of fine wines and libations from Casa Torelli, San Antonio Winery, D’aquino Imports, Ventura Limoncello, Domodimonti, Mosby Winery, Refugio Ranch Vineyards, Joseph Filippi Winery, Fernet Branca and more.

Guests interested in expanding their knowledge of wine are invited to participate in two interactive seminars presented by the North American Sommelier Association. “The Wines of Piemonte” and “the Wines of Marche” will provide students with an overview of the typical wines of each region, as well as guidance on pairings and irresistible tastings. Each seminar costs $45 and is limited to approximately 40 students. there will also be a wine auction featuring the finest varietals of participating vineyards and distributors.

The main stage will feature musical performances by former Dean Martin golddigger Joyce garro, internationally-acclaimed opera singers, big band favorites by Lou giovannetti and commedia dell’arte by “i Zanni”. Taste of Italy will also include a silent auction boasting fantastic prizes, such as a seven-day Mediterranean cruise, Caribbean vacations, spa certificates, fine dining, jewelry and much more.

While the Taste of Italy is celebrating its third year, the history of the Italian American Museum project spans close to two decades, when the community first organized to restore the historic italian hall. Built in 1908, the Italian hall served as the social and cultural center for the italians of Los Angeles for half a century.
Today, it is the oldest remaining structure from the city’s historic Little Italy. “We aim to raise awareness of the history and continuing contributions of Italians in Los Angeles, which began prior to California’s statehood,” said Marianna Gatto, Executive Director of the Italian American Museum, “and by doing so, reveal the unparalleled diversity of the City of Los Angeles. The italian American Museum, with an annual visitation of two million people, including 300,000 students, will showcase our story to a diverse audience.”

The Olvera Street area, Chinatown, Lincoln Heights and San Pedro once comprised the core of the city’s Little Italy, a history that gatto chronicled in her recent book, Los Angeles’s Little Italy.
One need not be Italian to appreciate the event, IAMLA president Pagnone assures. “Bring a hearty appetite, a love for our culture, willingness to support a worthy cause.” For more information and to purchase presale tickets at $45 per person, please contact the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles.

About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles / The historic Italian Hall Foundation

Located in the oldest remaining building in Los Angeles’ historic Little Italy, the Italian American Museum will be the only museum in southern California dedicated to the Italian American experience. Established in 1993, the historic Italian Hall Foundation is a 501 (c)3 charitable, non-profit organization that acts as the support group for the Museum, raising money through grants and from individuals, corporations and organizations. The mission of the historic Italian Hall Foundation is to foster a deeper understanding of southern California’s diverse heritage