Patrons of Italian Culture hold Annual Ferragosto Event in Marina del Rey

The Patrons of Italian Culture returned once again to the Marina del Rey harbor and the Zagat rated “Sapori” Restaurant for their 2014 Ferragosto, reports Paul Romano, Patron President.

 

Owner Stefano Baccianella out did himself with a marvelous luncheon of fresh antipasti, home made pastas and two fine main dishes; one his award winning “pollo al mattone” followed by a fresh dover sole in white wine and caper sauce, all with fresh roasted veggies. This was all topped off with Sapori’s home-made tiramisu. A wonderful selection of wines accompanied the luncheon.

1st. Vice president Jim Giallo arranged for a repeat performance by the well known mandolin artist, Evan Marshall, who provided a variety of Italian favorites during the afternoon’s festivities. Mr. Marshall roamed among the guests and kept up with requests from many members.

 

The 2014 Ferragosto also provided the backdrop for the award of ‘one of the two’ 2014 Casola Prizes. Ms. Georgia Pino, is a UCLA graduate student who plans to continue an academic career researching the educational systems in Italy and America. She also teaches Italian to bambini in Glendale and is an academic counselor to undergraduates at UCLA.

 

Last years winner, UCLA graduate student, Ms. Valeria Galeazzo, returned to bring the members up to date on how the 2013 Casola Prize helped her in her studies and in her teaching of the language. At the conclusion of the luncheon a wonderful selection of  prizes were given out, which included several books on Italian art, culture, travel and gastronomy.   

 

The second Casola Prize was presented at the Italo-Americano Ferragosto, held at the estate of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Barbera, on Saturday, Aug. 16. The winner traveled from San Jose, Ca. along with his parents to accept the prize. Mr. Marco Saglimbeni is attending Chapman University in Orange, CA. He is a “Chancellor’s” pre-med  Honor student.

 

Italian studies is his minor and he is a member of the Universities Italian Club and their winning soccer team. Several of his University Italian professors also attended the event to lend their support. Both Casola Prize winners will return next August to update all of us on their academic and personal progress.

 

For a Membership application or more information about the Patrons of Italian Culture, and their 50+ years of promoting Italian Culture throughout Southern California, visit their website: ‘picla.org’, or contact them at: P.I.C.,  P.O. Box 3465, Burbank, Ca.  91508-3465. The P.I.C. is a non-profit 501c-3 Corporation.