Italian Quality Served on a Golden Plate

 

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 phenomenon 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.