Earlier this year, Emilia-Romagna suffered a serious earthquake and much tragedy ensued throughout the region. Maino Benatti, the Mayor of the comune of Mirandola, contacted San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee to ask for assistance to rebuild their cherished and historic San Francesco Cathedral. Mayor Lee asked the Sister City Committee to join together to help respond to the call to action.
Com.It.Es San Francisco, the San Francisco/Assisi Sister City Committee, and the Knights of Saint Francis of Assisi, organized a special dinner of friends of Emilia-Romagna at Acquerello Restaurant, which was held on November 26th.
Organizer Richard Armanino of ItalFoods, Inc. brought together the prominenti of the Italian Community of San Francisco for the two-hundred-dollar-a-plate dinner. San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, flanked by California Protocol Chief Charlotte Swig, presented a proclamation declaring the day “San Francisco-Mirandola Friendship Day.” The proclamation was received by the Consul General of Italy, the Honorable Mauro Battocchi on behalf of the Mayor of Mirandola.
Mayor Edwin Lee congratulates Com.It.Es. San Francisco President Romana Bracco for her efforts to raise funds for earthquake relief in Mirandola
Named for its original watercolors, Acquerello enveloped the guests in a warm and gracious atmosphere the moment they arrived. A recent renovation of the 22-year old restaurant highlights the former chapel, graced with arches and a rustic wood-beamed vaulted ceiling, with warm Mediterranean colors of gold and terracotta.
Acquerello owners Giancarlo Paterlini and Suzette Gresham-Tognetti, Executive Chef of Acquerello, worked together to provide an unparalleled dining experience for their guests. Ms. Gresham’s talent lies in creatively reinventing traditional dishes from all regions of Italy in a lighter, more contemporary style. Mr. Paterlini, a native of Bologna, is acclaimed and consulted as one of America’s leading Italian wine experts. His particular strengths lie in his talent for pairing food with the ideal wines and in the impeccable European standard he brings to the seamless and elegant dining room service.
The dinner consisted of Caramelle di Prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamico tradizionale and truffled arancini as appetizers, paired with a delightful Trento Rosé Brut.
The evening concluded with a silent auction with items donated by businesses and members of the Community. Consul General Battocchi donated a “live auction” item: dinner for ten at the Italian Consulate in San Francisco. The winning bidders were Esme Corbett and Mike Gold, whose extremely generous donation serves as an inspiration to would-be philanthropists.
Those who wish to contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Mirandola may still contribute. A check made payable to Com.It.Es. “ San Francisco” may be sent to Clare Badaracco, 2505 Gough Street, San Francisco, California 94123. Com.It.Es. San Francisco is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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