Tag Archives: Italian unification

March 10, 2011 · 10:33 am

Ospitalita Italiana: Top Chicago Restaurants certified “Authentic” by Italian Government

Image via Wikipedia

March 17th was the official date of the 150th Anniversary of Italian Unification (1861-2011).

The Risorgimento was a movement led by heroic Italian patriots like Camillo Cavour, Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Their efforts resulted in the establishment of the Italian nation. Although Napoleon attempted to unify Italy, his defeat led to oppression and dismal economic and political turmoil. Today Italian national brands like Armani, Versaci and Ferrari are a reflection of Italian ingenuity and quality craftsmanship.

Thank God they didn’t unify the culinary traditions that celebrate the diversity of the historical influences and regions of Italy. The cuisine is the cornerstone of signature dishes around the world.

On March 17th, Fulvio Calcinardi, the executive director of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Milan Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International awarded 18 Chicago-area restaurants with the ”Ospitalilita Italiana Quality Seal.” Here’s a video from the Chamber of Commerce that describes the Award Criteria http://youtu.be/NFzOZmZ-a0I

The Italian Quality Seal Award recognizes authentic Italian Restaurants and is granted by the Italian Government. This honor is bestowed for their authenticity and culinary contributions to Italian Culture. I love that this event took place on St. Patrick’s Day. Did you know that St. Patrick was the son of a Roman?

The Quality specifications are determined by Italy’s National Institute of Tourist Research and was launched in Italy in 1997. The project was extended beyond Italy’s borders and each establishment must meet 10 stringent criteria and submit proof of their authenticity.

The award ceremony took place at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Little Italy on Taylor Street in Chicago. Participants were able to taste the cuisine of many of Chicago’s premier Italian restaurants where the chef’s lovingly prepared some of their signature dishes.

The seal was created in 1997 and generated a list of criteria that includes proof of authenticity. It is like a “Baldrige Award” for authentic Italian restaurants and esteemed Italian chefs. Each restaurant must employ at least one Italian speaking employee and the menus must be written in proper Italian. At least 20% of the wines must be DOP-certified and the head chef must be proficient in authentic Italian cooking . They must submit at least five recipes with the region and ingredients that inspired the menu.

The 18 Chicago-Area Restaurants that earned the coveted award are:

I love these Italian Restaurants!

Spiaggia Restaurant, 980 N. Michigan (Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano)
Piccolo Sogno, 464 N. Halsted (Chef/Owner Tony Priolo)

Coco Pazzo, 300 W. Hubbard (Executive Chef/Partner Chris Macchia)

Merlo on Maple, 16 W. Maple (Chef Luisa Silvia Marani)
YUM!

Tocco, 1266 N. Milwaukee (Chef/Owner Bruno Abate)

Porchetta cooked to Perfection at Tocco

Vivere at The Italian Village, 71 W. Monroe (Executive Chef Robert Trevino)

Volare, 201 E. Grand (Chef Massimo Campagnini)

Pelago Ristorante, 201 E. Delaware (Chef/Owner Mauro Mafrici)

Mauro's Pelago Restaurant is one of my favorites in Streeterville on Delaware

Quartino, 626 N. State (Chef/Partner John Coletta)

John wrote a great CookBook

Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush, 437 N. Rush (Executive Chef Federico Comacchio)

Riccardo Trattoria, 2119 N. Clark (Chef/Owner Riccardo Michi)
312 Chicago (Chef Luca Corazzina)

Via Carducci La Sorella, 1928 W. Division (Chef Luis Hernandez)
Vivere (at Italian Village), 71 W. Monroe (Chef Robert Reynaud)
La Cantina (at Italian Village), 71 W. Monroe (Chef Robert Duerscheidt)
Ristorante Agostino, 2817 N. Harlem (Chef Anna Fiasche)
Sergio’s Cucina Italiana, 280 N. Rohlwing Rd., Itasca (Chef Sergio Abate)
Gaetano’s, 7636 W. Madison, Forest Park (Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto)

The wine and Prosecco were provided by Casa Vinicolo Zonin

A great time was had by all!!!

Buon Appetito!! To learn more about Italy and Italian food and wine read

Vino con Vista Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com. Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

A Taste of Italy in Chicago at Festa Italiana on Taylor Street (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)

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Garibaldi’s Monument on Janiculum Hill

: Image by Air Force One via Flickr

Anita de Jesus Ribeiro da Silva di Garibaldi (1821-1849) was born in Brazil. She is famous for her association with Italy’s Risorgimento war hero Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882). He was instrumental in the struggle to unify Italy starting in the 1850s.

Janiculum Hill was a bloody battlefield during the struggle for Italian unity in 1849 when Garibaldi defended Rome against the French on April 30th. Busts of 1000 volunteer heros line the road to the Garibaldi equestrian statue on the hilltop.

Giuseppe Garibaldi and Ana Maria (Anita) met in Brazi. She left her husband, Manuel Duarte Aguiar in 1839 to accompany Giuseppe Garibaldi. Upon seeing her for the first time, Garibaldi is said to have muttered, “You must be mine.”

They were married in 1841. She gave birth to four children and died while sick and pregnant with her fifth child. She was actively engaged in war battles with Garibaldi in the south of Brazil as well as in other South American countries. Anita Garibaldi was a skilled horsewoman and could handle a weapon. Anita and her husband took part in the defense of Rome, which was under siege by French troops. Advancing French and Austrian troops pursued them following a retreat from Rome. Anita Garibaldi died in her husband’s arms.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Forza Azzurri: Turin’s 150th Anniversary of Italian Unification

: Image via Wikipedia

Italian Unification was the political and social movement know as il Risorgimento (the Resurgence). The movement attempted to unite Italy under one flag. Italy was officially united into a nation state on March 17th, 1861. On this day, Vittorio Emanuele II, the King of Piedmont-Sardinia proclaimed the birth of a new Italian Kingdom in Turin.

This day has been declared a national holiday and many of Italy’s museums and monuments will be free. In Rome, there will be fireworks and concerts. Milan is celebrating with a free concert and Palermo will have a parade at Villa Trabia.

Turin is the largest city in the region of Piedmont and it was historically under Austro-Hungarian domination. Piedmont is located between the Alps and the Po Valley with soaring peaks and charming vined-cloaked hilly landscapes. It is the home of Italian auto maker FIAT www.turismotorino.org.

Turin was Italy‘s first capital. Her piazzas, palaces and churches are brimming with the remnants of the powerful House of Savoy. The amazing residences of the Royal House of Savoy are UNESCO World Heritage sites. They were inscribed in 1997 and include the Palazzo Reale, the Royal Armory, the Library and Stables.

When Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy, moved his capital to Turin in 1562 he began a series of buiding projects. These projects were continued by his successors to demonstrate the power of the ruling house. The Savoy complex of buildings radiates from the Royal Palace in Turin to many country residences and hunting lodges in the surrounding countryside.

“These architectural masterpieces represent a comprehensive overview of European monumental architecture in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. These structures embody distinctive grandiose style and grace; depicting the prevailing doctrine of absolute monarchs.” UNESCO

In 2011, Turin celebrates 150 years of unification with special events in many regional cultural venues. Turin has more than 40 museums including the National Museum of the Risorgimento, the Egyptian Museum and the Automobile Museum.

Prior to March 17, 1861, Italy was divided into small city-states ruled by other countries like Spain and Austria. In 1861, Italy won her independence following the Risorgimento aided by Garibaldi’s military prowess. The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed and Torino became the capital of the new kingdom.

Italian sports teams wear Azzurro Blue (azure), the official color of the House of Savoy. At national sporting events, the Italians chant “Forza Azzurri” which means “Go Blue.” Here’s the soccer team in their Azzurro uniforms “Italia Championi del Mondo” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGiuX82im2s&feature=related

Visit the Pinocoteca dell’Accademia Albertina with eight rooms of fine arts and the Galleria Sabauda for Renaissance art. Bellini, Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi masterpieces are housed in these galleries.

The original Holy Shroud (Sacra Sindone) of Turin is kept in Turin’s Duomo in a silver casket inside a marble coffer. The replica is available for viewing. Carbon testing in the late 1980’s indicated that the shroud dates back to the 12^thcentury; this invalidates the original theory of the shroud.

Events in the Province of Turin:

The life of “Vittorio Emanuele II: The Gentleman King” will be highlighted with documents, pictures and artifacts in three locations in the province of Turin. Castle Racconigi, the location of his wedding to Archduchess Maria Adelaide of Hapsburg-Lorraine, will display the legend of ”children and families.” In the Gallery of the Shroud of Turin in Palazzo Reale, battle highlights of the Risorgimento will be exhibited.

Turin was the Hollywood of Italy. The “Zombies, Vampires, Mummies and Ghosts” Exhibit at the Museo Nazionale del Cinema on Via Montebello will portray stories of the living dead until January 9th.

On December 31st, the Turin Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrated 150 years of unification with music by Strauss.

Holiday Events in Turin:

1. Mercatino di Natale on Via Roma in Turin

2. Presepi da Gustare on December 11th in Comune di Venaus

3. Mercatino di Fine Anno in Centro Storico of Oulx on December 30th

4. Mercatini di Natale in Comune di Sestrieve on December 18 and 19

5. Fiera Regionale del Bovino da Carne in Carmagnola December 10-12

6. Cioccolatorrino in Bardonecchi at Piazza delle Stretta on January 4th

7. Il Bosco Incantato on Vie del Borgovecchio December 27th thru January 6th

Additional holiday events in Piedmont:

In Alagna, admire the Ice Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve

The Bonfire Celebration in Roatto on Christmas Eve

The torchlight re-enactment of Christmas Eve in Schierano

The “Living Nativity Scene” in Cessole and Maranzana on Christmas Eve

The cafes in Piazza San Carlo present perfect “Vino con Vista” opportunities. Sip wine and enjoy tasty agnolotti (ravioli) and tajarin all’uovo pasta. Your Moscato d’Asti will be served under a fabulous Murano glass chandelier.

King Vittorio Emanuele II would have probably preferred a glass of Barolo wine produced from Nebbiolo grapes to celebrate the unification of Italy. Try a glass of Barbaresco with some agnolotti filled with ricotta or stewed meat and garnished with white truffles. Another regional specialty is Oca alla Piedmontese.

In Piedmont, Barolo the “King of Wines”, Barbara and Barbaresco come from the vineyards of Langhe close to Liguria. This area is one of the most prestigious red wine producers in Italy. More interesting red wines from Piedmont include Premetta, Torette, Pinot Noir and Petit Rouge. Brachetto d’Acqui, sweet Moscato d’Asti and sparkling Spumante are also produced here. The Provencia di Asti is located in the Piedmont region.

My absolute favorite everyday Italian wine is Barbera. It is produced in the town of Alba, which is also famous for white truffles. Barbera d’Alba is fruity and lighter than Barolo. Dolcetto d’Alba is also quite appealing. Most Italian wine lovers prefer the region’s prestigious Barolo.

The Buon Ricordo options in the Piedmont Region include:

1. Ristorante Torino in Alessandria at Via A. Vochieri 108 (www.bioristorantetorino.it). The signature dish is an extraordinary Rabbit with Peppers and is shown on the charming collector plate.

2. Ristorante La Contea in Neive at Piazza Cocito, 8 (www.la-contea.it) offers a Piedmonte calf-tail braised in Barbaresco with a charming collector plate showing a cow’s tail wrapped around a glass of red wine. The restaurant is located in the center of town in the picturesque village of Langhe.

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