Sons of Italy Gala Goes Global

Kicked off by the grand entrance and warm greeting of the President of the Republic of Italy, President Giorgio Napolitano, The Sons of Italy's 22nd Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala sent a message that our humanitarian differences are what truly unites us. An audience of over 1000 Italians, Italian Americans and Italophiles, were graced by the presence of such legends as Quincy Jones introducing his "brother from another mother," President Bill Clinton receiving the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service. Poised and diplomatic, Clinton dazzled the audience with a profound message for unity despite disagreements. The evening's Master of Ceremonies was none other than SIF's mainstay host and award-winning actor, Joe Mantegna.

Other honorees included Lewis C. Merletti Former Director, U.S. Secret Service Veteran, U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Group, Vietnam Senior Vice President, Cleveland Browns Receiving the National Education & Leadership Award and Capt. Anthony K. Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.) Board Director, Wounded Warrior Project receiving the Special Award for Courage & Patriotism who was introduced by his father Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Commanding General US Forces-Iraq. Noteable audience members included Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Ambassador David Thorne, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Honorable Arthur J. Gajarsa and DC's Italian Stallion Restaurateur Cafe Milano's Franco Nuchese. Patriotic and heartfelt the evening's musical interlude "Bring Him Home" was sung by international tenor Michael Amante closing with "God Bless America."

Div-ine Pasta Sauce Recipe & Winner!

Congratualtions to Connie Fiorito of Reston, Virginia. She is the winner of a signed copy of the travel and culinary guide, Join us at the Embassy by author Summer Whitford (aka Food and Wine Diva)! Thanks for chatting with us on the CiaoDC Facebook Discussion board today, Connie!

Didn't get a chance to join in the discussion? Get in the conversation at a meet and greet, cooking demo and book signing at CiaoDC's table at Festa Italiana on Sunday, June 20th. Hungry for food talk now? Indulge in the Food & Wine Diva's Div-ine Pasta Sauce Recipe below. Buon Appetito!


Recipe: The Food and Wine Diva’s Div-ine Pasta Sauce
The secret of this sauce is not just in the ingredients. It’s in the long, slow simmering and resting time in the refrigerator or freezer that mellows out the acidity, deepens the flavors, and blends everything in the sauce together harmoniously. It’s great to have on hand for last minute dinners. Just pull the sauce out of the freezer, thaw it out in the microwave or on the stove top, and toss it with pasta. Serve it with a nice baguette or garlic bread, a light salad, and a tasty glass of Chianti Classico. Mamma mia! In less than 30 minutes you can serve a delicious meal that everyone will love. Click on the recipe title for more!

Live Discussion on Italy: Travel, Culture & Dining

"Vibrant, passionate, bold, romantic. Italy is all this and more.”
-Summer Whitford, Wine & Food Diva,
Author of Join us at the Embassy

Join CiaoDC.com's Live Discussion on Italy: Travel, Culture & Dining with Washington, DC's Wine & Food Diva, Summer Whitford from her latest book release, Join us at the Embassy. Learn about the culinary and cultural traditions of bella Italia; the distinctive cooking styles; what the term Che Bella Figura really means and more! Have a question? Join the discussion!

CHAT & WIN: Join the discussion and be entered to win a signed copy of Join us at the Embassy.

HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT PASTA? Enjoy the 2-part guide here.

Shop 'n Stroll Italian Style Sunday

Bella Italia in Bethesda this Sunday!

"Step into a showroom with the best collection of Italian pottery, linens, and foods this side of Florence" - Southern Living Magazine

Join Dream of Italy Editor Kathy McCabe, at Bella Italia in downtown Bethesda, Maryland on Sunday, May 16 from 1 - 5 p.m. for a celebration of all things Italian! The day's highlights include:

Receive 20% off any non-sale item in the store; enjoy a jewelry trunk show by Dream of Italy Designs featuring Venetian glass jewelry; and learn more about Dream of Italy's Umbria Harvest Week this November (the owners of Bella Italia also own Fattoria del Gelso where McCabe will be hosting the week in Italy).

Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to ask Kathy ANYTHING about travel to Italy. And save $20 when you purchase a newsletter subscription (or renew) at the store Sunday. Bella Italia, 4844 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD.

Gala Ticket Winner!

Congratulations to Rachael Valentino of Alexandria, VA. She and a guest have won tickets to the 22nd Annual Sons of Italy Foundation's National Education & Leadership Awards Gala (NELA) on Wednesday, May 26 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC. Featuring Joe Mantegna as Master of Ceremonies and Bill Clinton to receive the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Thank you for all entries and stay tuned for another great giveaway next month! Can't wait until next month? Try CiaoDC's Twitter Trivia: What food vendor originated in Joe Mantegna's Chicago neighborhood? Be the first to send us a tweet with the correct answer and win a signed copy of the Wine and Food Diva's travel and dining companion, Join us at the Embassy. Send a tweet HERE.

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