Received
FRANCO
Immaculately
Remembering
HARRIS
Mondo Italiano magazine
PUBLISHER
Luxury Chamber Media Grou
EDITOR
Jay Parnassa Shapiro
FASHION EDITOR
Juliana Labonte
TRAVEL EDITOR
Christina Ricci-Campagnone
CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS
Edmondo Catania
Frank LoRe Jr.
Claude Luciani
Venus Baratta
John P. Contini
Kyle Cavaliere
FrancoHarri s
Franco Harris was born on March 7th 1950 in Fort Dix, New Jersey He had a passion for sports from a young age and soon became an outstanding athlete during high school After graduating, he attended Penn State University, where his immense talent on the gridiron earned him a spot in Penn State's Hall of Fame as well as the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame
During college, Franco made a name for himself as an all-star running back for the Nittany Lions. He was named MVP three consecutive years at Penn State and set numerous records along the way. Franco went on to become an even bigger star in the NFL with 9 Pro Bowl appearances during his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers He is most famously remembered for his 'Immaculate Reception' a gamewinning touchdown catch that helped propel the Steelers to their first Super Bowl championship victory in 1975.
Beyond his football accomplishments, Franco was renowned for being an upstanding member of society who strived to make a difference through hard work and dedication He served as a spokesman for numerous charities and organizations, including The United Way and The Special Olympics His warm personality, charisma and attitude made him an admired figure both on and off the field.
Franco will be deeply missed by those who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his many contributions to both football and society at large Today we honor him by reflecting upon what he has achieved throughout his life: humble beginnings that evolved into remarkable success all driven by willpower, strength of character, and kindness of heart. Rest in peace, Franco Harris; may your spirit soar forevermore!
from the Publisher Jay Shapiro:
The story of "FRANCO HARRIS" is so amazing that a movie should be made! He is now immaculately received in the kingdom of heaven as of December, 2022 He passed away in his sleep at 72 years of age in 2022! My own father passed away in his sleep at 72 years of age in 2022! December 23, 2022, was just before the 50th Anniversary of the immaculate reception against the Raiders My father became a Raiders fan yet unrelated to this The Steelers won their first Superbowl against our team the MN Vikings in 1975 at Tulane Stadium in Nollins! Franco was the MVP of the game!
Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, held its 42nd anniversary gala at the Breakers on March 18, 2018
La Bella Figura as it was titled, is an expression meaning making a good impression As pointed out in Bishop Barbarito’s letter to the organization, “Whether it was going to church, going to school, visiting relatives or friends, we had to dress properly,speak properly, and thus express la bella figura We tried to make our parents and grandparents proud by making a good impression.” This theme was the focus of the evening’s gala.
I had a Franco Harris football card when I was a small child and I remember my dad telling me who he was It was one of my favorite cards for no real reason (7-year-old kids like what they like)
In 2018 Sally Valenti sent me a press release for "La Bella Figura" The 42nd Anniversary Gala event for il Circolo of the Palm Beaches at the Breakers Franco Harris was the main honoree of the event!
On the cover: Sally Valenti, Franco Harris, Pippa Salvatrice and Mary Barba! The history brings tears to my eyes but ITS A BEAUTIFUL HISTORY!!!
REMEMBERING A LEGEND
The 70th U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chef & Emmy Award Winning Television
Personality Giada De Laurentiis among the Honorees Headlining the NIAF 47th Annual Gala
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will celebrate its 47th Anniversary Gala at the elegant Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
This year, NIAF will salute its 2022 Region of Honor, Tuscany, the birthplace of the Italian language and Renaissance.
NIAF will also celebrate six distinguished Italian and Italian American honorees for their exceptional achievements and leadership roles in their respective fields. These honorees include: The 70th U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in recognition of his service to our country; Congressman serving the 9th Congressional District of New Jersey and Co-Chair and Dean of the Italian American Congressional Delegation Rep. Bill Pascrell; Chef & Emmy award winning television personality Giada De Laurentiis known for her Emmy award winning series Everyday Italian on the Food Network; Visionary automotive designer, strategist, innovator and disruptor Jason Castriota; A trailblazer in the pharmaceutical industry Chief Operating Officer for the International division of Walgreens Boots Alliance Ornella Barra; and Paolo Scaroni Deputy Chairman Rothschild & Co, Chairman of Giuliani S p A and Chairman of AC Milan – a premier Italian football team and championship winner of the 2022 Serie A.
Giada De Laurentiis will curate the menu for NIAF’s 47th Gala inspired by Tuscan cuisine
Hosting the black-tie event will be Maria Bartiromo, a NIAF Board Member, Anchor and Global Markets Editor for FOX Business Network and FOX News Channel; and Joe Piscopo, one of America’s most popular comedians and the former Saturday Night Live star.
The evening celebration will commence with NIAF’s Campari Aperitivo where guests will enjoy a selection of Campari products while mingling with some 750 guests expected to attend the gala.
Preceding the gala will be the NIAF Forum, a series of seminars relevant to various aspects of the Italy- U.S. relationship, that will take place throughout the day. General Jack Keane, US Army, Retired and Chairman, Institute for the Study of War, will speak at the Forum Presentation Luncheon. At a subsequent date, NIAF will publish a weekend schedule with details for each seminar.
NIAF’s Campari Aperitivo begins at 5:30 p.m. and the Gala dinner will follow at 7 p.m. The evening will conclude with an After-Hours party with entertainment.
To see the entire NIAF Gala weekend schedule, please visit www.niaf.org/gala
Ferrari unveils its new Autumn/Winter 22-23 campaign, translating the codes of speed and performance into a series of exclusive contents The aesthetic narrative of the fashion show is reflected in the campaign design, which glorifies the looks and the people at its centre, with the aim of pursuing and celebrating Rocco Iannone’s creative vision
The images represent the new Ferrari Men and Women’s collection through the lenses of technological innovation and experimentation The campaign explores the product by evoking the hybridation of forms and materials; the images themselves feature holographic effects where the subject seems to be blurred or in motion A subtle, magnetic charm pervades the futuristic atmospheres, blending the concrete quality of tailoring with the high definition of the electrical, digital world, and expressing the same attitude of speed embodied by the winter wardrobe.
Lines and borders get fixed or manipulated to bring out the play of light and shade in the background, while the elegance of textures and silhouettes stay dynamically impressed in the foreground. The campaign video highlights the creative bond between fashion and technology, through the animation technique of 3D morphing. Frames, images, iconic elements and design symbols merge to make up a bold, multidimensional message, created by the collision and harmonic convergence of physical, abstract and virtual universes.
The new campaign celebrates Ferrari spirit and style, emphasizing the key role played by sartorial elements, glossy finishes and fine, responsible materials – including natural fabrics and organic recycled fibres, perfectly aligned with the brand’s sustainable approach
Remarkable sections in the collection feature distinctive graphic prints derived from thermal scanner grids, from a hologram of the logo and an enlarged photo of technical filaments Additional key themes of the season include a macro camouflage pattern, obtained by deconstructing and overlapping the Prancing Horse, the suits and the ‘looping’ knitwear inspired by the drivers’ uniform, interwoven carbon fibre and black crystals embellishments High-quality tailoring and experimental design come together in looks that are 100% Made in Italy, coupled with accessories like sturdy biker boots, metallic pumps and iconic mini bags with high frequency embossed details.
Italian American Future Leaders Host a FutureFocused Leadership Conference
The precedent-setting event was sponsored by The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).
Elder generations, in large part, control the nonprofit organizations, cultural events, fundraising and advocacy initiatives that shape the scope and narrative of the Italian American community at local and national levels.
But now, a new collaboration is under way, empowering a 35-and-under demographic who can leverage 21st-century tools and resources to modernize the Italian American culture, which will greatly benefit from inter-generational reconnection and innovation.
Italian American Future Leaders, a new not-for-profit chaired by John M. Viola, developed a precedent-setting, inaugural conference that was held last weekend in the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area at FLA Live Arena to achieve these goals. The conference was comprised of more than 100 delegates (ages 21 to 35) who included social media influencers, entrepreneurs, strategists, attorneys, academics, nonprofit specialists and more. This collection of experts, professionals and cultural ambassadors went through rounds of strategic ideation, cultural analysis and VIP networking sessions — all to drive new initiatives and spark big ideas, which are now in development
"The Italian American community appreciates the importance of connecting with our younger generations if we are to preserve our heritage," said Basil M Russo, the leader of COPOMIAO who co-organized the conference. "This conference provided us with the opportunity to engage many of our talented young adults, so we can begin the process of transitioning them into leadership positions within our community "
"This will be an annual conference, and with each passing year, we'll accrue more talent and funding so that these incredible young Italian Americans can begin to exercise their vision for community leadership today, instead of sitting in waiting at the back of the room," said Viola
ABOUT COPOMIAO
Formed in 1975 and based in NYC, The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a collective of 60 of the most influential, cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in the nation. https://copomiao org
ABOUT IAFL
Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) is a not-for-profit that's building a network of leaders who will help promote our shared traditions, uphold our heritage and pursue a range of commercial, cultural, advocacy and event-based initiatives https://www iafuture org
DominiqueItaliano"theartist"
From Denver and now a Hobe Sound, Fl based artist; Dominique Italiano bears the same surname as our publication and we are grateful to have found her while searching for ourselves on social media.
MI: We found you searching on social media and noticed your surname "Italiano" are you Italian?
Dominique Italiano: I am third generation Italian-American. I always get so many questions about my last name, its definitely unique! It raised a few flags during my time in Rome and it's a mystery to my family as well, but I love it all the same.
MI: Have you always liked art?
DI: Yeah! I've always loved art. Even since I was a kid, I've always drawn and painted and made a mess. I love the free-flowing nature of it.
MI: You are talking about the free-flow process. Can you describe?
DI: So this isn't going to sound great on paper but I like to think as little as possible when I paint. I focus more on feeling than thinking and where I don't have to attach thoughts to those feelings. I let my hands move with that instead of trying to control things or manipulate them with what should be, right or wrong, and just kind of let it happen.
Interviewedby
MI: Did you have a teacher in art or otherwise who inspired you?
DI: My art teacher in Rome inspired me alot His name is Fabio Whil I was at L'Università degli Studi Roma Tre he taught me how to draw anywhere in Rome and how to not only look-for but, but feel if there was something to capture For example, we would go to the busy Piazza Navona; of course you can draw the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. But he also taught me to draw the vendors selling hats and the tourists blowing bubbles. That was a new concept to me, capturing the energy of a moment using art.
MI: Where can people purchase your art? Is it in any galleries?
DI: I have a website, DominiqueItalianoStudios.com. I'm also on facebook and have an Instagram. I run my own studio which is also my gallery, available to see in person by appointment. I'm currently submitting my work to local South Florida galleries and soon people will be able to view my art that way.
MI: What is the most unique facet about you and or your art which you feel a collector might be interested to know?
DI: My whole life I thought everyone could smell or hear in color, or assign colors to feelings.
I didn't realize until much later in life that I had synesthesia and that it's not exactly a common condition So, when I hear, smell or feel something, especially things I find beautiful, my mind sort of bursts with colors, just like my paintings show. These paintings are an invitation into my purest moments of joy and self-expression.
MondoItaliano"themagazine"
MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF MAURO COLAGRECO RETURNS TO FLORIE’S AT FOUR
SEASONS RESORT PALM BEACH, HIS ONLY RESTAURANT IN THE USA, WITH A HOST OF IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
The award-winning “Chef Without Borders” celebrates Palm Beach Island’s coastal environment with a three-day gastronomic journey from land to sea
From the French Riviera, following the reopening of his flagship three Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur, Chef Mauro Colagreco returns to Florie’s, his only restaurant in the United States, located at the Five-Star, Five-Diamond Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. From May 18 to 20, 2022, the chef recently recognized as Best of the Best in The World's 50 Best Restaurant awards will host a series of experiences that celebrate his "cuisine without borders," respectful of nature. The journey begins at the oceanfront Four Seasons, honouring one of his favourite themes – the sea – with two memorable evenings at Florie’s before hosting an intimate garden-to-table soirée
“My food is from my heart, and I love to share it with my guests,” says Chef Colagreco.
“Returning to my home away from home at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach fills me with much excitement as we prepare to share these enriching experiences that will celebrate the gifts of both nature and community.”
AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA EXPANDS PRESENCE IN NORTH AMERICA
Automobili Pininfarina has expanded its US presence with the appointment of two new retail partners in key locations Newport Beach Automotive Group in Orange County and Lake Forest Sportscars in Chicago will be responsible for the sale of the award-winning new Battista pure-electric hyper GT, which enters production in Italy from spring 2022
- Handcrafting of Automobili Pininfarina's pure-electric hyper-GT set to begin in Italy early in 2022, with first deliveries to customers in the US and worldwide planned this year
Automobili Pininfarina has now secured nine retail partners in North America, with the latest appointments made following a highly successful previous year in the US for the brand. In summer 2021, the ultra-exclusive Battista Anniversario made its physical world premiere appearance during the famous Monterey Car Week All five examples of the pinnacle model in the Battista portfolio were sold during the event, underscoring a successful programme of events for the world's first pureelectric luxury car company
North America is one of the most important markets in Automobili Pininfarina's retailer network strategy. The nine worldclass retail partners in the US and Canada complement the company's 16 other retail partners worldwide, with ten based in Europe and a further six across the Middle East and Asia Pacific. All Automobili Pininfarina retail partners have extensive track records in managing the sales and service of the most exclusive and luxurious vehicles in the world, with Automobili Pininfarina's dedicated brand representatives at each site providing exceptional personal service and attention to detail for the Italian marque's discerning clientele
Per Svantesson, Chief Executive Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: "I am delighted to announce the expansion of our retail partner network in North America, with the appointment of two new partners in strategically important locations. California is home to many of our existing and future clients, with many already pioneering the adoption of pure-electric, zero emission cars of all kinds. Battista now sets a new benchmark for the desirability and performance offered by an electric car. With our new partner location in Chicago, we have established an important brand presence between the US east and west coasts. We are excited for clients to experience our brand across our network as we prepare to begin deliveries of the incredible Battista hyper-GT this year."
Four Seasons Arrives in Venice: Luxury Hotel Brand to Expand Italian Portfolio with the Iconic Hotel Danieli
Gruppo Statuto extends long-term partnership with Four Seasons, selecting the luxury brand to manage historic hotel ideally located along Venice's Grand Canal
Leading luxury hospitality company
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and Gruppo Statuto, one of Italy's preeminent hotel development companies, announce that Four Seasons will assume management of the historic Hotel Danieli. Following extensive renovations, the property will be reintroduced as Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel in 2025.
Located in the Riva degli Schiavoni region of Venice along the Grand Canal, adjacent to Piazza San Marco, the Hotel consists of three buildings: the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo and two 19th century additions linked by bridges – Palazzo Casa Nuova and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior Hotel Danieli's rich heritage is on display throughout the property, showcased in the beautifully preserved Venetian Gothic style architecture, along with art and antiques from throughout the property's history.
"Italy is a beloved and important destination for luxury travellers, and we have been capitalizing on the strength of this market with property enhancements and incredible new additions to our portfolio – many of them in collaboration with our long-term partners, Gruppo Statuto," says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts "With Hotel Danieli, we are adding another iconic property to our Italian portfolio, where we will honour the historic legacy of this Venetian landmark while also introducing the exceptional Four Seasons service experience to one of Italy's most popular destinations " Venice is a significant travel market globally, celebrated for its art, culture and architecture. The city is also known for its unique geography, as it is built on an archipelago of hundreds of islands, some of which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connected by bridges and canals. Travellers explore the city via water or on foot, allowing them to take in the extraordinary sights and attractions at every turn.
"Hotel Danieli is a renowned and historic property in Venice, and we are confident that our partnership with Four Seasons will help usher the Hotel into its next chapter, maintaining the standard of quality and excellence that guests have come to expect of the Hotel," says Giuseppe Statuto, owner of Gruppo Statuto "Together with Four Seasons, our properties in Milan and Taormina have seen great success, and Hotel Danieli will perfectly complement these world-class experiences that are unmatched in Italy "
Hotel Danieli has a long history of being one of the most luxurious hotels in Venice with an ideal location in the heart of the city. Guests will be a short walk from myriad attractions, including the market stalls of Piazza San Marco, gondola rides along the canal and Basilica San Marco.
VERONI BECOMES THE FIRST BRAND FOR ITALIAN CHARCUTERIE IN THE US
The Italian cured meat producer Veroni continues to grow in the US market – With a 23.7% increase in 2021 revenues, the company has been ranked among the top 20 players in the US luncheon meat segment, becoming the first brand for Italian charcuterie. The firstquarter 2022 results show a further acceleration with a 30% rise in revenue compared to Q1 2021.
"The results we have achieved in the US since we opened our slicing facility in Logan, NJ in 2016 have exceeded our expectations," says Marco Veroni, president of Veroni USA "We have entered the market with a clear objective: offering American consumers the opportunity to enjoy the authentic taste of Italian charcuterie by importing our product directly from our facilities located in the Emilia-Romagna region. It may sound like a brave choice, but it proved to be the right one US consumers are discovering the pleasure to eat Italian food and are more and more open to purchase products that stand out for quality, flavor, and taste Through our charcuterie, we bring in the USA 'a slice' of genuine Italian gastronomic tradition "
"We want US consumers to have the opportunity to taste the difference of our products, and large events like tennis tournaments are the right place to meet and connect with our target," says Emanuela Bigi, marketing manager of Veroni. "After our first experience as a sponsor at the Miami Open, we have already been working on the next events such as the Citi Open in Washington, the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, and the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One, which will take place over the second half of 2022."
Pure Flour from Europe to Feature Italy's Best at Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas
Export initiative highlights premium organic soft wheat and semolina flour at Booth 2267
From panettone to orecchiette, organic soft wheat flour or durum wheat semolina from Europe are behind the finest in baked goods, bread, pasta and pizza The EU initiative, "Pure Flour from Europe: your Organic and Sustainable Choice!" is highlighting both sought-after flours at Booth #2267 at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas next month from Jan. 15-17, 2023, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
ITALMOPA, the Italian Association of Millers, is leading the effort in partnership with the European Commission Flour and semolina companies from throughout Italy including Molino Casillo, Molino De Vita and Molino Grassi will showcase their organic lines at the specialty food trade show to buyers from restaurants, retailers and manufacturers.
Offerings will include organic soft wheat flour, a favorite of bakers for delicate cakes, bread and pizza, and organic durum wheat semolina, which lends itself perfectly for pasta.
"Europe has strict laws protecting the quality of its agricultural products and a proud tradition of milling expertise which make for exceptional certified organic flours that meet most any culinary need," says ITALMOPA President Andrea Valente. "Our organic flours and semolina are made with only high quality grains grown to strict pesticide-free standards and nourished by the earth and sky. Quality and sustainability have always been central to our members' efforts "
Gavi dei Gavi La Scolca Life Style Generation
La Scolca strives for a continuous search for "similarity" and sharing of values, interests and passions on which to build an authentic and lasting bond with partners of excellence to compete together on an international level. From the characteristics of the wine, to the new methods of online purchase and customer loyalty, to the tailor-made wine tasting experiences in the cellar and in international events.
A contemporary lifestyle concept, interpreted by Gavi dei Gavi "black label", wine ambassador of the company for 102 years, which aims at involving and making as absolute protagonist a community of eclectic lovers open to different experiences From those who love polo and participate in international competitions such as the Berenberg German Polo Masters Sylt, to those who sail the seas with the prestigious Ferretti Group motorboats or those who simply dream of their own "private Island" or choose other roads to travel, perhaps with a Bentley Continental GT Speed.
A new partnership with Coravin, thanks to which you can also taste the most prestigious and demanding labels of the Maison La Scolca of Gavi, for a modern idea of experiential luxury in response to the new sustainability needs of a constantly evolving society that has undergone epochal and irreversible changes, as well as a reassuring and transgenerational response.
Colors, sounds, flavors, music and atmospheres - but above all a "state of mind" - that transport those who choose the La Scolca Brand into a new lifestyle dimension, no longer and not just conceived as possession but as "bien vivre", that is being aware of how to enjoy life and never lose the ability to get excited. In short, passion, audacity, contempraneity.
A journey around the world that touches the most glamorous capitals: Sylt, Milan, Cannes, Genoa, Montecarlo, Ft Lauderdale, Miami and all the most popular destinations for globe-trotters. Here today is La Scolca, with new events and new challenges.
alian Food Producer, Bona Furtuna, Announces New Ancient
Grain Pasta
Award-winning food producer, Bona Furtuna, is excited to announce the expansion to their organic ancient grain pasta category with four new cuts: Casarecce, Rigatoni, Paccheri and Linguine.
"What I love about this particular product release is we are not only introducing cuts that are well-known to our customers but also bringing two new variations that may be a bit more unique to the general consumer," states Margaux Maertens, Marketing Manager at Bona Furtuna. "Like our other pastas, the new offerings are all bronze-cut, a process traditional to Italian pastamaking, producing a coarser, more porous surface for sauces to cling to "
Casarecce and Paccheri are native to Sicily, bringing one-of-a-kind textures to both traditional and more modern Italian-styled dishes. Casarecce, loosely rolled lengthwise and twisted, resembles ancient scrolls and is originally used for elevating pesto dishes. The large and wide tubes of Paccheri are often stuffed with ricotta or sausage and paired with a red sauce. Continued Maertens,
"We are beyond excited to tease the near-future release of three extremely rare pasta shapes handmade in the heartland of Sardinia, and exclusive to the Bona Furtuna brand.
We're working with a boutique producer in Sardinia to hand-make each individual shape, involving the local community to share in this unique, traditional experience. As a result of each pasta's rarity, once officially launched, there will be a very limited amount of these offerings. So stay on the lookout come October - just in time for National Pasta Month "
About Bona Furtuna
Co-founded in 2013, by Agatha and Steve Luczo, Bona Furtuna is a harmonious 350-hectare organic farm nestled on La Furtuna Estate mere kilometers outside Corleone, Sicily. Biodiversity, sustainable farming and preservation of heritage foods is the root of the Bona Furtuna brand. The farm is overseen by Chief Scientist, Pasquale "Mimmo" Marino who blends the Sicilian ecosystem and advanced technology to produce premium, industry-leading products. Today, Bona Furtuna offers heirloom olive oil, ancient grain pasta, seasonings, balsamic vinegar, sauces and seasonal products. A winner of numerous prestigious awards, including one from the Speciality Food Association and several industry-leading gold medals in the olive oil category, Bona Furtuna is excited to both create and share flavor that is truly representative of the land. Beyond the products, philanthropy is the brand's mission
Bona Furtuna's pasta cuts are available online at www bonafurtuna.com Select pastas are found at your local retailer.
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