Panoram Italia Toronto Vol. 3 No. 1

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FEB / MAR 2013• VOL.3• NO.1

PM40981004

THE ITALIAN - CANADIAN MAGAZINE MAILED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA

TRANSMITTING OUR HERITAGE ONE OF US • UNA DI NOI •

ISABELLA SOFIA HURST

BABIES OF THE YEAR

www.panoramitalia.com

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Treasures ofItaly Tour

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Tour Italy with

Panoram Italia!

Join our Editor-in-Chief, and Professor of Italian studies, Filippo Salvatore, for an unforgettable

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Toronto FEB-MAR 1-14_Layout 1 13-01-29 9:25 AM Page 8

CONTENTS F e b r u a r y

/ March 2013

On the Cover Transmitting our Passion How do today’s parents pass on their heritage?

Trasmettere la nostra Passione Come i genitori di oggi trasmettono il loro patrimonio culturale?

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER & EDITOR Tony Zara EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Filippo Salvatore

EDITORIAL DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Adam Zara

Features

MANAGING EDITOR Rita Simonetta

Babies of the Year

MONTREAL MANAGING EDITOR Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

Babies of the Year

Travel

Life & People

Hiking in the Cinque Terre 39

Cover: Transmitting our Passion 12

Modena 40

“Mangia, mangia” 16

Tropea 38

39

Le Alpi si trasferiscono al Sud 41

Arlene Margolese 18

Arts & Culture

Rita Levi Montalcini 19 Eugenio Di Sante 20

Rapper Andrew Infusino 44

Future Leader: Mario Antonio Pileggi 21

Caterina Florio 45

One More Day 22

Slices of Italian History 46 Comedy Writer Luciano Casimiri 47

Food & Wine

28

Parmigiana di Melanzana 24 Pizzoccheri 25 La Castagna 26 Warming Up with Red 27 Valentine’s Day Menu 28 Slow Food italiana 30 Cantina Valentini 31 The Artichoke 32

Music Picks 48

47

Mario Bernardi 49

VICE PRESIDENT – MARKETING & SALES Earl Weiner ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Dom Fiore David De Marco

Alessia Mocella Liz Allemang Loretta Gatto-White Sarah Mastroianni Gaia Massai Jenny Galati Letizia Tesi Stephanie Grella Diana Cina Salvatore Difalco David De Marco Alessia Sara Domanico Daniela DiStefano Alessio Galletti Fabio Forlano Francesca Spizzirri Roberto Ciuffini Venus Gennaro Anna Gosetti della Salda Claudio Ortu

26 Duncan Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2B9 Tel.: 1.800.775.9428 I Fax: 416.438.3188 or by e-mail at : info@panoramitalia.com Legal deposit - National Library of Canada ISSN: 1916-6389

Printed in Canada Circulation Toronto edition: 100,000 Montreal edition: 50,000

Babies of the Year 50

Events

Le opinioni espresse negli articoli firmati non rispecchiano necessariamente le idee della direzione e/o dell’editore che non vanno ritenuti legalmente responsabili del loro contenuto e della loro veridicità.

Les opinions exprimées dans les articles signés ne sont pas nécessairement celles de la direction et/ou de l’éditeur et ils ne peuvent pas être tenus légalement responsables de leur contenu et de leur véridicité.

The opinions expressed in this magazine and/or its signed articles are those of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of its administration or publisher and cannot be held legally responsible thereof.

Various events 56

Lifestyle

44

ADVERTISING

CONTRIBUTORS

Asili nido italiani 17

18

ART DIRECTION David Ferreira

PHOTOGRAPHY Gregory Varano

Readers’ Comments 9 Editorial 10

My Big Fat Italian Baptism 15

ART DEPARTMENT GRAPHIC DESIGN David Ferreira Manon Massé

Departments

Growing up Italian 14

PROOFREADER Marisa Pellegrino

Distributed as addressed mail by

Living Italian Style 42

Sports

Fashion: Cabin Fever 44

Mille Miglia 60 AC Milan Camps 62

60

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Readers’ Comments Send us your thoughts and comments.

Inviateci i vostri commenti e suggerimenti.

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RE: The Rise and Fal of Italiese, Vol. 2 No. 6 I truly enjoyed the articles on the Italiese language introduced by immigrant Italians to Southern Ontario. It was entertaining to read how numerous Italians have created a language of their own to facilitate blending in to strange surroundings and a foreign language (English) to communicate and survive in a new environment.

These articles have brought back numerous memories not only from my parents but from my career working in a customer service capacity with a large Italian customer base. I quickly learned to talk to our customers with the colloquial English only they understood! It was hilarious and entertaining!

Maria Petramala, Toronto

Dear Tony Zara, This is the best magazine out there. I can never wait for the next issue to come; I read every page, Italian or English. We know so many of the people in the articles, which is absolutely great. Keep up the fantastic work in keeping our Italian-Canadian heritage alive.

Louise Trentadue, Unionville

I would like to express my appreciation for your magazine. My son subscribed for us and we have enjoyed every copy from front to back. We enjoy reading about the different customs and traditions of Italy’s various regions. We also love the traditional recipes you feature. Keep it up. We love it!

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Retractions RE: Italian Walk of Fame, Vol. 2 No. 6 All photos by Michael Bellissimo

RE: Trentino Club Annual Picnic 2012, Vol. 2. No. 5 The article incorrectly made mention of Father Renzo Moser leading the mass. The mass at the picnic was led by Father Claudio Moser.

RE: Bosco Wine review, Vol. 2. No. 5 The correct prices for these bottles of wine are:

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Ed i t o r i a l

Tour Italy with Panoram Italia this Summer!

Dear Readers, We at Panoram are all very excited about our first annual organized tour of Italy. It’s something that’s long been in the works and we believe that many of you will fancy taking advantage of this great opportunity to see the country through our eyes.

The fortunate travellers will be accompanied by none other than our Editor-in-Chief Filippo Salvatore, tenured professor of Italian studies at Concordia University. The excursion features our own ‘Panoram Italia’ private bus, bilingual guide and the insights and care of Professor Salvatore who not only knows Italy like no other, but also has a very unique way of expressing his point of view.

This fantastic tour will appeal to those who want more than just a superficial overview of the places visited and to those who feel more comfortable visiting Italy with a trusted guide.

The tour begins in Venice, moves through Florence, Siena, Assisi and Cinque Terre, stops in Rome and continues to Sorrento. The total stay is 16 days and 14 nights with a direct flight to Venice and a return flight from Rome. All ground transportation is provided; hotels are all 4 stars; and breakfasts and dinners are included. Visits to the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, and wine and olive oil tastings in San Gimignano will keep you dreaming, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase other separate excursions of your choice with the help of our guides.

See page 7 for further details Departure is June 28, 2013 and we only have 40 places in total. Deadline for booking is February 28, 2013. Let’s make wonderful memories together while keeping in touch with our roots. Arrivederci in Italia!

On another note, I would like to thank all who subscribed to Panoram Italia in 2012. Subscribing to the magazine, even if you are currently receiving it for free, not only shows your support but also ensures continued delivery in the comfort of your

home. Our minimal fee of $10 for 3 years is simply your contribution towards the mailing expense. Please consider subscribing now either on our website www.panoramitalia.com or by filling in the pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope provided within. We are currently running a new contest whereby you can win a trip to Italy for two!

Just this past January, Costanzo Spedaliere of Laval, QC and Joe Piccoli of Burlington, ON won a Fiat 500, and Rosa Valerio of Montreal won a trip to the Amalfi Coast for subscribing in 2012. Please support us with a subscription and you too can win!

See page 58 and enclosed envelope for further details Lastly, I would like to thank our major sponsors Air Transat, Desmeules Fiat in Montreal and Maranello Fiat in Vaughan for their support. Without their help, these amazing prizes would not have been possible. As well, I would like to thank all our advertisers for believing in Panoram and supporting our cause (promoting Italian culture in Canada). Please support our advertisers as often as you can for without them we could not do what we do.

Sincerely, Tony Zara

a

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Ed i t o r i a l

11

L’inutilità degli eletti all’estero Filippo Salvatore

Alle elezioni nazionali, che si terranno alla fine di febbraio 2013, voteranno anche gli Italiani residenti all’estero. Lo dico subito e senza mezzi termini: la legge Tremaglia che prevede le circoscrizioni Estero va abolita. Lancio un appello ai legislatori italiani affinché le elezioni del 2013 siano le ultime che prevedano 18 parlamentari eletti all’estero.

principio secondo il quale i residenti all’estero hanno bisogno di propri rappresentanti, quali veri portavoce dei bisogni delle varie comunità, è una falsità evidente su cui basano le loro recriminazioni i “professionisti dell’emigrazione”. Faccio un esempio: come fa un candidato in Australia a conoscere i problemi dei residenti in Sud Africa o in Tunisia? Oppure come fa un candidato di Toronto a conoscere le esigenze di chi risiede a Santo Domingo?

L’estensione delle circoscrizioni Estero è tale che è oggettivamente impossibile per un candidato conoscere i bisogni di tutto il territorio che aspira a rappresentare. Già questo inficia la logica di fondo della legge Tremaglia. Tanti sono i brogli occorsi alle elezioni del 2006 e del 2008: candidati che non avevano il diritto di candidarsi; schede elettorali non recapitate o fatte sparire dai malavitosi; la non corrispondenza tra i nominativi iscritti all’AIRE e gli elettori; l’indebito ruolo svolto da associazioni o patronati nel dirigere il voto verso un candidato; difficoltà nell’invio delle schede elettorali in Italia e/o durante lo spoglio.

Ma il difetto principale della legge Tremaglia è che un voto per corrispondenza non riesce a garantire la segretezza del voto, un obbligo costituzionale fondamentale.

Malgrado tutti questi difetti e gli inevitabili brogli che si sono prodotti nel passato, si voterà nel 2013 allo stesso modo.

Va abolito il diritto passivo, quello di potersi candidare dall’estero, alla Camera o al Senato di Roma. Va, però, garantito il voto, in quanto diritto costituzionale, per la circoscrizione di origine o di ultima residenza in Italia ai cittadini permanentemente residenti all’estero che fanno richiesta per iscritto di volersi avvalere del loro diritto.

Varie volte mi sono occupato della Legge Tremaglia e ne ho sottolineato i limiti e le incongruenze con argomenti di sano buon senso. Altri paesi come il Canada, garantiscono la doppia cittadinanza e il diritto di voto per chi vive all’estero. I cittadini canadesi

Il

votano, però, solo per candidati in circoscrizioni elettorali sul territorio canadese. La legge Tremaglia prevede il contrario. Questa è la sua anomalia giuridica e per questo va semplicemente eliminata, abolita, perché propone la liceità della extra-territorialità. Si tratta di sano buon senso e di un principio che anche l’Italia dovrebbe accettare e far valere. Ma è proprio il buon senso che manca nel modo in cui si voterà sia in Italia, il 24 e 25 febbraio 2013, sia all’estero.

In Italia si voterà secondo le regole della legge elettorale vigente, il “Porcellum”, che prevede liste bloccate e la scelta dei candidati fatta dai partiti. Un assurdo legale, che toglie ai cittadini la possibilità di scegliere il candidato per cui votare. Gli italiani all’estero possono invece scegliere il candidato. Sei senatori e dodici deputati saranno eletti allo stesso Parlamento, ma secondo leggi elettorali diverse! Si scade nel ridicolo! Il governo dei tecnici di Mario Monti nel corso del 2012 non è riuscito a cambiare la legge elettorale, malgrado l’espressa volontà di farlo. Si voterà quindi secondo regole assurde, difese da deputati e senatori che avevano tutto da perdere — la propria ricandidatura — se si fosse votato secondo regole diverse.

Torniamo al voto all’estero. Alle elezioni del 2008, 6 su 10 degli aventi diritto al voto NON hanno votato! E nella maggior parte dei casi gli eletti all’estero lo sono stati con il 30% del 41%, ossia con l’11/12%, una frazione irrisoria. Quanto rappresentativi sono veramente, quindi, i 12 deputati ed i 6 senatori della diaspora italiana? Un’altra domanda: cosa hanno fatto di concreto gli eletti all’estero alla Camera e al Senato per gli Italiani del Canada negli ultimi cinque anni? Quanto sono costati? Tantissimo. Un solo indizio basta a farlo capire: I due deputati e il senatore hanno viaggiato in media una volta al mese in business class nel voli tra Montreal/Toronto/NewYork/Filadelfia/Roma. Ogni biglietto è costato $5.000, senza parlare del mensile di quasi € 20,000 e dei tanti altri privilegi di cui hanno goduto.

Gli Italiani residenti all’estero eleggono i COMITES (Comitati Italiani Estero) e mandano rappresentanti al CGIE (Comitato Generale degli Italiani all’Estero) che può essere visto come un parlamentino delle comunità all’estero. Ecco, si rendano più efficienti e rappresentativi questi enti.

Il ruolo degli eletti all’estero si è rivelato costosissimo e a tutti gli effetti ridondante e utile solo al partito che li ha fatti eleggere. Le elezioni del 2013 saranno uno spartiacque nel passaggio dalla Seconda alla Terza Repubblica e avranno risultati inevitabilmente diversi, migliori, c’è da sperare. Nell’imminente riforma costituzionale venga affrontata su basi nuove la questione del voto all’estero. Se lo si farà, si capirà che la legge Tremaglia va semplicemente abolita e i parlamentari eletti all’estero sono semplicemente inutili.

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Cover Story

Transmitting our

Passion Passione

How do today’s parents pass on their heritage?

Trasmettere la nostra

Come i genitori di oggi trasmettono il loro patrimonio culturale?

By Filippo Salvatore

Canada’s 2011 census revealed that Canadians of Italian ancestry now number nearly two million. People of Italian origin have been living in cities like Halifax, Montreal and Toronto even before the birth of Confederation (1867), and as a recognized ethnic component of the population since the 1880s.

a allora, comunità di Italiani in Canada sono presenti in ogni provincia dall'Atlantico al Pacifico, a mari usque ad mare, risultato di una prima ondata migratoria avvenuta più o meno dal 1880 ai primi anni 1920 e, soprattutto, di una seconda ondata dalla fine della seconda guerra mondiale fino alla fine degli anni Sessanta del secolo scorso.

Oggi, gli Italo-canadesi rappresentano la quinta etnia dei quasi 35 milioni di abitanti che vivono in Canada. La lingua italiana — o meglio, i vari dialetti regionali — è ancora parlata da oltre 600.000 persone. Per utilizzare il gergo sociologico, siamo diventati ormai una “comunità stabile”, in tutti i sensi. In larga parte le nostre origini sono rurali, ma siamo, insieme agli ebrei, l’etnia più urbanizzata. Quasi tutti gli Italocanadesi sono “contadini urbani” in quanto abitanti di città, ma di origine contadina.

Un’elevata mobilità sociale è un'altra caratteristica fondamentale della nostra identità attuale. I membri della seconda e soprattutto terza generazione sono ormai inseriti in ogni attività professionale del Paese. Quasi tre quarti di noi sono canadesi di nascita e più della metà hanno origini etniche multiple.

Ci sono alcuni studiosi che mettono in dubbio l’identità “italiana” in Canada dopo tre generazioni. Essi sostengono infatti che un’integrazione completa nella società di nascita o di accoglimento porta alla perdita dell'appartenenza “etnica”.

Le testimonianze inviateci e che noi pubblichiamo qui di seguito dimostrano, però, il contrario. Abbiamo chiesto ai genitori italo-canadesi che tipo di misure sono disposti a prendere per trasmettere la propria identità “italiana” ai loro figli. Abbiamo riscontrato che i genitori di seconda e terza generazione sono in realtà molto interessati a mantenere le loro radici italiane. Grazie alla mobilità sociale e all'inserimento riuscito nella società di nascita, l’etnia di origine italiana, che è venuta a mancare col succedersi delle diverse generazioni e che in un primo tempo era vista come una forma di disistima, è stata sostituita dall'orgoglio. Oggi, essere di origine italiana è un punto di forza. All’immagine dell’ “Italiano” sono associati forti legami familiari, il miglior cibo che una persona può gustare, ottima musica, eleganza, raffinatezza, la Ferrari e gli Azzurri. È una percezione dell’Italia che unisce la tradizione familiare paesana a una mitica visione del Paese d'origine. Si tratta di una combinazione di nostalgia, di rituali contadini, di ibridi accostamenti, di folklore, di una cultura dove coesistono il livello popolare e aulico.

Ibrido è il tratto distintivo delle testimonianze che state per leggere. Il turismo di ritorno in Italia e il cibo come tratto distintivo di identità sono due strumenti che i giovani genitori utilizzano per trasmettere la loro appartenenza 'italiana'. Questo è lodevole, ma non è abbastanza. La lingua italiana non deve più essere vista semplicemente come il veicolo di comunicazione di una comunità di ex-immigrati, ma come veicolo linguistico di una delle principali culture del mondo. È solo attraverso l'insegnamento e l'apprendimento della lingua italiana come materia regolare nelle scuole che la lingua potrà essere mantenuta in vita e prosperare per le generazioni a venire.

D

Photographer: Gregory Varano Makeup artist: Desi Varano

he bulk of Canada’s different Italian communities scattered in every province from the Atlantic to the Pacific, a mari usque ad mare, is the result of a first wave of immigration that took place from the 1880s to the early 1920s, and especially of a second wave from the end of World War II till the late 1960s.

Today, Italian-Canadians constitute the fifth largest ethnic component of the nearly 35 million people living in Canada. The Italian language — or for a great number, a regional dialect — is still spoken by over 600,000 people. To use sociological jargon, we have become an ‘established community’ in every sense. We have, to a large extent, a rural origin, but we have become, along with our Jewish peers, the most urbanized ethnic component of the population. Nearly all Italian-Canadians are urban villagers (or city dwellers of peasant origin). Upper mobility is another key feature of our identity. Second and third generation members of our communities fill the ranks of every trade or profession. Almost three quarters of us are Canadian born and more than half of us have multiple ethnic origins.

There are some scholars who question whether it is still valid or legitimate to speak of an ‘Italian’ identity in Canada after three generations. They claim that a successful integration into mainstream society leads to a loss of one’s ethnic roots.

The following testimonials prove the contrary. We asked Italian-Canadian parents what kind of steps they are willing to take to keep their ‘Italian’ identity alive for their children. They reveal that second and third generation parents are actually very keen on maintaining their Italian heritage. With social mobility and acceptance into mainstream society, ethnic dis-esteem has been replaced by pride. Being of Italian origin is nowadays a plus. The word Italian is associated with strong family bonds, the best food a person can eat, great music, elegance, sophistication, Ferrari and the Azzurri. It is a perception that combines strong family traditions with a longing towards Italy as a mythical mother country. It is a combination of nostalgia, peasant rituals, hybrid juxtapositions, of folklore and aristocratic high culture.

Hybridity is the defining trait in the testimonials you are about to read. Tourism and food are two tools young parents are using to hold on to the Italian identity as well as the passing on of the mother tongue. This is praiseworthy but not enough. Italian should no longer be seen as the language of an immigrant community but rather as the linguistic vehicle of one of the world’s main cultures. It is only through the teaching and learning of Italian as a regular subject in schools that the language will be kept alive and thrive for generations to come.

T

I dati del censimento del 2011 rivelano che i Canadesi di origine italiana sono quasi due milioni. Già c'era, da prima della nascita della Confederazione (1867), una presenza Italiana in città come Halifax, Montréal e Toronto. Le prime comunità residenti, e ufficialmente riconosciute come una specifica etnia del popolo canadese, risalgono agli anni Ottanta dell’Ottocento.

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Cover Story Isabella Sofia Hurst, 3 North York, ON “Every Saturday Isabella attends Italian classes with Centro Scuola and she loves it. I find it is very important to keep our Italian culture going through our kids and to never forget our heritage. Especially being born and raised in Toronto, they will come upon many different people but I always want them to know who they are and what it means to be Italian.”

Olga Vitti & Clayton Michael Hurst

Giuseppe Gabriel Fazio, 2 Pincourt, QC “Since his birth, nonno and nonna speak to him exclusively in Italian because it is imperative to us that he be fluent in 3 languages. He is 2 years old and understands Italian perfectly and can say many key phrases.”

Parents, Christina and Claudio Fazio

Valentina, 2 Burlington, ON “Though Valentina’s father is JamaicanCanadian, my job as her Italian-Canadian parent is to pass on the gifts of my heritage that were passed on to me by my parents and grandparents.

I hope to instill in her a passion for our culture and to keep some of our customs alive.”

Mom, Cesarina

Emma Marie Perrotta, 2 Woodbridge, ON “Since the day she was born, my husband and I insisted that she was spoken to in Napoletano and Calabrese dialects by her two sets of grandparents.

It is amazing to see that while her first language is English, she is already slowly picking up on these two rich cultural artifacts that are the languages of her grandparents.”

Parents, Susan Nigro-Perrotta & Anthony Perrotta

Domenic and Clara Carriero, 1 Woodbridge, ON “Domenic and Clara have been spoken to in Italian by both parents and grandparents since birth. With baby formula behind them, next up: traditional Italian cuisine courtesy of their nonnas and a trip to Italy this summer!”

Parents Rina Deo-Carriero & Francesco Carriero

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Stefano Vito Ruvo, 2 St. Leonard, QC “Stefano was born with an illness called Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), which requires him to be attached to a ventilator 24 hours a day.

However, his illness doesn’t stop him from smiling and spreading joy amongst his entire famiglia. His Italian heritage greatly influences his day to day life.

Although his disease impedes him from speaking, he continuously learns hand gestures that accompany famous Italian sayings including ‘Madonna Mia.’ When he attends his weekly visits at the hospital, he recognizes passing by his nonni’s house and anxiously points to his mouth.”

Cousin, Lydia Pennimpede

Nicholas Peter Deninno, 2 Rivière-des-Prairies, QC “We try as best as we can to convey to him our Italian values and heritage, whether it be listening to Italian music, making pasta with nonna or speaking Italian in our home. He is fortunate and blessed to have all of his grandparents and three of his great grandparents, which were born in Italy, present in his life. This obviously makes our job as parents a little easier!”

Parents, Mike & Melissa Deninno

Juliana Antoinette Vescio, 1 Toronto, ON We are transmitting our Italian heritage to our daughter by speaking the language every day. She already has grasped the understanding of words such as ‘acqua,’ ‘luce,’ ‘bagno,’ and ‘ciao.’ She is also exposed to music, traditions, Italian cuisine, and rhymes with her grandparents.”

Parents, Elizabeth & Nick Vescio

Matteo Scittarelli, 2 Montreal, QC “Every weekend Matteo wakes up and asks his father to see 'la partita' and to wear 'la maglietta della partita'. He has started daycare this summer and has taught Italian to a few of the daycare providers. He has been making complete sentences in Italian over the past two months, with an adorable Italian accent.”

Parents Emiliana Iovannone & Mark Scittarelli Cristian Francesco Saverio Zingone, 3 Vaughan, ON “Thanks to Cristian’s southern Italian grandparents, his favorite fruit are prickly pears. I never even knew what fichi d’india were when I was growing up! When we spike his hair Mohawk style, he immediately states ‘I have Balotelli hair!’ And last but not least, don’t call him Christian pronounced in English….he will not acknowledge you, please do not be offended!”

Mom, Carla Zingone

A big thank you to all who submitted their answers and photos. Due to the high volume, we were only able to feature a small number.

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Growing Up Italian Now and Then

By Daniela DiStefano

When Joseph Sansone wants to go out with friends on a Friday night he knows he just has to ask his mother. “As long as I let her know where I am going, who I will be with and when I will be home she is okay for me to go,” says 18-year-old Sansone. “I never really felt afraid to ask for permission to do things.” ansone knows he can be open and honest about his social life, education and career goals with his mother, Mary Rao, and that the lines of communication and freedoms he’s had as a teen are different than her experience growing up with Italian parents that immigrated to Canada from Calabria in the early 1950s.

“My mom would tell me she couldn’t go out much with friends or do after school activities because her parents would not allow her,” says Sansone, a first-year culinary management student at George Brown College. “I definitely have more freedoms than she had.”

Rao, 58, grew up in Toronto’s Bloor and Lansdowne area in the 1960s. She remembers the time she couldn’t go see Mary Poppins at the movies with her friends in the neighbourhood because she had to do chores with her older brother and sister.

“Most of my friends that lived nearby were Irish and Scottish, and their parents were not as strict about chores or being with friends,” says Rao. “I was the one who wasn’t allowed to stay outside as long or have friends over or go swimming and to the park. If I didn’t do my chores or come home when I was supposed to I would get in trouble.”

Cultural values and beliefs still shape parenting trends just as much as they did 50 years ago, and it seems today’s generation of Italian youth experience a similar upbringing recalled by Italian immigrant children.

A 2010 study comparing parenting styles of Canadian, Italian and French families in the Journal of Adolescence found that Italian mothers and fathers are perceived as using more constraining practices, while Canadian parents had less rules and were found to be most tolerant. “Italian parents are seen as more demanding in rules and authorizations. They take more punitive actions when rules are broken and are

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less tolerant of peer socialization," says Michel Claes, a University of Montreal psychology professor and co-author of the study. "They uphold family regulations and require their adolescents to ask for authorizations until a much later age.”

So where do second and third generation Italian-Canadian mothers and fathers lie on the parenting practices spectrum today?

Salvatore Bancheri, chair of the department of Italian Studies at the University of Toronto, says many Italian immigrants brought their small town upbringing and mentality with them when they came to Canada. “They arrived in a Canadian society that was much more open and evolving to the idea of family, but generally the ideas and perspectives of how to raise their children remained the same.”

As an adult Rao says she began to understand how these social and cultural circumstances shaped her parents’ ideas. “Coming to a big city like Toronto from a small Italian town was a lot to take in, and it was hard for many immigrant parents to accept the new culture and reflect that in their parenting,” she says. “Keeping a closeknit family was everything, and socializing with friends didn’t seem that important.”

Rao believes the experiences of second-generation children such as herself have influenced how Italian-Canadian parents choose to raise the next generation. “As a parent I want to let my son experience things rather than be controlling and then find out he had lied. I think most of my generation has more of an open dialogue with their kids, and the children know they are fortunate to have freedom to talk to us and ask for help.”

Priorities and values may continue to change for future generations of ItalianCanadian parents, but Bancheri says one thing will always remain constant. “No matter what, as parents, we will always be trying to do the best for our children.”

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My

Italian Baptism

By Loretta Di Vita

I can hear my parents from my crib, gushing about the fact that today is my baptism day.

Considering all the fuss they're making, you'd think it was my wedding day. he has to make bella figura," Mommy tells Daddy, as she readies me for the joyful event. Sheez, I'm an infant and already I'm expected to make a good impression, put my best foot forward, albeit in a silly little satin slipper.

All gussied up, wearing a long, white taffeta gown, puffy from under-layers of silk, I worry about appearing 15 pounds heavier than my actual 15 pounds. To add to my embarrassment, Mommy's stretching a frilly white band around my head. It looks like a garter belt. Like other unmentionables, it's supposed to be worn on the inside, not prominently displayed around my forehead.

Now they're propping me up on the bed. Oh no, not the photographer! Does he have to use the flash? Red eye! Red eye! And where are those pics going to end up anyhow? His Facebook page? He wants me to smile? Can't he see I have no teeth? I refuse to smile. Stop with the prattle! No, not the doggie puppet!

Don't make me do it! I can't resist; I squeal in delight, prompting Daddy to immediately Instagram my goofy, toothless grin.

Who are all those people in the dining room and why's there so much food on

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the table? Panini, arancini, squares of yeasty pizza from the bakery, platters of mortadella and prosciutto slices rolled tight like cigars, and are those cannoli? I thought there's supposed to be a sit-down dinner later, after the ceremony, only a couple of hours from now.

Why are we all going outside, leaving that gastronomical spread behind? Oh, we're on our way to the church. What's that, Daddy? You're hoping Padre Pignotta isn't drunk? Why is Mommy rolling her eyes like that?

Whoa, get a load of that limo! We'll need the extra space to transport all those white gift boxes, with confetti-filled pouches dangling from them. I didn't think they made stretch Hummers with bouquets of pink and white balloons attached to their bumpers.

Yessiree, I'm riding high, alright — in my baby seat!

The church is pretty with sunlight illuminating stain-glass windows, and jumbo white silky bows decorating the ends of pews. Mommy carries me in, while Daddy proudly walks astride. My godparents are giddy with glee. I look like an angel they say. A mini bride. My godmother, resplendent in an emerald green sequin-encrusted dress, looks like the Little Mermaid. My godfather's wearing a suit and tie. His five year-old son — my cousin — is equally dapper, rocking a Mini-Me replica of the same suit.

They're handing me over to the commara.

Is that really a corsage on her wrist? I can smell the scent of gardenia. And I make out the distinct aroma of Chianti...oh wait, it's just Padre Pignotta.

The padre is quadrilingual, sermonizing in Italian, French, English, and Latin. Admittedly impressive; but I'm more impressed by that rattle he keeps shaking at me. Are those incense fumes? I'm feeling kinda woozy.

The ceremony is longer than I expected and I see Nonna, smiley and sad at the same time, like Mona Lisa, dabbing away at the tears in her eyes. She's not crying as much as me, though, when the ceremonious Padre unceremoniously douses me with water.

Back in the limo, we're off to the reception hall, where nearly a hundred of our closest relatives and friends await. Upon entering, an emcee announces my arrival.

And without doing a thing to merit it, everyone applauds me! A gal like moi could get used to this kind of thing. Hey, is that a DJ? Open bar? Cool! Let's pahteee!

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“Mangia, mangia” Il lessico dei genitori italiani Alessio Galletti

“Il bambino ha mangiato abbastanza?”. Ecco la domanda che, inesorabile, ogni genitore italiano si troverà prima o poi sulle labbra. Dopo anni passati a pensare di essere diversi dai propri genitori — più moderni e più informati al punto da sapersi affrancare da questo giogo del passato — inevitabilmente, di fronte al misterioso pianto del bambino, è questo il quesito che papà e mamma si rivolgeranno a vicenda. Se il cibo riveste un ruolo centrale nella cultura italiana, è infatti senza dubbio ancora più importante quello che ha nell’educazione dei figli, con genitori, nonni e parenti di primo grado che inorridiscono all’idea che il piccolo possa avere fame. “Bisogna saper stare a tavola” e “se non finisci di mangiare tutto quello che hai nel piatto non ti puoi alzare”, ecco gli altri mantra che tanti, probabilmente tutti gli Italiani — bambini e non — si sono sentiti ripetere fin da piccoli, sotto lo sguardo vigile del genitore che si accerta che il figlio mangi abbastanza. er dare un’idea: pasti di cinque portate con un apporto calorico degno della dieta di un atleta. “Mangia, mangia”, è la frase con cui gli stranieri fanno il verso agli Italiani. Non è soltanto un luogo comune, che piaccia ammetterlo o meno. Le mamme italiane iniziano il ritornello del “mangia, mangia” durante l’allattamento e non smettono più di ripeterlo. E poi, quando “i bambini” volano via dal nido? A 18 anni?

Neanche per idea. Servono in media trent’anni per staccarsi da mamma e papà. Che l’Italia sia un Paese di “mammoni” è un dato di fatto, non uno stereotipo, e a confermarlo ci sono i numeri. Secondo i dati dell’Ocse, infatti, è al primo posto, a livello europeo, nella classifica dei Paesi dove i figli restano più a lungo a casa.

Meno efficaci, invece, sono i tentativi dei genitori italiani di far capire il valore e il rispetto delle regole, almeno a giudicare dai risultati. Non per mancanza d’impegno, però. Secondo uno studio condotto in Francia, Canada e Italia, sono le mamme e i papà del Belpaese quelli più severi con i figli, ma non sempre i risultati sono quelli sperati. “Il nostro studio ha scoperto che i genitori canadesi sono i più tolleranti.

Hanno meno regole e danno meno punizioni”, dice Michel Claes, professore di Psicologia dell’Università di Montréal che ha lavorato allo studio Adolescents’ perceptions of parental practices: A cross-national comparison of Canada, France, and Italy.

E il sistema, al contrario di quanto ci si potrebbe aspettare, ha dato i suoi frutti. Basta provare a fare una fila in Canada e una in Italia per rendersi conto della differenza. Il segreto, infatti, sarebbe proprio nella libertà concessa ai bambini, che li renderebbe più indipendenti, mentre uno stile troppo autoritario sviluppa nei più piccoli la tendenza

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Un’altra grande differenza è l’abbigliamento. Il bambino “made in Italy” si vede subito dalle “griffe”, paradossalmente quasi tutte americane. La necessità — o meglio l’obbligo — di essere alla moda è quasi un marchio di fabbrica e “un’arte” che s’impara fin da piccoli. Basta sfogliare le riviste di moda: in tempi di crisi l’abbigliamento per bambini continua a riempire pagine e pagine. Niente di strano, dunque, se i bambini si presentano all’asilo come piccoli modelli o pubblicità ambulanti di grandi marche.

Inconcepibile, forse, per gli standard del Canada, che fa della libertà, anche di quella stilistica, la sua bandiera e dove importa poco se i calzini sono intonati o meno alla camicia. Com’è inconcepibile per una mamma italiana che si portino fuori i bambini quando si è sotto zero. In Italia si mettono sciarpa, guanti e cappello dall’inizio dell’inverno, anche se la temperatura è quella che la colonnina di mercurio segna in Canada a maggio.

“Ma ti sei coperto bene?” è il leitmotiv che accompagnerà il bambino italiano da dicembre ad aprile, con mamme e nonne che armate di coperte e maglie della salute impediranno che la temperatura corporea di figli e nipoti possa scendere sotto i 40 gradi. I malcapitati, pur tentando all’inizio di protestare, impareranno presto che ogni resistenza è inutile: poco importa che si abbia trent’anni e si viva lontano da casa. “Sì, mamma…”, si troveranno a ripetere una volta di più. Perché anche quando se ne vanno, restano sempre “bambini”. Almeno fino a quando non diventano genitori e si scopriranno a fare esattamente lo stesso.

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Asili Nido Italiani, Un Modello Da Esportare L’esperienza dei Servizi comunali di Reggio Emilia è approdata anche a Toronto Archivio Istituto degli Innocenti, Firenze

Letizia Tesi

Belli da vedere, e da vivere, tanto che verrebbe voglia di tornare bambini. In Italia, l’eccellenza passa anche attraverso i Servizi pubblici per la prima infanzia, che negli ultimi decenni si sono distinti per la qualità educativa, diventando oggetto di studio della comunità scientifica internazionale e veri e propri spazi di ricerca in ambito evolutivo. Molte città italiane hanno investito e continuano a investire nelle politiche della prima infanzia, consapevoli che l’investimento sull’educazione, a partire dai primi anni di vita, offre un’ampia serie di benefici a breve e a lungo termine. Un fattore decisivo per ridurre le disuguaglianze sociali. È importante, quindi, investire sui bambini e sulle loro famiglie attraverso servizi educativi di qualità, non di assistenza. fare degli asili nidi pubblici italiani un punto di riferimento per gli altri Paesi europei è la concomitanza di vari fattori. Primo fra tutti c’è la formazione del personale.

Educatori esperti e costantemente aggiornati sono la migliore garanzia della qualità del servizio. Ci sono asili in Europa dove i bambini studiano le lingue, la chimica, l’arte, la musica e dove si va addirittura in palestra. I pedagogisti italiani, invece, sono convinti che non si debba andare all’asilo per anticipare conoscenze che competono a un’altra fase della vita, ma per esprimere quelli che il pedagogista italiano Loris Malaguzzi — fondatore dei Servizi comunali per l’infanzia di Reggio Emilia, famosi in tutto il mondo — chiamava “i cento linguaggi del bambino”. Ed è proprio per stimolare i tanti modi di esprimersi dei bambini che gli asili nido italiani di qualità sono così belli da vedere. Gli spazi, infatti, sono pensati e organizzati in modo da stimolare la curiosità, la creatività e l’autonomia dei più piccoli e da favorirne la comunicazione con gli adulti attraverso arredi, materiali e oggetti scelti con cura, tenendo conto delle loro qualità estetiche. L’attenzione al bello ha, quindi, una valenza educativa ed è volta a favorire l’interazione con l’ambiente.

Altro aspetto fondamentale è il rapporto con le famiglie. I genitori che portano i bambini all'asilo nido non restano fuori dalla porta. Il loro contributo è parte del processo di crescita che i bambini fanno con gli educatori. La partecipazione è una strategia educativa che si rinnova quotidianamente con la pratica dell’ascolto dei genitori, percepiti come una risorsa ricca di conoscenze sui loro bambini. Ma, per crescere bene, i bambini hanno bisogno anche dei loro coetanei. Per questo i Servizi per l’infanzia sono pensati anche

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come luoghi di convivenza tra bambini, per farli sentire parte di una piccola comunità e per sostenere quei comportamenti che valorizzano il significato dello stare insieme.

Fra le realtà dove questi valori si esprimono appieno non si può non citare Reggio Emilia, fiore all’occhiello a livello nazionale dei Servizi comunali per l’infanzia, ormai diventati, con il “Reggio Emilia Approach”, un modello da esportare in tutto il mondo.

L’esperienza delle Scuole comunali dell’infanzia di Reggio Emilia è arrivata anche in Ontario, dove si è formato un gruppo di studio, “Ora” (Ontario Reggio Approach), con rappresentanti sia di Toronto che di Hamilton. Il gruppo ha già organizzato varie visite a Reggio Emilia e a Pistoia, riuscendo a coinvolgere anche rappresentanti del Ministero dell'Educazione. “Ora” ha portato in Canada anche la mostra sui “Cento linguaggi”, organizzata dal Comune emiliano, che ha influenzato molte scuole provinciali. A Toronto, in particolare, un esempio di eccellenza è rappresentato dalla Bishop Stracham School, una scuola femminile privata che, per il servizio della prima infanzia, ha adottato il metodo di Reggio Emilia. In questi anni, la scuola ha organizzato convegni, invitato esperti dall’Italia e dagli Stati Uniti ed è riuscita ad avvalersi, in loco e per sei mesi, di un insegnante di Reggio Emilia.

Un posto di primo piano, in Italia, spetta anche a Pistoia, in Toscana, dove negli ultimi decenni, Servizi comunali di grande qualità hanno istituito le "Areebambini", concepite come spazi-gioco tematici: quella Blu, ad esempio, è dedicata all’arte; quella Gialla al racconto delle fiabe e al piacere di ascoltarle; quella Verde al rapporto con l’ambiente.

Insomma, luoghi che aiutano a crescere stimolando e valorizzando i molteplici saperi che i bambini non immaginano di avere, ma che ben sanno come esprimere.

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Arlene Margolese & ETA Vaughan Women’s Shelter undertake ambitious $1-million fundraising campaign

By Liz Allemang

Arlene Margolese, co-founder and chair of ETA Vaughan Women’s Shelter had long been involved with social services, working for 23 years at Reena, an agency that integrates adults with developmental disabilities into society.

Herself a survivor of abuse, she has long been passionate about and active in raising awareness on the issue of violence against women and children. o it made sense when then-mayor Michael Di Biase put together a task force to advise city council on whether there was a need for a women’s shelter in Vaughan, and Margolese was charged with chairing it. “We identified that there was certainly a need, but there was no money to do it,” says Margolese.

The dream became a reality when local businessman, land developer, philanthropist and ETA co-founder, John Di Poce, provided a house, which was then meticulously reconfigured to meet fire code, police and security regulations. ETA Vaughan opened its doors to women in need in 2009.

The shelter currently provides accommodation to 17 families, and has the unique designation of being a “high-risk” shelter, meaning that it is able to support high-profile abuse cases or those demanding absolute confidentiality and security. A recently launched $1-million fundraising campaign aims to add living space for an additional 20 families in 2013. “In the beginning we had a lot of shared spaces, but pretty soon the need was so great that we had to convert those communal rooms to bedrooms. Unfortunately, there’s a demand for what we offer, and if a woman comes to us in an emergency, we will find room.”

As Margolese describes it, most situations are emergency situations. “A woman will take quite a lot of abuse: the abuser has made her feel worthless, it’s a ‘learned helplessness’ and she’s often afraid to leave. It’s when her children are threatened that she finds the strength to escape,” says Margolese. “We often deal with women who need to get out immediately, at which point we’re just concerned with her safety and her children’s safety.” As such, many women come to ETA with just the clothes on their back. They leave ETA with so much more.

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Shelter residents stay, on average, for a period of six weeks. During that time, they work with staff at ETA not only to figure out next steps — housing, legal, health care, professional, counseling — but to piece together who they are and who they would like to be.

So much of ETA’s mandate, in fact, is rebuilding the self-esteem of women who have been methodically broken down and isolated. “Our main goal is to make them feel comfortable and safe and provide them with an opportunity to re-begin their lives,” says Margolese.

“ETA is a shelter, but it’s also a community fostered by the staff, by the residents. The women have duties and they cook together in the common kitchens (one kosher, one regular, with halal options available). The kids play together. In some cases the women continue working. We want their lives to be as normal as possible, but for those women who are in hiding, it’s not always possible,” says Margolese.

This is why having a “community” at home is so important. “The women all have something — albeit something traumatic — in common. But there’s strength and support in numbers... It’s an environment that’s very welcoming and very homey, because for these women and their families, it is home,” says Margolese.

ETA Vaughan Women’s Shelter is a non-sectarian, privately-funded organization that welcomes donations as well as toiletries, clothes and furniture. Their third annual Colours of Hope fundraising gala takes place October 24, 2013 at the Paramount Conference and Event Centre in Woodbridge and will feature performances by Tony Bennett and Chantal Kreviazuk. For more information, call 905-553-0615.

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Rita Levi Montalcini Una vita per la scienza Claudio Ortu

Rita Levi Montalcini, il 30 dicembre scorso, si è spenta nella sua casa di Roma. Aveva 103 anni. È stata la prima italiana a vincere il premio Nobel per la Medicina, nel 1986. È stata anche la prima ad essere ammessa alla Pontificia Accademia delle Scienze, nel 1930. Preludio di una carriera straordinaria. Rita Levi Montalcini ha sempre avuto una marcia in più. anto che, contro il volere del padre, studiò nei difficili anni Trenta - difficilissimi per una ragazza ebrea. Lo fece al meglio. Dopo la laurea in Medicina iniziò subito l'attività di ricerca. Il regime fascista la costrinse a rifuggiarsi all'estero. Scelse gli Stati Uniti, dove il professor Viktor Hamburger la invitò a passare qualche semestre all'Università di Washington, a Saint Louis. Quei pochi mesi divennero anni. Trenta, all'incirca. Spesi tra gli Stati Uniti e l’Europa, tra Saint Louis e Roma.

Ed è proprio in questa parentesi lunga una vita che Rita Levi Montalcini, insieme al biochimico statunitense Stanley Cohen, identifica il fattore di crescita delle cellule nervose (Nerve Growth Factor, noto con l’acronimo NGF). Scoperta che le valse il Nobel.

Raccontare uno dei personaggi più influenti del Novecento è un'impresa ardua.

Saranno d’aiuto le sue parole, i suoi messaggi, e chi ha avuto modo di conoscerla in questa sua interminabile carriera.

"Ho un'intelligenza mediocre. Il mio solo merito è l'impegno" - diceva di sé. Non credetele.

Era tanto geniale quanto umile!

Infatti, l'opinione del professor Anthony C. Masi, rettore dell'Università McGill, conferma la grandezza di Rita Levi Montalcini. Il Professore ha conosciuto la scienziata torinese quando, nel 2011, le ha consegnato la laurea honoris causa in Scienze. “È una donna che ha rivoluzionato la scienza” — dice.

Per la prima volta in 190 anni di storia della McGill, la consegna è avvenuta fuori

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dal campus. Di quell'incontro all'Università La Sapienza di Roma, il professor Masi conserva un ricordo indelebile. “È una donna che per tutta la vita ha combattuto contro gli stereotipi, il razzismo e l'antisemitismo; contro i governi totalitari che proibivano alle donne le stesse possibilità degli uomini. L'età non deve ingannare, a 102 anni il premio Nobel aveva il pieno controllo di tutte le sue capacità intellettuali.

Tanto che mi ha raccontato la situazione in cui versava la ricerca in Italia”. Lei, Senatrice a vita della Repubblica italiana dal 2001, è sempre stata molto attenta alle connessioni tra il mondo della ricerca e la politica.

Il perché di così tanta ammirazione da parte di tutto il mondo scientifico e politico ce lo spiega ancora il professor Masi, elencandoci i principali motivi per i quali la McGill ha deciso di assegnarle la prestigiosa laurea. “II primo motivo riguarda gli studi sul Fattore di crescita dei nervi, fondamentali per lo sviluppo delle neuroscienze. Il secondo è legato al suo impegno civile. Ha creato la Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini che si occupa di istruzione femminile in Africa. Per questo suo impegno nel sociale avremmo potuto conferirle una laurea in scienze umanistiche”.

Ha sempre voluto essere ricordata per le sue parole. Il ricordo migliore, allora, potrebbe racchiudersi in questo suo messaggio di vita, passione e speranza: “Ho perso un po' la vista, molto l'udito. Alle conferenze non vedo le proiezioni e non sento bene. Ma penso più adesso di quando avevo vent'anni. Il corpo faccia quello che vuole. Io non sono il corpo: io sono la mente”.

Since 1953 we have delivered fresh baked Italian artisan bread. Our Commitment is quality, tradition, passion and the finest ingredients.

Address

8633 Weston Road, Unit 6 Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 9R6

SINCE 1953

Fin dal 1953 produciamo pane artigianale italiano fresco. Il nostro impegno è garanzia di qualità, tradizione, passione e degli ingredienti più genuini.

Phone

(905) 265-1438

Website

www.panevittoria.com info@panevittoria.com

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Li fe &People

Eugenio Di Sante, un “missionario culturale” per l'Italia

Letizia Tesi

Professore di latino, friulano, da anni organizza scambi fra gli studenti dell'University of Toronto Schools e i ragazzi del Liceo scientifico “Marinelli” di Udine. uando Eugenio Di Sante è atterrato in Canada per la prima volta aveva 14 anni.

Era la notte di Santa Lucia del 1966. Come tutti gli emigrati aveva una speranza, ma non era quella comune a tutti. Voleva riabbracciare suo padre partito per Hamilton e sperava che il Canada gli restituisse la figura paterna che l’alcol gli aveva tolto da anni.

Purtroppo, però, come scriveva Seneca: “cambiare cielo non sempre basta a guarire i mali dello spirito”. E quel lungo viaggio da San Daniele del Friuli ad Hamilton, dove vivevano la zia e la nonna di Eugenio Di Sante, non era bastato a liberare quell’imbianchino friulano, tanto stimato nel suo paese, da un peso che pochi anni dopo lo avrebbe condotto al suicidio.

Oggi Eugenio Di Sante è un professore di latino all'University of Toronto Schools — una delle più prestigiose scuole superiori del Canada — dove opera in qualità di ambasciatore della cultura italiana. Il tempo gli ha permesso di parlare dei suoi primi anni in Canada con lucidità e di ammettere, serenamente, che l'inizio della sua avventura è stato segnato da una delusione dopo l’altra. “La prima delle quali, grande, fu la constatazione che la neve non era bianca, ma grigia o nera. Siamo arrivati di notte, vedevamo dall’alto le città illuminate, come fossero grandi stelle che ci attendevano.

Una vera magia. Pensavo di essere nel Paese delle luci invece, il giorno dopo, tutto era grigio”.

In più, il professor Di Sante, che ha conservato un italiano impeccabile e l’accento friulano, allora non parlava una sola parola di inglese. “Guardavo la serie tv Bonanza perché ne conoscevo già la trama e poi traducevo le preghiere e il Vangelo. Così, poco alla volta, tra Bonanza e la messa, ho imparato anche l’inglese”.

Quello con l’Italia, però, era stato uno strappo forte. Aveva lasciato una casa grande, gli amici, la scuola, un senso di rispettabilità e di appartenenza e aveva trovato un basement per quattro, pomeriggi di solitudine e la sensazione di essere oggetto, in

Q

quanto italiano ed emigrante, di tutta una serie di pregiudizi incomprensibili e durissimi.

“La prima parola che ho imparato è stata “wop”. In seguito ho imparato che anche io ero un terrone, ma i “terroni” erano quelli che, in verità, lavoravano duramente. Il Canada, infatti, mi ha insegnato anche a conoscere meglio il mio Paese e a sfatare tanti luoghi comuni. Nei primi tempi, ho reso meno triste la nostalgia stringendo amicizie con persone che venivano da tutte le parti d’Italia e del mondo. Ognuno di loro mi ha insegnato qualcosa di nuovo. Ho conosciuto l’Italia grazie al Canada ed è stato proprio in quegli anni che ho imparato ad amarla così intensamente. Quando mi deridevano perché ero uno “wop” pensavo alla bellezze del mio Paese e, in particolare, al “Paradiso” del Tintoretto che avevo visto quando ero studente di prima media. Quell’immagine mi ha sorretto per anni, come una sorta di colonna vertebrale. Quel ricordo mi ha sempre rimandato il valore e la dignità delle mie origini”.

Panoram Italia: L’insegnamento è stato una scelta?

Eugenio Di Sante: Eugenio Di Sante: No, un caso. Ho studiato letteratura e, dopo un master a Parigi, per amore ho rifiutato una borsa di studio per un dottorato. Mi sono iscritto all’ultimo minuto al programma di Bachelor of Education nella scuola dove insegno tuttora. Ho scoperto dopo di amare questo mestiere. Sono sempre molto felice di alzarmi la mattina per andare a insegnare.

PI: Come vorrebbe che la ricordassero gli studenti dopo il diploma?

EDS: Come qualcuno che è stato capace di sviluppare il loro potenziale, di far loro scoprire le debolezze e di aiutarli a superarle. Quando colgo sul volto di uno studente l’entusiasmo per aver imparato una cosa nuova, capisco che la mia missione è compiuta.

PI: Da dodici anni la UTS ha uno scambio culturale col Liceo scientifico “Marinelli” di Udine. Com’è nato questo rapporto?

EDS: Dalla mia volontà di far conoscere l’Italia agli studenti canadesi. Ogni volta, è una grande emozione. E questo non vale solo per i capolavori dell’arte o dell’architettura, è qualcosa che provano anche sorseggiando una tazza di cioccolata o assaggiando una fetta di prosciutto di San Daniele.

PI: Cosa hanno gli Italiani che manca ai Canadesi? E viceversa.

EDS: Il buon gusto, la creatività e l’eleganza. E non parlo solo della moda. È un modo di essere che si riflette in tutti gli aspetti del vivere. Di contro, in Canada, ci sono rigore, ordine e organizzazione. È un mondo più sicuro. In Canada, per esempio, la meritocrazia esiste. In Italia, è un’utopia.

PI: Che cosa non vorrebbe mai perdere della sua italianità?

EDS: La grinta e il coraggio. Gli Italiani sanno sempre come ricominciare. Ma ora, per favore, non mi chieda di scegliere fra l’Italia e il Canada perché non potrei mai rinunciare a nessuno dei due.

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Li fe &People - Future Leader

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Mario Antonio Pileggi A Master of All Trades

By Alessia Mocella

A strong ambition and go-getter spirit are what make 29-year-old Mario Antonio Pileggi tick. Not one to back down from new initiatives, the Toronto resident juggles a construction business as well as an online company and still manages to make time for a not-forprofit organization while remaining committed to being a lifelong learner. ave you ever heard the expression ‘a jack of all trades, but a master of none?’”

Pileggi asks. “I don’t believe in that at all. If you have various interests and talents you excel at then why not? You can achieve them all.” That is the motto Pileggi lives by.

He first explored his interest in politics after he graduated from Ryerson University and developed an awareness of Canadian politics. This inspired him to create Rebuild Your Community Inc. (RYC), a website that allows users to post issues in their neighbourhood they want to see addressed such as potholes, graffiti, and other safety issues. The RYC e-Team automatically reports them to the appropriate entity for resolution and relays back any official responses.

The website has gained significant recognition and is now an official partner with the City of Toronto 311 Mobile Partnership Program. An app is also available for free so that users can capture live photos and videos, and upload them instantly to guarantee the Toronto complaints department receives it. This ensures citizens no longer have to waste time searching for the agency, government or department that is responsible. Additionally, RYC puts pressure on officials to address problems thanks to the inclusion of a large, visible clock that tracks time on the app as soon as a complaint is submitted. The clock tracks how long it takes for the matter to be resolved. Pileggi says he is happy about how well the website is progressing and hopes it will become a global phenomenon.

Pileggi also founded the not-for-profit organization Forza Giovani, which is dedicated to recognizing and awarding Italian youths in Toronto for excelling in academics, the arts, music, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Each awarded youth is given $1000 for excellence in their respective categories; the organization raises money through various online social media. Pileggi says he’s proud that Forza Giovani caters to the younger Italian generations and continues to promote and support them.

“Everyone in the Italian community knows the big Italian names in Toronto,” Pileggi explains. “I want to recognize Italian youths who are doing great things but are not receiving as much attention or the awards they deserve.”

Adding to Pileggi’s busy schedule is a commitment to pursuing academic goals.

He is currently earning his Masters of Science in Education from Niagara University and hopes to receive a PhD in Policy and Administration and then an MBA in Strategic Management.

“I want to be a life-long academic because of my passion for learning,” Pileggi says, “and I know I will have several degrees to fall back on that I can use toward a satisfying career.”

Pileggi, who is the youngest of four, says he is fortunate to have come from a family with various talents. He credits his motivation to his older brothers and sister.

“I am able to see what my brothers and sister have achieved and how they did it so I can perfect and practise their art,” he says.

And this has also helped him develop a clear goal for the future. “I want to remain true to my beliefs and to continue to be successful in each venture I involve myself in,” he says.

And there’s no doubt this young, ambitious entrepreneur will continue to turn his big ideas into reality.

“I want to be a life-long academic because of my passion for learning.”

“H

Photographer: Gregory Varano

For more information on this lovely home or to plan your next dream home contact us or visit our brand new office.

Office: 647.351.2221 Fax: 647.352.2260 Email: enmarhomes@rogers.com 2916 Dufferin St. Toronto ON M6B 3S8

www.enmarhomes.com

One More Day

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Li fe &People

Marina Rose Barone (nee Bertossi) Life is a journey — we are fortunate during that time to have people come into it that will love and support us unconditionally. I feel blessed to have had my sister, Marina, be a part of my life's journey; I would selfishly want one more day with her all to myself.

Imagining our day together brings a smile to my face and a warmth permeates my body. We would spend the entire day in Port Sydney, her favourite town. It would undoubtedly be an autumn day — lush Muskokan foliage covered in hues of orange, red, and yellow — her favourite time of year to be there.

We would invariably start the morning at the town’s main lodge, sipping a hot cup of tea. Marina would be cozied up beside me on the rickety porch swing nestled amongst the pines that overlook Mary Lake. No words would be uttered; we would simply let the momentum move us back and forth while our lungs filled with the crisp Muskokan air and our sights drank in the showcase of natural beauty.

Anna Spataro Tassone On March 7, 2009 my family lost a pretty special woman, my mom Anna. She came to Toronto in 1956 at the age of 16, and at 21, she married my father Bruno Tassone and they started a family.

They had four children, and later, eight beautiful grandchildren. Mom was a hard worker; she always made sure the family was in good health.

On March 1, it was my oldest son’s birthday and mom suffered a major stroke and heart attack; she only lasted seven days.

Mom, I remember speaking to you on Saturday afternoon at 1:50pm and I told you that “you taught me everything and I can handle myself in this world”, you took you last breath and you went to heaven and became an angel.

My mom was very liked by many people. I remember starting school, she always brought me to the corner store to buy me packs of hockey cards. She loved her sports, especially hockey and baseball. There was not one hockey game that she missed. When I was a kid, she used to wake up Saturday mornings and encourage me to go play hockey. I remember one game that we were losing 4-2 and I was not feeling well. I looked to the stands and she told me “score a goal, your team needs you.” Sure enough, I scored two goals and we won in overtime.

She taught me lots of good things in life, and always told me to never give up, that things would work out.

One more day, I wish she’d be here to see my kids play sports. There’s not one day that goes by without your grandchildren asking if nonna is watching over us. I reply, “She is always with you, no matter where you are. She’s always on your shoulder, our beautiful angel in heaven.” To this day, they wish nonna was still with us.

I wanna thank you for everything you have done for me, you have showed me to love and respect everyone. I remember when I got married, you told me to not be afraid, for love is the most beautiful gift that God has created. You told me that beautiful Melissa would love me forever Mom, you’re the angel on our shoulders. My true love has gone, but you will always be in my heart. There are days I have no strength but you push me through and I complete the day and thank you every night with a prayer. I miss you every day and I wish you were still here for me, one more day.

Love you always and forever, Vincenzo Tassone

What would you do if you had one more day to spend with a deceased loved one?

We would listen to the dawn chorus in full swing; the chirps, whistles, and trills that echoed out of the woods would fill our hearts with tranquility.

Soon thereafter, we would climb aboard our 10-speed bikes; Marina would take the lead. Meandering through the town she would inevitably point out the main attractions; nostalgia would fill the air. Assuredly, she would break into song here and there along our travels belting out tunes from the ‘70s.

We would break for a picnic lunch at Indian Landing, seated beneath her favourite maple tree that grows along the river’s edge. We would soak in all of its vivid fall colours; a sense of calm would prevail. Then roaring laughter would soon rush in to take its place; Marina’s quick-witted humour never went unappreciated.

We would indulge in over-sized panini filled with fresh deli meats and peppers; and like little mice, we would nibble away at a form of aged Fruilano cheese that we had taken from our father’s cantina.

From there we would trek through the magestic evergreens to the famed cave to see if our names were still fixtures. Then, Marina would guide us a short distance to the rapids, by the scenic dam. A fearless leader, she would dare me to jump into the frigid waters after her. I would oblige — for the first time ever — trusting in her completely. The strong current, coupled by the force of gravity, would swiftly move us downwards. We would emerge unscathed and invigorated.

Somehow our shivering bodies would make their way back to the lodge.

After a quick change, we would end our day in the same way in which it began, sipping a hot cup of tea, cozied up alongside one another on the rickety porch swing.

Marina was my priceless treasure; a faithful sister, leader and friend. One who listened and never balked. I am thankful for all the special moments that she has left me with. And with that, I know that she will continue to live on in my heart and mind.

Missing you beyond words, Marissa (a.k.a. Boots)

Toronto FEB-MAR 15-28_Layout 1 13-01-29 9:29 AM Page 23

A d vertorial

Renzo Moser

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From Italian auto mechanic to Canadian auto visionary

By David De Marco

The story of Renzo Moser is the classic Italian immigrant story. It is one filled with tremendous sacrifice, struggle, hard work, success and happiness. Today, Moser is the owner of two successful car dealerships: Trento Suzuki, Trento Kia and part owner of Subaru of Maple and Vaughan Chrysler.

Throughout the automobile industry, he is known for being an honest and hardworking businessman who always has his customer’s best interests at heart. As with most Italian immigrants, it was not always so easy for Moser. His inspirational story represents another thread in the rich Italian fabric of Canada.

Moser was born in 1937 in the small village of Altopiano di Pine, just outside of Trento in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige. As a young boy, he always had a fondness for cars: “I always liked the smell of gasoline,” he recalls.

At the age of 14, he began to apprentice as a mechanic near his home town, mostly working on motorcycle and car engines. The young man later became a certified mechanic and worked in a local service station for several years.

After spotting an advertisement seeking certified mechanics in Canada and the United States, Moser decided this was a great opportunity. In 1957, he made the long, difficult journey to Canada by boat. After arriving in New York City, he boarded a train destined for Port Arthur in northern Ontario (now Thunder Bay) where he was registered for a mechanic position. Moser, however, decided to get off the train in Toronto. On his own, with no family in the city, Moser ended up in the St. Clair and Caledonia area. Almost immediately, he stumbled upon a family from the Trento area that was accepting immigrants for room and board.

However, finding a job did not come as easily. With the language barrier and less than receptive employers, Moser struggled to find steady work. “It was very difficult to find a job…everyone only spoke English,” he recalls. “I remember someone telling me they did not have jobs for political deportees. I didn’t know what he meant, but I knew it wasn’t nice.” Eventually, he landed a job at a service station called City Wide Collision in the Davenport and Dufferin area.

Despite working 70 hour weeks, the pay did not even cover his weekly room and board expenses so he quickly moved on. Moser laboured forward, moving from job to job, until he eventually found work as a mechanic in Scarborough for an Italian-owned company.

It was very difficult to find a job…everyone only spoke English,” he recalls. “I remember someone telling me they did not have jobs

“

“

Business was strong until the late 1970s, but within a few years, Fiat and Lada decided to pull the plug on all of their North American dealerships. As an intuitive and experienced businessman, Moser saw the problem coming: “I saw that things started going downhill in the late 1970s, so I became involved with Suzuki.” In December of 1980, Moser started Canada’s first Suzuki dealership, and soon after, in 1981, he’d also open a Subaru franchise. From 1981 to 2012, Moser owned and operated Trento Suzuki and Trento Subaru from the same location at 5395 Steeles Avenue West. As business improved, he expanded by acquiring one of Canada’s first Kia dealerships in 2000 and moved it just east of his Suzuki-Subaru flagship store to 4601 Steeles Avenue West. In the mean time, Subaru sales increased. To facilitate, Moser moved Trento Subaru to a brand new location in Maple in 2012 with Remo Ferri as a partner, and Subaru of Maple was born.

Recently, Moser also purchased an equal share of Vaughan Chrysler with Ferri.

While Moser has been tremendously dedicated to his career, he is quick to point out his love and dedication for his family: “I have great kids and we are all very close, we all live within walking distance.” He is the proud father of three daughters and the grandfather of eight grandchildren, ranging in age from six to 22.

Although his work kept him out of the house a great deal, he has made sure his family has remained close. Moser also makes no bones about how significant his wife of over 50 years, Anna, has been in his life and career: “My wife has been the backbone of everything.”

Throughout his life, Moser has remained active in the Italian community as well.

He joined the Italian Chamber of Commerce in 1963, serving as director until 1972, and is still a member today. He also acted as vice president of Club Trentino for 20 years and president of Casa Trentina for 25 years. His community involvement led him to create and manage a fund for Suzuki Canada that has made generous donations to various causes such as MAAD and Meals on Wheels.

Renzo Moser is the consummate professional and a total gentleman. For over 50 years he has worked tirelessly and achieved success with honesty and dignity. It is no surprise that generation after generation of families and friends keep returning. At 75, Moser is still going strong. He, his wife and daughter Wanda take pride in working and overseeing that their automobile businesses are handled with pride, integrity and efficiency. It is often said of the auto industry: “They don’t make them like they used to.” This is especially true of Renzo Moser.

he meant, but I knew it wasn’t nice.

In no time, word began to spread that Moser was a talented, conscientious mechanic, and he soon found steady work at a car dealership called Dino’s Fiat on Dupont Street. An opportunity then arose when a service station came up for sale in the Dupont and Dufferin area. After securing a loan from the Italian Credit Union and obtaining a guarantee from a friend he had shared room and board with, Moser bought the service station with a partner and ran it for about a year.

Before long, Moser was able to start his own auto parts business in the west end of the city on Lansdowne Avenue. Slowly, he began to build up this business and eventually decided to sell his service station.

In 1969, he was given the chance to start importing Fiat OM trucks from Italy. This led to the birth of Trento Motors — named in honour of the city of Trento. After securing the exclusive rights for Ontario, Moser began importing the trucks to Toronto. Since space was limited at his Lansdowne location, he bought a new property north of the city on Steeles Avenue in 1973. After securing many orders for the trucks, Fiat decided it could not fulfill its end of the deal, as the trucks were in very high demand throughout Europe. To make up for their shortfall, Fiat offered Moser a Fiat franchise. He accepted and began the first Fiat dealership in the north end of the city. The franchise went on to sell cars by Innocenti, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, as well as the Russian-made Lada.

Photos by Nicola Persichilli

for political deportees. I didn’t know what

Renzo Moser, wife & daughter

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Food & Wine

Parmigiana di Melanzane Ingredienti (per 4 persone)

Procedimento

• • • • • • • • •

Lavare le melanzane, tagliarle a fette e metterle su un piatto. Salarle.

Inclinare il piatto e far riposare le melanzane per circa un’ora, affinché perdano l’acqua amarognola. Lavare i pomodori e togliere loro i semi. Porre sul fuoco una piccola casseruola con la cipolla tritata, le foglie di basilico e qualche cucchiaio di olio d’oliva: soffriggere per un minuto poi unire i pomodori, salarli e farli cuocere a fuoco moderato per circa mezz’ora. A cottura ultimata passare tutto al setaccio. Lavare le melanzane, asciugarle, infarinarle e friggerle in abbondante olio. Sistemare uno strato di melanzane in un recipiente da forno ben oliato, cospargere uno strato sottile di formaggio, mettere uno strato di fettine di mozzarella e qualche cucchiaiata di salsa di pomodoro. Fare un secondo strato di melanzane, cospargere il formaggio ecc. Continuare così fino a terminare tutti gli ingredienti: I’ultimo strato sarà di salsa di pomodoro. Mettere la “Parmigiana” in forno già caldo (180°) e lasciarla cuocere per circa mezz’ora. È ottima anche calda ma è migliore fredda. Viene solitamente servita anche come antipasto.

4 melanzane grandi Pomodori maturi gr. 400 Olio d’oliva Farina bianca (poca quantità) Parmigiano grattugiato 1 mozzarella 1 cipolla piccola Qualche foglia di basilico Sale q.b.

Nota: questa famosa ricetta nasce senza dubbio in Campania, ma molte città dell’Italia settentrionale e meridionale considerano la preparazione tipica e tradizionale delle loro zone e ne vantano l’origine. Se ben preparato è veramente un piatto squisito.

Toronto FEB-MAR 15-28_Layout 1 13-01-29 9:30 AM Page 25

Food & Wine

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Pizzoccheri con verza e patate Ingredienti (calcolare per ogni persona) • • • •

Farina di fràina (grano saraceno) macinata fine: 2 pugni Farina bianca: 1 pugno Un pizzico di sale Varie: alcune patate; verza; burro; erba salvia; pepe; formaggio magro della Valtellina.

Procedimento Mescolare insieme le due qualità di farina, unire il sale e impastare unendo l’acqua necessaria per ottenere un impasto duro e liscio. Lavorare la pasta come normalmente si fa per le tagliatelle, ma non troppo a lungo. Con il matterello stendere una sfoglia non troppo sottile; tagliarla poi in fettuccine larghe cm 1 e lunghe circa cm 5. Mettere sul fuoco una pentola con abbondante acqua salata, aggiungendo le patate pelate tagliate a pezzi e foglie di verza a striscioNota: al giorno d’oggi si usa unire alla pasta anche un uovo e un line. Quando le patate saranno cotte, buttare po’ di latte; si può inoltre sostituire la verza con della bieta e nell’acqua la pasta e scolarla (insieme alle verinsaporire il burro con cipolla o aglio, condendo poi la pasta, dure) un poco al dente. Stendere i pizzoccheri a oltre che con il formaggio della Valtellina, anche con un po’ di strati, cospargendoo ogni strato con abbonParmiggiano grattugiato. I valtellinesi usano mangiare i pizzocdante formaggio della Valtellina tagliato in cheri accompagnati da remolacci crudi, che si intingono in un larghe e sottili fettine e abbondante burro fatto pizzico di sale versato direttamente sulla tovaglia. Leggere variprima rosolare con alcune foglie di erba salvia. anti si riscontrano da zona a zona, nella preparazione della pasta.

A piacere insaporire con pepe.

Toronto FEB-MAR 15-28_Layout 1 13-01-29 9:30 AM Page 26

Food & Wine

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Castagnaccio

Gaia Massai

La castagna, sebbene poco conosciuta e utilizzata in Canada, ha una storia millenaria. In Italia ha rappresentato per molti secoli e per moltissime popolazioni la quasi esclusiva fonte di sopravvivenza, specialmente dei territori montuosi ed isolati. ià nell’epoca romana, Virgilio descrive il castagno come pianta ben coltivata, dai frutti pregiati e le cui foglie venivano utilizzate per imbottire materassi. Plinio il Vecchio ne descrive alcuni utilizzi in ambito culinario: «Sono più buone da mangiare se tostate; vengono anche macinate e costituiscono una sorta di surrogato del pane durante il digiuno delle donne» (durante i culti femminili di Iside e Cerere, era proibito l’uso di cereali, sostituiti da pane di castagne). In età moderna le castagne sono conosciute in tutta Europa e l’Italia ne esporta notevoli quantità specialmente verso i paesi minacciati da guerre e carestie.

A livello nutrizionale, la castagna è molto simile al riso e al frumento, tanto da essere soprannominata “il cereale che cresce sull’albero”. La farina di castagne, impiegata nella preparazione delle minestre o del pane, sopperisce al fabbisogno di carboidrati nelle persone intolleranti ai cereali. Molto ricca di fibre, è considerata ottima anche per la corretta attività intestinale e per la riduzione della colesterolo.

La castagna fresca presenta un alto contenuto di acqua (50%), pochi grassi e una discreta quantità di proteine nobili. È un alimento adatto agli sportivi perché ricco di potassio e di magnesio, oltre a calcio, fosforo e vitamine del gruppo B. Le castagne vengono consumate in molti modi ma i due metodi di cottura più comuni sono: abbrustolite su fiamma viva o bollite. Dalle castagne essiccate, poi, si ricava una farina che viene utilizzata in numerose ricette, come ad esempio il Castagnaccio, dolce tipico toscano di cui potete trovare la ricetta presso il sito www.gaiasplate.com.

G

1. Abbrustolite sulla fiamma viva.

Praticare un taglio di 1-2 cm sulla buccia e, utilizzando l’apposita padella forata, tenerle sulla fiamma viva qualche minuto avendo cura di girarle spesso per uniformare la cottura. Una volta tolte dal fuoco, trasferire le castagne in un sacchetto di carta e attendere una decina di minuti: la buccia e la pellicina interna si staccheranno molto più facilmente! In alternativa al fuoco, le castagne possono essere abbrustolite in forno (sempre dopo aver praticato l’incisione) per circa venti minuti a 220°C. Questo è di gran lunga il metodo più diffuso e spesso le “caldarroste” possono essere acquistate e gustate nelle strade e nelle piazza di molte città e paesi italiani, magari abbinate a un bicchiere di vino rosso fruttato.

La

Castagna Il “cereale” che cresce sull’albero Castagne nel guscio

Caldarroste

2. Lessate con la buccia.

Cuocere le castagne in acqua bollente per 20-30 minuti con l’aggiunta di uno o due cucchiai di semi di finocchio. Sbucciare le castagne una ad una lasciando in acqua bollente quelle ancora da pulire. Asportare sia la buccia esterna che la pellicina interna.

Possono essere gustate così al naturale, ancora calde, oppure frullate fino ad ottenere un composto farinoso e dolciastro, da utilizzare come salsa per carni o come base per gnocchi e pasta fresca.

Qui a Toronto, un buon vino da abbinare alle caldarroste:

Come vino in abbinamento a queste “ballotte”:

CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 Castello Di Querceto Toscana $ 21.95 (VINTAGES #680496)

NALS MARGREID LAGREIN 2010 Cantina Nalles-Magre/Niclara Soc. A Alto Adige/Trentino $ 17.95 (VINTAGES # 291146)

Prodotto prevalentemente da uve Sangiovese con una piccola percentuale di Canaiolo, questo Chianti invecchia in botte per 10-12 mesi, arricchendosi di tannini morbidi ed eleganti. Note gradevoli di ribes e violetta con buona persistenza fruttata.

Prodotto da uve aromatiche Lagrein, questo vino si presenta con profumi delicati e fruttati di ciliegia e mora e una struttura morbida, bilanciata da una giusta carica tannica. Il finale mediamente lungo e speziato rende questo vino adatto ad accompagnare carni arrosto condite con salsa di castagne.

Tinge Boutique 15160 Yonge Street, Unit 2 Aurora, ON L4G 1M2 905.841.7040 1.888.943.2433 www.facebook.com/TingeBoutique info@tingeboutique.com www.tingeboutique.com PROM • COCKTAIL • SPECIAL OCCASIONS • EVENING WEAR • MOTHER OF THE BRIDE • GALA • DAY DRESSES

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Red

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Food & Wine

Warming Up with

SOCRÉ BARBARESCO 2008 Socre Di Piacentino Marco Piedmont $ 34.95 (VINTAGES # 305284) Once opened, this Barbaresco shows cherry and rose petal notes. If given enough time to breathe, these will evolve into anise and violet. The wine ages two years in oak casks, gaining medium body, supple tannins and a long, fragrant finish. It will reach its full potential starting in 2014 but it’s already suitable to pair with mushroom based dishes and lamb stews.

By Gaia Massai

It’s that time of the year again — when the snow, ice and crispy air make us want to find retreat indoors with crackling logs and dimmed lights. It’s the best time for reflection and gatherings on cozy sofas, while sipping a good glass of red wine. A common Italian saying from the Veneto region says it best: “Pan, vin e zoca, lassa pur che'l fioca” (Let it snow, as long as there is bread, wine and logs).

BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008 Azienda Agricola Brigaldara Veneto $ 49.95 (VINTAGES # 300012) This Amarone is produced from a blend of Corvinone (50%), Corvina (20%), Rondinella (20%) and other varietals (10%) and takes its name from the estate’s vineyard Brigaldara.

The wine is dark garnet red in colour and presents primary aromas of cherries and plum compote enhanced by subtle notes of spice and dried fruit. A very pleasant entry level Amaron, which ages one year in barriques and two years in oak barrel; it will pair well with winter dishes such as braised meats and game.

ake sure to open the bottle one hour before consumption and, in case you are storing it in a wine fridge or a cool cellar, let it slowly reach the ideal temperature (20°C for the wines reviewed).

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TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2009 Tenuta Sette Ponti Tuscany $ 32.95 (VINTAGES # 727636) Entry level wine for the Sette Ponti estate, this intense ruby red wine takes its name from the many dogwood bushes naturally occurring near the vineyard. It’s produced from Sangiovese grapes, with little additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that add delicate, hearty and mineral notes to the predominant cherry flavour. Tannins are balanced but still maturing; serve it with stews and ragout (a meat stew).

LA LUS 2008 Banfi Piedmont $ 24.95 (VINTAGES # 291575) Produced in the Banfi’s Piedmont estate, this bright ruby red wine is made with Albarossa grapes (a cross of Nebbiolo and Barbera). The plum and mature red berry notes linger in the mouth with a smooth, long, vanilla finish. It will age well but, given its smooth tannins, i can also be consumed now with white meats and flavourful pasta dishes.

Beautiful

NEW LOOK

NEW TASTE

Barbaresco

Umberto Fiore Barbaresco DOCG LCBO# 254870 *www.grapeselections.com

CAMPAIGN FINANCIED

BY CE 1234/07

available at your local LCBO

www.majesticwine.ca

Product of Italy CAMPAIGN FINANCIED BY CE 1234/07 CHAMPAGN FINANCIEE BY CE 1234/07

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Lo

Cooking u

By Jenny Galati

There is an old adage that states, “the way to a person's heart is through the stomach.” Whoever coined this phrase obviously knew the direct correlation between food and romance. Taking the time to lovingly prepare a meal for your soul mate is a wonderful declaration of one’s affections, particularly when extra care is taken in the selection of the ingredients. Since the beginning of time, there have been foods that were believed to increase sexual prowess and desire; once consumed, they were thought to directly affect hormones, brain chemistry and energy and stress levels. If you’re looking for a meal to impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day consider this sensuous four-course feast.

Arugula Fig Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette (Serves 2)

Artichoke Bruschetta (Serves 2) Get things started with a simple yet seductive antipasto of prosciutto wrapped asparagus and artichoke bruschetta. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, asparagus is considered a psycho-physiological aphrodisiac because of its shape. The velvety softness of the artichoke heart has been considered a delicacy dating back to Ancient Greece, where it was believed to enhance sexual power and help with conception.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

2 cloves of garlic minced 4-5 marinated artichoke hearts 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil 5 oil-cured black olives, pitted and chopped 4-5 cherry tomatoes chopped 2 tbsp. chopped parsley 1 tbsp. capers chopped Sliced Italian bread Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Combine the garlic, artichokes, olives, tomatoes, parsley and capers and sauté in olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toast the sliced bread and top with the warm mixture. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Next up is a provocative arugula and fig salad dressed with honey balsamic vinaigrette. Arugula is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for clearing the mind and putting the body in its sexual prime, attributes that definitely promote the right mood for romance. The fig is one of the earliest recorded fruits of scandal; in fact some scholars believe that the true forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was actually the fig. The voluptuous fruit, with its sweet dark flesh and honey scent was reported to be a favourite of the temptress Cleopatra; it was considered sacred by the Ancient Greeks while the Romans believed it to be a gift from Bacchus. The salad is appropriately drizzled with the nectar of Aphrodite, honey.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

1-2 cloves garlic 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar ¼ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. honey 2 tbsp. olive oil 4 cups arugula 4 black figs cut into quarters 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts

Preparation: In a food processor, combine the garlic, mustard, vinegar, pepper, honey and olive oil and process until smooth. Toss the arugula with the vinaigrette and top with the quartered figs and pine nuts.

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Food & Wine

g up a Recipe for Valentine’s Day Menu Espresso Cream (Serves 2) Top off this tempting meal with a luscious espresso cream.

This indulgent dessert combines two critical “c” ingredients, coffee and chocolate. Caffeine is said to supercharge the female libido while chocolate is the king of natural aphrodisiacs.

The captivating cocoa bean contains the compound phenylethylamine (PEA) also known as the “love chemical,” which induces feelings of excitement, attraction and euphoria.

Ingredients: • • • • • • •

1 ½ cups ricotta ¼ cup whipping cream 2 tbsp. ground espresso 2-3 tbsp. sugar 4 tsp. brandy 2 tbsp. chopped toasted almonds 2 tbsp. chocolate covered espresso beans

Preparation: Capellini with Fennel Pesto (Serves 2) Continue the romance with capellini tossed in fennel pesto. This primo is packed with fresh flavour and sensuality with three key stimulants: fennel, basil and pine nuts. The ancient Egyptians regarded fennel as a potent nutritional supplement and libido booster, particularly useful to women. Certain compounds contained in the plant are similar to the female hormone estrogen. Basil, on the other hand, is believed to resemble the female reproductive organ in Hindu culture. Aside from its suggestive shape, it is the mood enhancing, refreshing aroma of this herb that makes it sexy. The final inviting ingredient, pine nuts, were considered magical by Arabian lovers, rich in zinc, a key mineral to maintaining male potency.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • •

¾ cup boiling water 1 ½ cups sun-dried tomato ½ small bulb fennel, thinly sliced 1 clove of garlic ¼ cup pine nuts ¼ cup fresh basil leaves ½ tsp. dried oregano ½ tbsp. lemon juice ½ tsp. salt 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil 500 gr package of capellini pasta

Preparation: Pour boiling water over the tomatoes and allow to sit for 5 minutes to soften. Drain and reserve the liquid. Combine one quarter of the fennel, tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, lemon juice, salt and olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the reserved tomato liquid a bit at a time to reach desired consistency. If possible allow the pesto to sit for 30 minutes or longer for the flavors to blend. Cook the pasta until al dente and combine with the pesto. Garnish with remaining sliced fennel and shaved Parmigiano.

Combine the ricotta and cream and beat until smooth and whipped. Stir in coffee, sugar and brandy. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours. Garnish with toasted almonds and chocolate covered espresso beans before serving.

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Giro d’Italia Gastronomico

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Food & Wine

Paolo Patrito

L’Italia, si sa, è uno scrigno di tesori artistici senza eguali nel mondo. Lo Stivale detiene un piccolo record: ospita ben 47 siti dichiarati Patrimonio dell’Umanità dall’Unesco. Italia è anche sinonimo di buon cibo. Come una grande dispensa custodisce meraviglie gastronomiche. Alcune note e consumate ormai in tutto il mondo e altre poco conosciute anche in Patria, ma non meno preziose che rischiano di scomparire. a alcuni anni l’associazione Slow Food, fondata a Bra (Cuneo) nel 1986 da Carlo Petrini, tutela le piccole produzioni di cibi quasi dimenticati attraverso il sistema dei Presidi, reti di produttori organizzate per promuovere il ritorno a un’agricoltura sostenibile e rispettosa della tradizione enogastronomica italiana. Degli oltre 400 Presìdi sparsi per il mondo, 223 sono in Italia e rappresentano un ottimo pretesto per intraprendere un viaggio alla riscoperta delle tradizioni di un Paese che non smette mai di stupire chi abbia voglia di conoscerlo davvero.

Partiamo allora per questo viaggio dall’estremo nord della Penisola, da una regione piccola come la Valle d’Aosta (e ad oggi priva di Presidi), ma non per questo meno ricca di prodotti d’eccellenza. Se capitate da queste parti potreste voler assaggiare la Motzetta, carne essiccata di bovino, camoscio, cervo o cinghiale, perfetta come antipasto tagliata a fette sottili e accompagnata dal locale pane nero.

Il confinante Piemonte, patria del Slow food, offre un’ampia scelta di leccornie. Noi suggeriamo il Castelmagno d’alpeggio, un formaggio antichissimo (se ne ha notizia già nel XIII secolo) prodotto in una ridotta area montagnosa del cuneese. Pasta friabile, gusto deciso, nell’Ottocento era il formaggio dei re, poi ha rischiato di scomparire. Oggi merita decisamente un assaggio.

Scendendo in Liguria, nella stagione giusta (da marzo a giugno), si può gustare l’Asparago violetto di Albenga (Savona). Di colore viola intenso, è un ortaggio unico al mondo per sapore e consistenza, prodotto oggi in piccolissime quantità.

La rustica cucina della Lombardia non può fare a meno del Grano saraceno, un cereale alpino coltivato un tempo in tutta la Valtellina. Pochi produttori mantengono viva la coltura di un ingrediente fondamentale, assieme al Bitto Storico, nella preparazione dei Pizzoccheri.

Arriviamo in Trentino Alto Adige e parliamo di... burro! Non di uno qualunque, ma di quello che ai tempi della Serenissima era considerato il miglior burro delle Venezie. Il Botiro di Primiero di Malga è prodotto completamente a mano durante l’estate in una piccola area montana della provincia di Trento.

Ideale compagno del burro d’alpeggio è il Pan di Sorc, un pane dolce e speziato a base di mais, segale, grano tenero e fichi secchi, di derivazione asburgica e oggi prodotto in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Un tempo era il pane di Natale, oggi lo si può consumare tutto l’anno.

Il vicino Veneto arricchisce il nostro viaggio con la Gallina Padovana, una particolare specie di volatile quasi scomparso e custodito da 8 allevatori. Il disciplinare del Presidio prevede un pascolo all’aperto e alimentazione a base di granaglie prive di OGM. In Emilia Romagna, uno dei luoghi sacri della cucina italiana, non può mancare un incontro ravvicinato con il Culatello di Zibello. È considerato il principe dei salumi nostrani, sia per la nobiltà delle materie prime impiegate (la noce della coscia di suino), sia per la delicatezza e la lunghezza della preparazione (almeno 18 mesi di stagionatura).

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Scendendo lungo la costa adriatica una tappa obbligata sono le Marche. Qui regna il Mosciolo Selvatico di Portonovo, una varietà di cozze non coltivate che viene raccolta manualmente, da aprile a ottobre, lungo gli scogli sommersi della costa del Conero in provincia di Ancona.

In Abruzzo si torna invece nell’entroterra per gustare le Mortadelle di Campotosto, caratteristici salumi preparati con carni di suino, pancetta, sale, pepe e una miscela segreta di spezie. Al centro dell’impasto viene poi posizionato il classico filetto di lardo, poi le mortadelle vengono affumicate al camino e stagionate all’aria di montagna.

Di salume in salume, eccoci in Molise dove facciamo conoscenza con la Signora di Conca Casale (Isernia), un grosso insaccato (fino a 5 chili) un tempo confezionato solo per i notabili del posto con le parti più nobili del maiale. Oggi un norcino di Conca Casale ha ripreso la produzione attenendosi a rigidi controlli qualitativi.

Arrivati in Puglia potremmo aver voglia di un po’ di pane per accompagnare le pietanze. Niente di meglio del pane Tradizionale dell’Alta Murgia (o di Altamura), a base di semola rimacinata di grano duro locale cotta in antichi forni di pietra alimentati da fuoco di legno di quercia.

Se è avanzata una fetta, ci tornerà utile in Basilicata per assaporare il Caciocavallo Podolico, un formaggio a pasta filata ottenuto dal latte di vacche di razza podolica, un animale rustico allevato allo stato brado. Il suo latte è scarso in quantità ma eccellente per qualità.

Anche un vino può essere talmente poco conosciuto da rischiare di scomparire. È il caso del Moscato al Governo di Saracena (Cosenza), un vino che viene imbottigliato fin dal Cinquecento in Calabria attraverso un complesso procedimento di cotture e mesciture. Dopo almeno sei mesi si ottiene un vino aromatico, resinoso, profumato di fichi secchi, frutta esotica, mandorle e miele.

Attraversato lo Stretto di Messina, la Sicilia ci offre i frutti della sua tradizione agricola millenaria. Noi scegliamo l’umile Pistacchio Verde di Bronte (Catania), raccolto una sola volta ogni due anni per permettere agli alberi di riposare. Di sapore unico e colore verde intenso, è un ingrediente indispensabile, soprattutto in pasticceria.

Dal verde del pistacchio al rosso del pomodoro, vero orgoglio della Campania. Gli Antichi Pomodori di Napoli, coltivati nell’area tra il capoluogo e Salerno, non sono altro che varietà originali di San Marzano, quasi andate perdute e riscoperte solo da pochi anni.

Caratteristiche principali sono la buccia sottile, la bassa acidità e il sapore persistente. Una delizia con cui preparare, ad esempio, la celebre Parmigiana di Melanzane.

Una fermata lungo la costa tirrenica del Lazio permetterà di scoprire la Tellina del Litorale Romano, un semplice mollusco ancora oggi raccolto a mano con i rastrelli. La bruschetta con la tellina, pietanza resa celebre da Federico Fellini che ne era golosissimo, da sola merita il viaggio.

Poche ore di traghetto ed eccoci in Sardegna. Qui il formaggio per definizione non è il Pecorino, come si potrebbe pensare, ma il Fiore Sardo dei Pastori, un gustosissimo formaggio caseificato in alcuni comuni della Barbagia con l’aiuto di caglio vegetale e conciato con una miscela di olio di oliva, aceto e sale.

Torniamo sulla terra ferma per chiudere alla grande il nostro viaggio gastronomico con la celebratissima Toscana. Tra i tanti cibi che rendono famosa questa regione merita una lode il Prosciutto Bazzone, un crudo dalle dimensioni importanti (16-18 chili) prodotto nelle alture sopra Lucca utilizzando maiali allevati allo stato semibrado. Va tagliato rigorosamente con il coltello.

Ora che il viaggio è terminato, non resta che sederci a tavola... buon appetito!

Caciocavallo Podolico (Basilicata)

Mortadelle di Campotosto (Abruzzo)

Signora di Conca Casale (Molise)

Pane Tradizionale dell’ Alta Murgia (Puglia)

Lo Slow Food alla salvaguardia della cultura culinaria italiana

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ll Trebbiano stravolge il mondo del vino.

La storica Cantina Valentini ha prodotto il miglior vino italiano Roberto Ciuffini

Negli anni Sessanta e Settanta Mario Soldati, una delle figure più eclettiche della storia culturale del Novecento italiano, percorse a più riprese l'Italia rurale con lo scopo di salvare le tracce di un mondo che, proprio allora, iniziava a scomparire. a quei viaggi nacque il libro “Vino al vino”, uno straordinario racconto del Bel Paese negli anni successivi al boom economico e anche il più bel libro sul vino che sia mai stato scritto. Per parlare dell'Italia di allora, delle sue bellezze ma anche dei suoi tanti problemi, Soldati scelse, come espediente narrativo, come chiave di lettura e metafora del nostro genius loci, uno dei prodotti più sinceri e autentici del nostro Paese, frutto di un meraviglioso equilibrio fra natura e cultura: il vino.

Per capire in che condizioni versi l'Italia odierna, quali siano i settori nevralgici da cui dipende il suo futuro, e quello del made in Italy, bisogna fare un'operazione analoga a quella che fece Soldati: tornare nelle campagne, dove si trovano le migliaia di piccole e medie aziende agricole che punteggiano la nostra penisola.

La storia dell'azienda agricola e vinicola Valentini, alla quale, nel 2012, è andato il prestigioso riconoscimento di azienda produttrice del miglior vino italiano, sta lì ad indicare come il futuro dell'Italia abbia un cuore antico: quello rappresentato dalla sua antichissima e ricchissima tradizione enogastronomica.

L'azienda si trova a Loreto Aprutino, piccolo comune abruzzese situato sulle colline dell'entroterra pescarese. Il tipico borgo medievale italiano, arroccato e immerso in un paesaggio naturale di grande richiamo turistico.

A dirigere l'azienda, una delle più antiche d'Italia e d'Europa (le sue origini risalgono addirittura al 1650 e da allora è rimasta sempre nelle mani della stessa famiglia), è Francesco Paolo Valentini. Il padre di Francesco, Edoardo, è stato uno dei padri della viticoltura italiana; il bisnonno, invece, fu musicista, compositore e direttore d'orchestra, amico e collaboratore di Arturo Toscanini.

Francesco Valentini non ha nulla del tipico imprenditore italiano. A cominciare dal fatto che non si definisce un imprenditore, ma “un agricoltore quindi un artigiano”. Una riaffermazione d'identità nella quale ci sono sia la responsabilità che il piacere di sentirsi in un ruolo più che mai decisivo per il futuro prossimo dell'Abruzzo e di tutto il Paese.

Un'altra caratteristica che contraddistingue Francesco Valentini è una certa diffidenza, quasi una riluttanza, nei confronti della modernità o, almeno, di quella modernità che ci costringe a consumare tutto in modo automatico e vorace. “Non ho il cellulare né l'email”, ci confida. “Come azienda, non abbiamo dépliant pubblicitari o illustrativi né un sito internet”. Poca pubblicità, nessun marketing, zero glamour. Una produzione fieramente artigianale.

Dei 200 ettari di proprietà dell'azienda, 65 sono coltivati a vigneto, 50 a oliveto e altri 50 a grano. Francesco Valentini manda avanti l'attività insieme alla moglie spagnola Elena Guzman Garcia e al figlio Gabriele, 19 anni, studente di economia e commercio.

Il Trebbiano del 2007 si è aggiudicato la palma di miglior vino italiano, precedendo numerosi vini di prima fascia come il Barolo, il Brunello, l'Amarone e il Bolgheri Sassicaia. Ad assegnare il premio è stata una giuria internazionale composta dal sommelier campione mondiale Luca Gardini, dai critici Andrea Grigraffini, Daniele Cernilli e Enzo Vizzari, e dai giornalisti specializzati Raoul Salama, della Revue du vin de France, e Tim Atkin, collaboratore di Economist e Observer.

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Francesco Valentini

Francesco Valentini, che significato ha avuto per voi questo premio? È sicuramente una grande soddisfazione. Anzitutto, da abruzzese, c'è la soddisfazione di aver visto la propria Regione all'apice di una classifica stilata da persone che, nel campo, sono delle autorità. E poi c'è, naturalmente, la soddisfazione legata al vitigno. Noi usiamo il Trebbiano d'Abruzzo e nonostante ce ne siano tantissimi, sia in Italia che in Europa – è un vitigno tipico del Mediterraneo – spesso viene bistrattato, considerato non all'altezza. Io invece, come mio padre, ho sempre sostenuto che il Trebbiano d'Abruzzo è un ottimo vitigno e non ha niente da invidiare agli altri.

Ci parli della sua azienda?

Nasce come azienda con indirizzo principalmente olivicolo e zootecnico. La produzione di vino è arrivata in tempi piuttosto recenti, intorno agli anni Sessanta, anche se nella mia famiglia il vino si è sempre prodotto. Eravamo allevatori di bovini di razza marchigiana. Oggi la produzione di olio è rimasta, ma non abbiamo più potuto continuare a fare gli allevatori, nonostante la ricchezza di pascoli a disposizione perché, a un certo punto, è arrivata la carne dall'estero a prezzi più bassi.

Ha toccato un punto cruciale, quello del “made in Italy”. Pensa che questo marchio sia sufficiente a garantire il prodotto?

In base alle leggi attuali, quella del made in Italy è una mezza truffa. Secondo la legislazione italiana, infatti, non è necessario che la materia prima sia italiana e così accade spesso che di italiano ci sia solo l'ultima lavorazione. A parte il caso dell'olio, per cui deve essere indicata la zona di provenienza, per altri prodotti questo non succede. Ad esempio, i pomodori che provengono dalla Cina in triplo concentrato, una volta arrivati in Italia, vengono allungati con acqua e sale, legalmente, per ottenere il doppio concentrato italiano. I prosciutti che arrivano dall'Est possono portare il marchio italiano perché vengono affinati in Italia. La pasta di grano estero pastificata in Italia si dice italiana. Questo è il libero mercato, ma così non possiamo essere competitivi.

Come si esce da questo stallo?

La crisi c'è perché non lavora più nessuno sul territorio, c'è una fuga delle attività all'estero. Per prima cosa, bisognerebbe restare sul territorio; in secondo luogo, bisognerebbe far lavorare gli italiani, così si creerebbero consumatori con capacità di spesa e l'economia non si fermerebbe; terzo, dobbiamo utilizzare materie prime italiane. È così che si valorizza il nostro Paese.

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Artich ke

The

One food for two celebrations Recipes and photos by Loretta Gatto-White

Artichokes, an ancient food featured in cuisines from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, are actually thistles.

So it’s not surprising that much of their spiky leaves and fuzzy purple inner choke are inedible, but their stalks, within two inches of the base or heart, the prized heart itself and the tender bases of the leaves are delicious. any of the new world varieties are hybrids of older Italian species, like the exceptional tiny and tender, ‘baby anzio,’ which can be eaten whole; the beautiful wine-coloured Siena with a tiny choke and heart so tender it’s eaten raw; the green Chianti with open leaves ideal for stuffing; the grandfather, Romanesco, from which California’s large globe artichokes evolved, is the classic served whole with drawn butter.

No wonder Italians, having cultivated them for centuries, love them in so many different ways: grilled, steamed, stuffed, fried, pickled and even raw, usually enjoyed with only a light benediction of salt, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of mint. Even the euphemism for the strategy of dealing with political enemies is called la politica del carciofo where one dispatches one’s opponents as they would consume the leaves of a boiled artichoke, one-by-one, slowly savouring each!

During the struggle for the country’s unification, Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia declared that Italy, like an artichoke, is to be taken leaf by leaf and not in one bite.

Traditionally, artichokes are featured in the spring celebrations of Passover and Easter accompanying either fish or lamb. Carciofi alla Giudia, (artichokes in the Jewish style), originated in Rome’s 16th century Jewish ghetto and is still popular throughout Rome today. The artichokes are cooked twice in olive oil; first to

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blanch, then to crisp them. The leaves of the heads are opened-out to look like late autumn sunflowers. A lighter version of this dish omits the first blanching in oil, cooking them in acidulated water instead, then to make them crisp, the heads are fried in olive oil. If using the large globe artichokes as the recipe indicates, they can be served as a light lunch with dressed greens with lemon garlic aioli on the side to dip the leaves. If choosing a smaller variety, offer them as an antipasto, or as a contorno on a platter with lemon slices surrounding roast lamb.

The second recipe, Artichoke Crespelle (crepes), is quick and easy, especially as canned artichokes are ready to use. Prepared crepes are available in supermarkets; those made from matzoh meal are kosher. Canned artichokes are excellent pureed with herbs and cheese baked in a mousse-type filling for crepes or layered with the filling as you would a lasagna, then baked in a spring-form cake pan to create an artichoke crespelle strata, a perfect accompaniment to salmon.

Due to their tannins and cyanin, artichokes can taste somewhat bitter, so it is often said, erroneously, that they don’t pair well with wine. However, many white wines such as a brut Champagne, Prosecco and Chablis complement them well. If serving artichokes with a roast lamb, try Italian reds having a good balance of fruit and acid such as Barbero or Dolcetto.

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Artichoke Crespelle

Carciofi alla Giudia

(crepes)

Serves 4

Serves 4 Ingredients: • 8 9-inch prepared crepes • 5 canned artichoke hearts, well-drained • Leaves from 4 sprigs of tarragon • 1 cup shredded Emmenthal cheese • ½ cup grated parmesan • ½ cup sour cream • 2 ½ tbsp. flour • 2 large eggs, separated • 1 tsp. salt Preparation: Line a 9x11 shallow baking dish with greased parchment paper. If the first row of artichoke outer leaves are tough then remove and discard. Cut the artichokes in half and coarsely chop the tarragon. Add both to a food processor along with the egg yolks, cheeses, salt, sour cream and flour. Blend until mixture is thick and nearly a puree.

Preheat oven to 375F. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually fold in the artichoke mixture.

Fold a crepe in half, roll into a cone, then hold in one hand as you would an ice cream cone, open the centre and fill ¾ full with artichoke filling. Place crepe in the baking dish and proceed with the rest of the crepes.

Bake on middle rack for 17 to 20 minutes, until firm, puffed and golden.

Ingredients: • 4 large globe artichokes • 2 lemons • Kosher salt and fresh pepper (to taste) • 1 ¾ cups olive oil (not extra-virgin) Preparation: Select a deep saucepan just wide enough to accommodate the artichokes. Fill halfway with cold water; add a half teaspoon of salt and the juice of one lemon.

Remove the first three rows of outer leaves from the artichokes by pulling them downward, leaving their tender bases attached to the head. Then using a paring knife or scissors to cut off the dark green upper-half from the remaining leaves, rotating the artichoke as you go. Remove the top third of each head and the fuzzy inner choke with the knife or a grapefruit spoon. Peel the stalk up and over the base. Add each artichoke to the lemon water as you go in order to prevent browning.

Bring the artichokes to a steady boil. Cover the pot loosely. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a cake rack over it. After 20 minutes, pierce the base of a couple of artichokes with a fork; if it penetrates easily they are done, if not, return to the boil and check at frequent intervals. When done they should be tender yet firm.

Place artichokes head down on the rack and squeeze each gently to remove excess water. Then gently spread their leaves open. Clean and dry the saucepan, add the olive oil and heat to 370F. Using long-handled tongs, slowly place each artichoke head down in the hot oil, being very careful as the water retained in the artichoke will make the oil spatter. When crisp and golden, drain the artichokes on the rack. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and serve warm with lemon slices.

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Lifestyle

Chris Cristini

Steve Cristini

Occupation: Gym owner, strength coach Age: 28 Generation: Second Dad from: Frosinone, Lazio Mom from: Ateleta, Abruzzo Speaks: English, some Italian Raised in: Markham

Occupation: Gym owner, strength coach Age: 22 Generation: Second Dad from: Frosinone, Lazio Mom from: Ateleta, Abruzzo Speaks: English, some Italian Raised in: Markham

Passion: Competing in CrossFit competitions, Muay Thai and increasing people’s health Clothes: Buffalo jeans, Cream sweater, Jack & Jones jacket, Aldo winter shoes Favourite designer: Z Zegna Store: Kamdorbo Restaurant: Desserts Plus Favourite dish: Prosciutto (sliced, chunks, whole leg, I love it all) Absolute must in the pantry: Nonna’s melanzane Type of wine: Pinot Grigio Place you must go back to at least one more time in your life: Thailand

Passion: Fitness Clothes: Guess jeans and jacket, Jack & Jones shirt Favourite designer: Hugo Boss Restaurant: The Sultan’s Tent Favourite dish: Veal Parmigiana Absolute must in the pantry: Nutella Type of wine: Masi Valpolicella Last time you went to Italy: 2007 Place you must go back to at least one more time in your life: Impruneta, Tuscany Favourite band or singer: Swedish House Mafia Best Italian movie: Gangs of New York (filmed in Italy)

Photographer: Gregory Varano Make-up: Desi Varano Location: Café on the Square

Best Italian movie: A Bronx Tale Sexiest Italian: My fiancée Dream car: Cadillac Escalade Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Having an espresso at Villa Restaurant Thing about you that would surprise most people: Former Canadian Muay Thai Champion Best coffee in Toronto: My stove Best pizza in Toronto: The Standard Pizza & Pasta Bar Pet peeve: Someone slapping my back You know you are Italian when or if: You had a souped-up Ferrari Yellow Civic at 16 with the Italian flag boxing gloves hanging on your rear-view mirror

You know you were raised Italian when: You thought everyone called the cellar “cantina” Italian artist or actor you would like to meet: Al Pacino Favourite flavour of gelato: Nocciola Favourite Italian song: La Zita by Tony Santagata Favourite Italian city: Florence If never visited, which city would you like to visit: Rimini Best memory growing up as Italian: If I had hot salami for lunch in elementary school I was the cool kid of the day Favourite thing about being Italian: Food, Food, Food Plans for the spring: Qualifying for the Reebok CrossFit Canadian Nationals

Dream car: Audi R8 What you like most about our magazine: The promotion of Italian culture to further generations of Italian Canadians Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Having an espresso on College Street Mare o montagna: Mare Favourite thing about being Italian: Strong family values and great food Thing about you that would surprise most people: I love junk food Best coffee in Toronto: Crema Coffee Co. Best pizza in Toronto: Ciao Roma Pet peeve: Traffic You know you are Italian when or if: Your hands speak louder than your voice

Favourite thing to do in Toronto: Eat You know you were raised Italian when: You grew up thinking every type of cereal was called Cherrios with a rolled R Italian artist or actor you would like to meet: Robert De Niro Spaghetti o penne: Spaghetti Favourite flavour of gelato: Nocciola Favourite Italian city: Firenze If never visited, which city would you like to visit: Milano Best memory growing up as Italian: Italy winning the World Cup Plans for the spring: Finish school and go on a trip

See all past profiles on panoramitalia.com

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Lifestyle

Jennifer Lynn Quaglietta (Aiello)

Jessica Aiello Nickname: Jess, Jessie Occupation: Dentist at Dr. M. Papini & Associates & Royal York Dental Age: 26 Generation: Second Mom from: Toronto Dad from: Cosenza, Calabria Speaks: English, Italian & French Raised in: Toronto Passion: Healthcare, tennis Clothes: Robert Rodriguez coat, Ron White boots Favourite designer: Salvatore Ferragamo Store: Holt Renfrew Restaurant: Fieramosca Trattoria Favourite dish: Polenta, musetto and lentils Absolute must in the pantry: Calabrese crisps Type of wine: Brachetto D’Acqui Favourite Italian saying or quote: “Dimmi con chi vai e ti diro chi sei!”

Last time you went to Italy: Pescara 2008 Place you must go back to at least one more time in your life: Marbella, Spain

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Best Italian movie: Totò, Peppino e la malefemmina Italian soccer team: Juventus Dream car: Fiat 500 What you like most about our magazine: It fosters and keeps alive Italian culture with the second and third generation Italian-Canadians Thing about you that would surprise most people: I have two different coloured eyes Best coffee in Toronto: Zaza Espresso Bar Best pizza in Toronto: Gran Gusto Ristorante & Pizzeria Pet peeve: People who are disorganized You know you are Italian when or if: Your dad uses the stakes from the political

campaign posters to hold up tomato plants Your fashion idol: Olivia Palermo Favourite thing to do in Toronto: Shopping at Yorkdale Mall You know you were raised Italian when: Your lunch that was prepared by mom always consisted of at least one panino with mortadella and cheese Favourite Italian song: Calabrisella Mia by Rosanna Fratello Favourite Italian city: Rome If never visited, which city would you like to visit: Cagliari, Sardinia Best memory growing up as Italian: Playing briscola and scopa with nonna and nonno with Triestine cards

Occupation: Strategy lead, transformation secretariat, Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care Age: 30 Generation: Second Mom from: Toronto Dad from: Cosenza, Calabria Speaks: English & Italian Raised in: Toronto Passion: Healthcare, travelling, baking Clothes: Mackage coat, Burberry scarf, Michael Kors gloves, Paige pants, Tremp boots Favourite designer: Valentino Store: Tory Burch Restaurant: Via Allegro Ristorante Favourite dish: Zuppa di pesce Absolute must in the pantry: Homemade tomato sauce Favourite Italian saying or quote: “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano” Last time you went to Italy: 2011 for my honeymoon Best Italian movie: Il Postino

Dream car: Aston Martin DB9 What you like most about our magazine: Brings discussion about Italian culture to life Best way to feel Italian in Toronto: Having a gelato on College Street Thing about you that would surprise most people: I have a degree in Engineering and an MBA Best pizza in Toronto: Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill You know you are Italian when or if: Everyone you know receives a panettone for Christmas Your fashion idol: Kate Middleton You know you were raised Italian when: Saturday morning was spent at Italian school

To be considered for a photoshoot in future Living Italian Style sections, simply like Panoram Italian on Facebook, and express your interest on our wall. An administrator will get back to you with further details.

Italian artist or actor you would like to meet: Sophia Loren Favourite flavour of gelato: Bacio Favourite Italian song: I Belong to You by Eros Ramazzotti and Anastacia Favourite Italian city: Florence Best memory growing up as Italian: Nonno bringing me to buy Neapolitan ice cream sold in plastic cups and eaten with a wooden mini spoon Favourite thing about being Italian: Knowing that I come from a culture that has a history of great artistry, design, food, and family values Plans for the spring: Maintaining a healthy pregnancy and instilling traditional Italian values in my family!

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Lifestyle

Fever

By Alessia Sara Domanico

The Canadian lumberjack genre has been a breakout hit throughout the major winter 2013 collections. Those flannel jackets and ankle boots that were once reserved for hiking trips have been transformed into the It things to wear out for a Saturday stroll downtown. Top designers took liberties with their cabin-influenced gear for the season, exploring it from more decadent angles by using fur collars and stoles, oversized leather bombers and thick cashmere coats.

Whether cottage bound or lounging around, keep it chic and go a little country

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aking a cue from the American West, Michael Kors has crafted the most faithful interpretation to the genre with a luxe-cabin theme that saw his female and male models parade down the runway in classic red and black plaids, furs and sheepskin accessories.

Kors is one of the few fashion designers to have a mixed show of men’s and women’s looks, a detail that had great effect with this particular collection with poster-perfect couples arriving two by two as if they were climbing up a very stylish mountain. High-end Italian brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci showed a hint and a flash of cabin, albeit a more lavish cabin, with their velvet military jackets, capes and broad-shouldered bombers. Gucci’s Frida Giannini cited a 19th century horse-and-buggy ride through the woods as one of the themes for this new collection. Her idea can be instantly recognized when you take account of all the capes and Fedora hats the Gucci models were donning for the season. Most brands also propose their own version of the oversized duffel bag in leather, canvas or cotton. The multi-use weekender does indeed make for an essential cabin piece which you can gift someone or use for yourself as a unisex accessory.

For men, the cabin genre is much more ‘dandy’ than rough and tough with playful colour combinations (red/green/black, yellow/grey/blue and white/green/red) to play up a stylish hunting side. In many cases the absence of pattern does not take away from the ‘country’ feeling. This was proved at Marni where the correct corresponding colour palette achieved the same effect on male garments. Hats, in this case, are becoming the operative hunter-inspired accessory and their colour should naturally coordinate with that which is already on your shoes. Cabin style can also count its success with the sheer number of people that dress for the country but remain in the city. The steps to dressing country are imbued with a simple and carefree spirit, making it not only popular, but wallet-friendly with factors that promote the practice of shopping your own wardrobe. Embrace the tradition of the great outdoors and go exploring. Your closet awaits!

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TROPEA

Living the Good Life in Calabria

By Francesca Spizzirri

I love summers in Southern Italy’s Calabria. Nothing feels better than trading in high heels and power suits for bejewelled sandals and straw hats. Here, life is taken at a leisurely pace. It is a time to enjoy long relaxed lunches, evening strolls and a laidback approach to life that many of us strive to emulate in our daily lives. Italians refer to it as “La Dolce Vita,” the sweet life, and that it is. hile at times sleeping in is just what the doctor ordered, I enjoy waking up early, cappuccino in hand, and setting out along Calabria’s scenic coastline high above the Tyrrhenian Sea to the beautiful seaside town of Tropea. Few places remain relatively untouched by the modern world, and lucky for us, Tropea is one of them.

Unbeknownst to the prying eyes of tourists, Tropea is home to one of Italy’s most spectacular white sand beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a stunning coastline to be rivaled by Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.

Perfectly situated between Gioia Tauro Gulf and Sant’Eufemia Gulf, Tropea is swathed by warm Mediterranean breezes on a 40-kilometer coastline the Ancient Greeks named “Coast of the Gods.” What an incredible experience it is to see the dramatic rocky cliffs rise up against the sunlit sea of blue below, and if you’re fortunate, on a clear day you can see the volcanic Aeolian island of Stromboli.

Tropea is steeped in history and tradition with many ancient churches, palaces and artisanal workshops gracing its narrow streets. The most evocative of these is the famous church of Santa Maria dell’Isola built on a bluff jutting out to a brilliant sea.

But don’t let Tropea’s laid back coastal vibe fool you, it is bustling with charming hotels, boutiques, lounges, cafés and restaurants that serve fresh local cuisine — some of the best on the coast.

Like a fine wine, Tropea continues to get better with age and provides the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable Italian vacation at a more affordable cost than other well-known cliffside towns. Is it any wonder I keep coming back? So what are you waiting for? Andiamo a Tropea!

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FUN FACTS • Locals believe Tropea was founded by Hercules who named it Tropeas (Trophy) for the prize he had discovered.

• Tropea is also famous for its “Cipolla Rossa,” a red onion with a mild and sweet flavour and aroma. It is Italy’s most famous onion. Local delicatessens use it to prepare red onion marmalade and local cafes serve up a delicious red onion ice cream. It may sound odd, but it’s a must try when visiting!

SURROUNDINGS Tropea is located on a gorgeous coastline flanked by lots of beautiful sea towns and beaches like Capo Vaticano, Nicoterra, Pizzo Calabro and Ricadi. I highly recommend a visit to Pizzo Calabro, the birth place of the famous Tartufo ice cream and home to the Chiesetta di Piedigrotta; a seventeenth century church carved in a cave of soft rock facing out to sea that shipwrecked sailors created in gratitude for having been saved from a storm. It is a site you won’t forget.

WHERE TO STAY If tranquility and romance are at the top of your wish list then look no further than the lovely Villa Paola. This fourteenth century monastery turned boutique hotel offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and with just six rooms and a private pool, Villa Paola feels more like staying at a friend’s luxurious home rather than a hotel. In addition, Villa Paola offers transfers from the airport. www.villapaolatropea.it

Tartufo nero

For good value and private beachfront access Le Roccette Mare can’t be beat! The property provides all the amenities one would expect from a larger resort: restaurant, snack bar, sun umbrellas, deck-chairs, beds, pedal-boats, canoes, beach volleyball and table tennis. It’s the perfect place for a family getaway. www.roccettemare.it WHERE TO EAT The entire region is known for its bounty of quaint local restaurants that serve up fresh local fare, and by fresh I mean the fisherman’s catch of the day. One worth mentioning is El Sol Ristorante E Pizzeria with a large outdoor patio, wood burning oven, open aired kitchen, and partial ocean views. Another I enjoy is Ristorante Tropea Vecchia, which serves up fresh local seafood. The décor is laid back and relaxed and the food is great.

GETTING TO TROPEA Tropea is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile. The closest airport is Lamezia Terme with direct flights from Toronto and Montreal during high season and connecting flights through Rome all year long. If instead you opt to drive and enjoy the views, you can make your way towards Tropea on the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway.

Read more on www.travelista73.blogspot.ca

Tropea beaches

Lovers’ Walk

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By Sarah Mastroianni

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Hiking in the Cinque Terre

Housed in the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park lies the Via dell’Amore, one of the most famous pathways in Italy. This “lovers’ pathway,” just one kilometre in length and situated high above the sea, links Riomaggiore and Manarola, two of the Cinque Terre’s five coastal towns. For decades, the Via dell’Amore, coupled with the area’s breathtaking natural beauty, has lured lovers, hikers and Italy enthusiasts from around the world to this picturesque corner of Liguria.

uilt between 1926 and 1928, the Via dell’Amore was born out of necessity and not at all with love in mind. As workers blasted through the rock in order to upgrade the railway line, they found it necessary to build a gunpowder warehouse safely away from the two towns. Thus, they created a pathway from both villages that lead to a central storage area. After the railway was finished, locals rallied to reinforce the pathway, cover part of it, and keep it open as a second link between the two very isolated villages.

The story goes that, apart from aiding in commercial dealings, the new pathway also made it easier for young men and women from Riomaggiore and Manarola to meet and fall in love. Thus the pathway came to be known as the Via dell’Amore.

Through the decades, the Via has stayed true to its name with lovers from all over coming to enjoy a stroll through its cliff side galleria, which displays breathtaking panoramas to visitors in any season.

Approximately halfway along the Via sits the Bar dell’Amore, the original gunpowder warehouse that is now a quaint and welcoming café where visitors can rest, sample a glass of local wine and enjoy 180° views of the coastline and the turquoise waters below.

Spectacular coastal views are not the only thing that catches the eye of visitors to the Via dell’Amore, however. Decades’ worth of amorous graffiti painted onto or carved into the rock adorn the cliff face and the walls of the path’s galleria. Although

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off-putting to some, true romantics seem to find the sentiments behind the graffiti endearing. “Lucchetti d’amore” or love locks — padlocks marked with a couple’s name and locked in a public place for all to see — are a frequent sight as well.

Also situated in the National Park are the other three towns that make up the Cinque Terre — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Corniglia. With a population of only 5,000 inhabitants and covering a mere 4,300 hectares of land, the Cinque Terre National Park is the smallest but most densely populated one in Italy. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Cinque Terre, with its postcard perfect scenery, has something to offer travelers of all kinds.

A stroll along the Via dell’Amore is not the only way for visitors to experience the area’s breathtaking panoramas. The five towns are linked by a network of pathways of varying lengths and difficulties, which is open to the public with the purchase of a Cinque Terre Card. To hike the full length of the Cinque Terre takes approximately five hours and is well worth the effort.

If a hike high along the terraced cliffs seems too taxing, visitors can travel between towns easily by train, bus or boat, as the Cinque Terre is virtually car-free.

Monterosso, the largest and northernmost town, boasts ample sandy coastline for sunbathers and swimmers to enjoy, and its many shops stay open well into the evening. Vernazza’s small harbor, dominated by the Castello dei Doria, makes a great place to enjoy the regional specialties, sip a glass of locally produced Sciacchetrà wine and revel in the Cinque Terre experience.

INCOME TAX ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING

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Much Ado about

Modena

The balsamic capital packs historic sights, unforgettable tastes and a supercar legacy Ferrari F430 Spider & 360 Modena Alexandre Prévot

By Alessia Sara Domanico

The Emilia Romagna region may not win your heart, but it will conquer your stomach. This is after all the part of Italy where the beloved Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma and freshly stuffed pastas come from. While Bologna is the undisputed leader of this terrain, its neighbour to the northwest is not to be overlooked — and its noteworthy cuisine is only part of its allure. ordered by the Secchia and Panaro rivers, the town of Modena lies in the Val Padana between Parma and Bologna. An affluent city today, it was ruled by the powerful d’Este family for two centuries. Nowadays Modena is better known for its automobile dynasty. As the birthplace of luxury car manufacturer Enzo Ferrari, Modena enjoys a privileged position in the global auto sector with the headquarters for Lamborghini, Maserati, Bugatti, Pagani and De Tomaso all situated there or a few kilometres away.

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Modenese Attractions Cars and cuisine aside, Modena has an impressive offering of historic sights and cultural institutions. The Cathedral in the centro storico (historical centre district) should be at the top of your sightseeing list with its massive rose glass window on the façade and a dominating presence over the Piazza Grande. The Torre della Ghirlandina, a Gothic bell tower, was later installed to the back of the Cathedral. Nextdoor you will find Town Hall with a distinctive clock tower set into its centre. The Ducal Palace, where the d’Este family held court at from the 17th-19th centuries, is now home to a Military Museum and library. It is characterized by its Baroque façade, a ceiling fresco by Marco Antonio Franceschini in the main hall and its gilded Salottino d’Oro (Golden Hall).

The Museum Palace complex in Piazza Sant’Agostino is divided by collection: the Estense Gallery holds the d’Este family’s collection of northern Italian artworks with pieces by the likes of Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese; the Estense Library is one of the most important in Italy with valuable books, letters and manuscripts that include the Medieval illustrated Bible of Borso d’Este, a Medieval museum, a Modern Art museum and an archaeological museum with artefacts that were found locally from the Palaeolithic period.

Culturally-speaking Modena is very active in organizing theatrical and musical events. The city enjoys a thriving operatic culture, its opera house: Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti is named for the famous operatic tenor who was born here.

Historically, the opera house was the inaugural stage for pieces written by Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini. The Teatro Comunale also stages ballets, outdoor concerts and other open air performances in the summer months. Modena also plays hosts a large Antiques Fair on the fourth weekend of every month (excluding July and December).

For car enthusiasts there’s the Museo casa Enzo Ferrari, a museum designed inside the Ferrari founder’s home, which is open all year round with the option for a guided tour as well as a transfer from the Modena train station to the official Ferrari Museum in the town of Maranello. In June, the town sees the arrival of hundreds of antique cars and souped-up Ferraris for the annual Modena Motorfest.

Wining and Dining Being a part of Emilia Romagna, Modena has its own stellar set of savoury dishes and wines to wash them down with. One of its best known contributions to Italian gastronomy is the Cotechino Modena, a fresh sausage made with pork. Meat and cheese stuffed tortellini and tortelloni pasta can also cite a Modenese origin while the almond filled Torta Nera, a coffee and cocoa pastry tart is the town’s signature dessert. The Enoteca Ducale houses a tasteful selection of regional Italian wines such as Lambrusco, all with a DOCG (Controlled Designation of Origin Guaranteed) classification.

Cotechino with Polenta Lenticchie

Pass the Balsamic If there is one product that Modena can lay full claim to, it’s balsamic vinegar. While other producers in Emilia Romagna have taken up the trade, achieving similar quality levels, a Modena balsamic is the true artisanal original and should be what you look for if you want the most authentic. The real ABT (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale) is made from grapes, the typical strain being Trebbiano, but it can vary from Sauvignon, Aceto balsamico Lambrusco, Spergola and Sgavetta as well. of Modena Once the grapes have been harvested they are crushed for their juice which is then simmered over an open fire by DOP (Controlled Protection of Origin) requirement. The vinegar is then transferred into wooden barrels which are filled three-quarters of the way. The Balsamic must age for a minimum of 12 years, during which time the vinegar is transferred through a series of different wooden barrels to customize its flavour. Chestnut wood provides colour and promotes acidic development, cherry wood adds sweetness and juniper, oak decreases evaporation and mulberry provides a spicy aroma. Two important things to look for on a bottle of Balsamic is the must (mosto) content, which corresponds to the actual juice used, and of course the written assurance that it comes from Modena!

Palazzo Ducale Modena

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Le Alpi si trasferiscono al Sud Le località sciistiche dell’Abruzzo sono le più rinomate dell’Appennino. Il posto ideale per settimane bianche e weekend sotto la neve.

Freestyle in Abruzzo

Roccaraso

Fabio Forlano

Neve e Sud sono due parole che, almeno in Italia, vanno poco d’accordo. Eppure, ben al di sotto della linea del Po c’è una Regione che ha fatto degli sport invernali il suo marchio di fabbrica. Stiamo parlando dell’Abruzzo, meta ambita da tutti gli amanti della montagna e della buona cucina. Il complesso montuoso abruzzese vanta ben nove cime oltre i duemila metri, compreso il Corno Grande, vetta più alta di tutti gli Appennini con i suoi 2.912 metri sopra il livello del mare. Quello che impressiona dell’Abruzzo, oltre alla bellezza dei paesaggi innevati, è l’enorme varietà di comprensori sciistici attrezzati per ogni tipo di sport. Dai tracciati dedicati allo sci alpino fino alle piste di snowboard, passando per la novità assoluta dello ‘sleddog’. Le attività per rendere speciale la vacanza bianca non mancano di certo.

Chi visita il versante aquilano del Gran Sasso non può non passare da Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Il paesino, costruito attorno a un centro storico molto caratteristico, riesce a regalare ai visitatori la sensazione di vivere in un’atmosfera unica.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio è famoso anche per le sue lenticchie che, assieme alle erbe aromatiche della zona, costituiscono la base della cucina locale.

L’Altopiano delle Cinque Miglia Il centro più importante dell’Altopiano delle Cinque Miglia è sicuramente Roccaraso, la località sciistica più nota di tutta la catena appenninica. Roccaraso, conosciuta come stazione di sport invernali già dai primi del Novecento, sorge tra due grandi Parchi Nazionali, quello d’Abruzzo e quello della Maiella. Il comprensorio offre trenta impianti di risalita, oltre cento chilometri di piste e uno stadio del ghiaccio. Non mancano soluzioni per il benessere e per il divertimento, specialmente se si considerano i vicini centri di Rivisondoli e Pescocostanzo. Rivisondoli è la tipica cittadina di montagna abruzzese, con case strette l’una all’altra e un sistema viario fatto di stradine piccole e scalinate che si arrampicano fino alla sommità del paese. Pescocostanzo, invece, è considerato uno dei borghi più suggestivi d’Italia. Oltre a un patrimonio artistico di chiara impronta barocca, il centro è famoso per l’antica tradizione artigiana fatta di pizzi, merletti, ferro battuto e legno intagliato.

Il Gran Sasso La maestosità della catena del Gran Sasso, e del suo Corno Grande, si può ammirare dallo storico albergo di Campo Imperatore. La struttura, a 2.130 metri sul livello del mare, è al centro del più alto domaine skiable di tutto l’Abruzzo. L’Altopiano di Campo Imperatore, ricordato per il blitz tedesco che liberò Mussolini dalla prigionia, è oggi un centro di grande interesse per gli amanti dello sci di fondo.

Circa 60 km di piste si snodano nel suggestivo scenario del Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso-Laga, garantendo percorsi duri e altamente spettacolari. L’area protetta, inoltre, ospita il Calderone, il ghiacciaio più a Sud d’Europa.

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La Majella occidentale e l’Alto Sangro Il massiccio della Majella è la seconda catena montuosa dell’Appennino. Sorge tra le Province di Chieti, L’Aquila e Pescara e la sua vetta più alta è il Monte Amaro. Il centro sciistico di maggiore appeal è sicuramente Campo di Giove, sede delle piste più alte di tutto l’Abruzzo.

Proseguendo verso Sud-Ovest, poi, si incontra la zona dell’Alto Sangro, il cui centro più rinomato è sicuramente Pescasseroli. Città natale del filosofo Benedetto Croce, Pescasseroli è oggi una delle destinazioni preferite dalle famiglie per trascorrere le vacanze invernali.

La Regione in tavola L’Abruzzo è una Regione dalla forte tradizione culinaria. Tra località montane e costiere il menù locale si presenta corposo e vario, a seconda della Provincia di appartenenza. La cucina di montagna è particolarmente ricca di legumi, ceci e lenticchie su tutti, che di solito vengono preparati in gustose zuppe (la più celebre è quella di castagne e ceci). Parecchio diffusi sono anche i formaggi di pecora. Se ne trovano di tutti i tipi: freschi, stagionati, al peperoncino, affumicati o al tartufo.

Ma, forse, il fiore all’occhiello è rappresentato dalla produzione dolciaria. Qui la scelta è vastissima. Imperdibili sono le pizzelle (o ferratelle), cialde cotte in una piastra calda che dona forma e spessore. A Scanno, invece, si trovano i gustosissimi mustaccioli, dolcetti a base di cioccolato e pasta di mandorla. Mentre, scendendo più a valle, non si possono dimenticare i confetti di Sulmona e i bocconotti di Castel Frentano.

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Molise

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Masseria Grande

By Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

Forget about your last trip to Italy, struggling through expensive and overcrowded cities for a peek at historic treasures — been there done that. For those of you visiting the country of D’Annunzio and Slow Food for a second or third time, waking up to Molise’s striking coastline and checkered pastoral hills is your chance to experience the Bel Paese in a totally different way and for half the price of similar vacations in Tuscany or Veneto. ith tourism accounting for 10 percent of Italy’s GNP, it’s no wonder even smaller regions like Molise and Abruzzo are looking to make their mark on the Bel Paese’s tourist map. Thanks to a growing number of top of the line facilities (mostly in the style of refurbished villas or farmhouses), these secluded, yet inviting areas stand as ideal retreats for the world’s growing masses of traveling foodies and stressed-out urbanites, fleeing the pressure of our modern urban lifestyle.

Molise has everything to delight one’s taste buds and provide a coveted peace of mind with its impressive range of pristine pastoral landscapes and local delicacies, including high mountain pasture cheeses (e.g. mozzarella di Bojano, caccio cavallo di Agnone) traditional cavatelli pasta, scores of cured-meats and salumi (e.g. lamb torcinelli and pork pampanella), prime wine and olive oil, and a bounty of orchard fruits and seasonal vegetables, that would make most parts of our global village green with envy.

A three-hour drive from Rome, tucked between Abruzzo and Puglia along the Adriatic seashore, Molise is sometimes referred to as Italy’s belly button. Yet, despite its natural splendours and its stunning, albeit modest 36 kilometre shoreline, the region is probably one of the country’s best kept secrets. Hilly topography has left it one of the most sparsely populated regions of Italy with a little over 300,000 inhabitants. Its distinctive use of the territory has led to the distribution of hundreds of tiny, awe-inspiring villages scattered across the landscape like bunches of wild mushrooms, sprouting in some of the most unlikely and inaccessible landscape. Along the characteristic tratturi (sheep trails), this model of development based on strategic, natural defensive outposts boasts a near-perfect integration of man with his territory, conveying a variety of distinctive and picturesque towns melting into the region’s panoramas.

Moreover, unlike other northern Italian regions, old traditions still thrive in Molise. Religious processions in honour of local Patron Saints and festivities like the famous bull race of the Carrese held in the villages of San Martino, Ururi and Portocannone, or Termoli’s San Basso celebrations, are enjoyed today as they were centuries ago. These innumerable local summer festivals provide a near daily succession of fireworks that illuminate the sky. And after the harvest, Molisan nights provide an even more striking sight, as the region’s rolling hills become decorated with smouldering strips of fire from farmers who still burn the wheat fields’ “stoppie” (i.e. wheat stubble usually burned at night when temperatures are cooler). This tradition, which still inspires awe and enchantment from local Italians, is unlikely to do any less for visitors from abroad.

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The “Agriturismo”: a lively alternative to mass tourism “With increasing competition to attract tourism in the face of expanding markets elsewhere on the old continent, Italy has had to develop alternatives to mass tourism more in tune with social and ecological development,” explains Monica Meini, Associate Professor of Geography at the Università degli studi del Molise. “Whether called rural tourism, green tourism, ecotourism or geotourism, such sojourns are best understood as part of the “agroturismo” (agri-tourism) model, mostly characterized by familyowned accommodations such as bed & breakfasts, country houses, or the albergo diffuso (i.e. refurbished accommodations in evocative and historic village centers), such as those found in the coastal city of Termoli, in the Basso Molise area,” says Professor Meini.

“Increasingly common across Italy, these types of accommodations all fall within a vision of sustainable development that aims to preserve the historical memory of the territory by renovating existing buildings, safeguarding territory and heritage, and by promoting an endogenous development that respects the well-being of the community and its traditions,” explains Professor Meini. Such places are often run by local entrepreneurs who understand and embody the roots of the local milieu.

Festa della Carrese di San Martino

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Tasty, Affordable, Genuine Italy

Agroturismo Masseria Grande This is exactly what the Moccia family sought to do by refurbishing the two buildings of their historic farmhouse into a beautiful agriturismo called Masseria Grande, located near the village of Montecilfone in Basso Molise. The Moccias, who still live and work on the family farm, describe their domain, part of their family since the 18th century, as a place of high gastronomy within an oasis of verdure. The facility includes nine cosy double rooms, an apartment and a beautiful and intimate 30-seat restaurant offering some of the area’s finest culinary specialties. Sicilian chef, Vincenzo Sutera, mostly works with local seasonal produce found directly on the property’s 70 hectares of farmland, which includes a wine production of Tintilia and Traminer and extra virgin olive oil. His cuisine also comprises carefully selected cheeses and meat products from the region’s hinterland and fresh fish and seafood from the nearby Adriatic.

Contrada Pezze Corundoli n. 86032 Montecilfone (CB) Phone: +393318028269 www.masseria-grande.it

Valle di Gioia For those looking for the peace and quiet of an authentic Italian countryside retreat, bed & breakfast Valle di Gioia offers a completely renovated 19th century four-bedroom stone house just outside the lovely historic center of the village of Guglionesi. The smell of the local Mediterranean scrubland, the sound of cicadas and the captivating view of the surrounding countryside enjoyed from the roof top terrace will surely offer you that genuine Italian experience you’ve been looking for. Like Il Quadrifoglio and Masseria Grande, Valle di Gioia is within range of local restaurants and interesting tourist destinations like Restaurant Ribo or Il Pagatore, the Tremiti Islands, the Matese mountain range, the National Park of La Majella, the archeological sites of Canneto, Pietrabbondante and Sepino, and the historical beauties of Termoli, Vasto and Agnone.

Contrada Valle di Gioia n. 8 86034 Guglionesi (CB) www.valledigioia.it/Molise

Agroturismo Il Quadrifoglio società agricola The agriturismo Il Quadrifoglio, in the area of Montenero di Bisaccia, also attracts visitors with authentic regional gastronomy and stunning pastoral sceneries. Their trattoria style restaurant only serves products sourced from the surrounding area served with wine and olive oil from their own Terresacre vineyard and olive grove. Completely renovated, the Quadrifoglio historic farm house makes it a perfect agriturismo for those wishing to experience a natural holiday replete, with all the flavours of yesteryear, and no sacrifice to modern comforts. The house’s 20 rooms of sober elegance each provide a panoramic view of the surrounding rolling hills and nearby sea shore, besides connecting to the facility’s beautiful signature, inner courtyard and outdoor swimming pool.

C.da Montebello n. 86036 Montenero di Bisaccia (CB) Phone: +390875 960190-1 www.agriturismoilquadrifoglio.net

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Andrew Infusino A Rapper on the Rise

By Alessia Mocella

Andrew “Infu” Infusino is a Vaughan native who’s making his mark in rap music.

He discovered his talent during his final year of university and decided to take a daring chance on his music. Since then he’s been performing across Toronto, has sold thousands of records and is making international headway. eing true to himself and expressing his identity through music is essential to 25-year-old Andrew Infusino. “To be successful in this cut-throat business you need to be unique,” he explains. And for Infusino, being unique means exploring the issues that are important to him and those around him. “I could rap about other people’s stories,” he explains, “but it wouldn’t be authentic.” And part of standing out from the crowd is the fact that he’s an Italian-Canadian rapper. Infusino knows it’s a rarity that separates him from today’s typical hip hop artists.

He says he gets his inspiration from daily personal experiences and interactions that have left a mark on him — and that also resonate with his many fans. He released a song about his grandmother’s passing titled “I Never Dream’d You’d Leave Me,” and received many words of sympathy from unknown followers who also shared his feeling of loss. “I was very touched and surprised by the outpouring of messages,” he says.

Infusino’s music has also made a special connection with fans who regularly message him online in order to share their personal experiences with him. But these special ties and sense of appreciation aren’t going to the rap artist’s head. “Everybody is a role model,” he explains. “It comes with life experience and wisdom you acquire as you age. I see myself as a role model just as much as anyone else is.”

With this philosophy in tow and a good head on his shoulders, Infusino is well-equipped for the success he has achieved so far.

He boasts about having performed at nearly every club and venue in Toronto except for the ACC, and he was scouted by Boi-1da, a big name Toronto producer who has worked with Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kardinal Offishall and other famous hip hop artists. Boi-1da helped Infusino produce his song “Erryday;” it was recorded at the at the famous producer’s studio in Brooklyn.

He was particularly proud of being named “Artist of the Month” on the biggest hip hop downloading website Hot New Hip Hop, in 2011. The accolade had significant results.

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“I got a lot of attention and my name became more widespread,” says Infusino.

“That’s how I got the attention of Redman and Method Man, Kid Ink and Boi-1da.”

In December of 2012 he released his CD 25 to Life and in a mere two weeks it sold over 3,000 units on iTunes. And while Infusino is grateful for the achievement, he has his eyes on the big prize and hopes to sell 20,000 units in Canada in order to reach platinum status. And that just might be in the cards considering his track record so far.

Although he’s only been in the industry for a short time, Infusino is quickly rising to the top of his game, and he’s determined to continue on his quest to become a famous Canadian rapper.

“When I was in university, I could never imagine being where I am today,” he admits. But his innate talent for writing songs and free-style rapping has taken him down an unexpected yet exciting path that shows no signs of slowing down.

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Caterina Florio

By Salvatore Difalco

A Florentine Import

In the 1960s, tightened immigration laws and Italy’s own improving economy and quality of life shrank the great waves of Italians emigrating to Canada. That said, a steady if attenuated trickle of Italians, seeking work, study or love, still gravitate to this country. uch is the case of Caterina Florio, a native Florentine and expert in textile and costume conservation, who imported her specialized talents from the famous city as recently as 2006. After several years of a long distance courtship with Italian-Canadian artist Francesco Galle, whom she met in 2001 in Florence, the couple decided to marry and settle in Toronto, Canada.

“It was difficult,” she admits. “I left everyone and everything I knew behind. It helped being with Francesco, who’s lived here since he was a boy. He had a network of family and friends. And yet it was not enough. Helpful, but I felt that if I really wanted to feel at home I had to create my own network of people — affetti as we say in Italian. And because it was not my home, I had to learn the language and the culture.”

Florio, who speaks impeccable English, concedes she took a few ESL classes but for the most part learned the language watching movies and TV, reading, and through work. “You have to immerse yourself in order to really learn a language. I had to learn English and also the very specific lexicon for my work.”

Immerse herself she did, not only mastering the language, creating a network of affetti but also building a successful small textile and costume conservation business. Florio, who studied at the Istituto per l'arte e il restauro Palazzo Spinelli for three years before going on to the University of Florence for a masters degree, honed her hands-on skills at Florence’s Galleria Delle Costume.

And while these skills were indispensable in the aging cradle of the Renaissance, she wondered how they’d transport to a relatively fresh city like Toronto. “Slowly, over the years I built up a clientele. It’s a small community in Toronto, and it’s a word of mouth business.”

Her most recent project involved the conservation of a Flemish tapestry, woven in Antwerp circa 1650, part of a complete renovation of Trinity College’s Strachan Hall. “They knew nothing about the tapestry,” Florio says. “They received it as donation in the 1940s from one of their main benefactors. It’s a massive 6 by 4.5 meters, though it looks small in that big space. Taking it down was tricky because it’s so fragile. We had to roll it while it was still on the wall, detaching it slowly.”

Demands for her expertise are on the rise — Florio joyfully admits that the last few months have been crazy. “I may have to hire an assistant!”

Asked if she missed her homeland, she could not lie. “To say that I don’t miss Italy is not true. I miss the day-to-day rituals, and the rhythm of Italian life. All of my family is there. But it represents the place of my childhood — and I do get back once or twice a year. The truth is I’m happy to be in Canada now, as an adult. I feel like I’m contributing, socially, culturally. I really like it here — I think it’s very open, physically and mentally. There is a place for everyone, and that’s very different from Italy.”

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“

To say that I don’t miss Italy is not true. I miss the day-to-day rituals, and the rhythm of Italian life. All of my family is there. But it represents the place of my childhood — and I do get back once or twice a year.

The truth is I’m happy to be in Canada now, as an adult.

”

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Bookeviews Slices R

of Italian History

By Sarah Mastroianni

King of the Mountains. The Remarkable Story of Giuseppe Musolino.

Italy’s Most Famous Outlaw

by Dan Possumato Published by Smoky City Press In his debut book, Dan Possumato recounts the story of his ancestor, Giuseppe Musolino, a 21-year-old woodcutter, who, in 1897 was accused of attempted murder in the rural Calabrian town of Santo Stefano d’Aspromonte. Although he pleaded innocent, the young Musolino was convicted and sentenced to years of hard labour. Unwilling to accept this unjust punishment, Musolino swore vengeance; he would escape from prison and murder anyone involved with his wrongful conviction.

Possumato recounts in an easy-to-read, well-researched style that tends more towards essay than novel, the events of Musolino’s life as he lived as an outlaw in the mountains of Calabria, carrying out his vendetta and evading capture for three years. Although considered a hero by the locals, Musolino was eventually re-captured, re-tried and re-sentenced.

After l years in so s Not only does King of the Mountains outline the extraordinary events in the life of Giuseppe Musolino, it also allows readers a peek into everyday Calabrian life at the dawn of the 20th century. In addition to many citations from historical sources, Possumato also includes a variety of photographs and illustrations, which help bring the bandit’s story to life. King of the Mountains, although a mere 55 pages in length, is a worthwhile and easy read for anyone looking for a factual account of this intriguing slice of Calabrian history.

The Lanzis. The Boundless Shades of Life

by Giancarlo Gabbrielli (Available in English & Italian) To order: giancarlog552@gmail.com Published by iUniverse Inc. The Lanzis, the first of Giancarlo Gabbrielli’s novels, portrays the moving story of the Lanzi family as they struggle against the turbulence of life in the first half of the 20th century.

The story opens in the midst of a bloody First World War battle near the town of San Donà del Piave in northern Italy. When her husband is killed in an explosion that also destroys their home, Luisa Lanzi fears for the lives of her sons — Riccardo, an officer in the Italian Army who is fighting in the trenches, and little Lorenzo, only nine years old and too young to have seen the horrors of war. After the family inherits a piece of land in the town of Castelvecchio, Tuscany, the Lanzis move south in search of peace and prosperity, unsure if the two ideals can ever be found in their country again.

In the pages that follow, Gabbrielli beautifully details the ups and downs of the Lanzis from the end of the First World War, through the rise of Fascism and into the Second World War. Well-written and enjoyable, The Lanzis succeeds in offering new perspectives on an important period in history through the lens of a family that is not only struggling to stay alive, but also to stay true to itself.

Although The Lanzis weighs in at just over 600 pages, readers shouldn’t be intimidated. Gabbrielli keeps his paragraphs short, his descriptions vivid, and the plot moving throughout the book’s entirety. A pleasant and at times heartbreaking read, The Lanzis is an excellent addition to any bookshelf.

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Dr. Punch-Up Comedy Writer Luciano Casimiri

By Salvatore Difalco

As Luciano Casimiri, one of Canada’s top comedy wordsmiths, explains it: a punch-up writer is someone called upon to doctor a lame or lifeless television script, and breathe life into it, give it wings. “This is where I come in,” he says, perhaps snapping an imaginary latex glove as he gets to work. hile not a household name, the 48-year-old Casimiri, whose resume reads like a Who’s Who of contemporary Canadian comedy (including gigs with the Kids in the Hall, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Royal Canadian Air Farce, The Great Canadian Laugh Off, and Russell Peters) has made a comfortable living gently resuscitating flaccid scripts or performing radical surgery on arrested ones, in addition to working on his own material.

The Toronto native, and Oakwood Collegiate grad, began comedy writing at the unheard of age of 16. “I was taking a Second City improv class where I met people like Mike Myers, Kevin McDonald — and Dave Foley, one of the founders of Kids in the Hall. That’s where I got my start, hooking up with Dave.” Given a chance to write for the influential, and now iconic the Kids in the Hall was an excellent opportunity, but didn’t seem extraordinary at the time. “We had no idea that it would become so huge. Of course while you’re doing it you never do.”

And in a business where work can be scarce and word of mouth is the coin of the realm, Casimiri has managed to piece together an impressive, and at times lucrative, career, winning a Gemini Award for Writing In A Comedy Series in 2001 and four Canadian Comedy Awards (2001, 02, 03, 04). Some of his more improbable credits include speechwriting gigs for Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton, assignments he waxes about with a chuckle. “Everything said to the Queen is scripted,” he confesses. “And no, I made no Monica Lewinsky references, though Billy Crystal did.”

In 2012 Casimiri added a writing job with George Stroumboulopoulos to his resume, further galvanizing his reputation as one of Canada’s most solid comedy writing talents. “A lot of comedy writing,” he admits, “I mean the business of it, is who you know.” That said, the art of comedy writing is something you either can do or you can’t. “I don’t think it can really be taught,” Casimiri concedes. “Maybe you can improve and sharpen what you do, but in the end you’re either funny or you’re not.”

Casimiri, whose parents Sante and Filomena emigrated from Campotosto, Aquila, Abruzzo in 1958, speaks Italian and has remained very close to his Italian roots. “I still hit St. Clair regularly for a little taste of the old neighbourhood.” And he has taken on an ambitious project close to his heart, far removed from comic hijinks and double entendres, writing a screenplay based on Mario Duliani’s chronicle of internment life in Canada during World War II, City Without Women.

“Yes,” he says. “I’m working with director Jerry Ciccoritti and I’m very excited about it." For a man blessed with the salubrious and feather-touch of comedy, Casimiri looks forward to the challenge of faithfully representing this dramatic and often heartbreaking story.

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Musica Italiana: Panoram Italia’s Picks

By Sonia Benedetto Niccolò Fabi Album: Ecco Label: 2012 Universal Music Genre: Pop-Rock/Folk Ecco is Niccolò Fabi’s seventh album and his first musical work to have entered the top five best-selling Italian albums since his debut in the ’90s. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Fabi wrote all 12 songs of his latest endeavor including the single “Una Buona Idea.” Driven by a desire for musical freedom and authenticity, his style is characterized by a crossover of multiple genres such as pop-rock, acoustic folk, reggae and soul. His songs “Io,” “Elementare” and “Indipendente” also deserve mention.

Syria Album: Scrivere Al Futuro Label: 2011 Sony Music Genre: Pop Two years after experimenting with electronic dance music in her album Airys -Vivo Amo Esco (released in 2009) and several collaborations with indie music bands, “Scrivere Al Futuro” marks Syria’s return to the original pop roots which launched her career. Singing about the various facets of love, a central theme throughout her entire album, her latest record features eight new pop songs including her entertaining single “Sbalzo di Colore.” Her expressive interpretation of “Ritorni Nei Sogni” and the beautiful ballad “La Nostra Città” are other highlights of the album.

Pooh Album: Opera Seconda Label: 2012 Trio Srl Genre: Pop-Rock/Symphonic A great Italian band from the ’60s, Pooh have produced numerous hit songs such as “Tanta Voglia di Lei,” “Uomini Soli” and “Dammi Solo Un Minuto.” Their latest album Opera Seconda features 11 tracks from their lifetime repertoire, re-recorded and performed with a 67-piece symphony orchestra. The real highlights of this ambitious new project showcase two duets, counting new arrangements, between lead singer Red Canzian and Claudio Baglioni in “Maria Marea”, and singer Dody Battaglia and jazz-soul sensation Mario Biondi in “Ci Penserò Domani.”

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Mina Album: 12 American Songbook Label: 2012 Sony/GSU Genre: Jazz/Swing 12 American Songbook is Mina’s tribute to the American Jazz music repertoire. With her unmistakable and wonderful voice, the Tigre di Cremona reinterprets timeless classics such as “September Song”, the upbeat swing tune “Banana Split For My Baby,” “I’ve Got You under My Skin” and “Love Me Tender.”

Eclectic and unique, all tracks were recorded live with a jazz trio giving this album an unprecedented, magical twist, considering that Mina has not performed or made any public appearances since the ’70s.

Vittorio Grigolo Album: Arrivederci Label: 2012 Sony Classical Genre: Opera/Classical Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo is one of the leading recording opera stars of his generation. In 2010 he made a remarkable debut at London's Royal Opera House Covent Garden as Des Grieux in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut for which he was awarded “Best Tenor” by L’Opéra Magazine’s 2011 Opera Awards. His latest album Arrivederci revisits some of the most beautiful and popular, traditional Italian and Neapolitan songs like “Caruso”(Dalla), “Core’ngrato” (Cardillo), “Non Ti Scordar di Me”(De Curtis), “Arrivederci Roma”(Rascel) as well as some favourite opera arias like “La Donna è Mobile” from Verdi’s Rigoletto, “Mattinata” (Leoncavallo) and “La Danza” from Rossini’s Les Soirées Musicales.

Paola Turci Album: Le Storie Degli Altri Label: 2012 Universal Music Genre: Pop Paola Turci’s latest album Le Storie Degli Altri (Other Peoples’ Stories) brings to an end a musical trilogy that the singer-songwriter began in 2009 with the album Attraversami Il Cuore, followed by “Giorni Di Rose” in 2010. Her latest release counts eight songs where Turci continues to share her feelings and perception of the world, tackling present-day social concerns. The track “Figlio Del Mondo” speaks about marginalized minority groups while “I Colori Cambiano” is a true light of hope for a brighter future. Other songs include other “Ragazzi Bellissimi” and a cover by Giorgio Gaber entitled “Si Può.”

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Mario Bernardi A Musical Life and Legacy

By Stephanie Grella

Growing up in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Mario Bernardi began piano and organ lessons at the age of seven. Now at 82, he is considered one of Canada’s notable conductors and pianists, and he has undoubtedly left behind a legendary musical career that has paved way for aspiring musicians and conductors alike for generations to come. rom New York and Chicago to London and Norway, Bernardi has conducted orchestras and operas around the globe for over 60 years. Being the founding conductor of the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) in Ottawa and later becoming the music director, Bernardi has spent 13 years of his career in Canada’s capital. The city will soon become even more memorable to Bernardi.

As if being named Conductor Laureate of NACO and receiving the Order of Canada was not enough, Bernardi will be honoured in Ottawa, where the National Arts Centre will welcome a bust of the conductor. The project is currently underway; it is scheduled for completion sometime in the spring. “I’m surprised that it’s even happening,” says Bernardi. “It’s a real honour.”

Although Bernardi may not be able to attend the unveiling, Mona Kelly, Bernardi’s wife of 50 years and a former mezzo-soprano, mentions that one of their grandsons will be there in his honour.

Before NACO, Bernardi studied piano, organ, composition, and theory with Maestro Pasut in Treviso, Italy, and he later took his examinations at the Venice Conservatory when he was just 17. “My sister became an interpreter and my brother an engineer,” says Bernardi. “I was the first and only one in my family to pursue music.”

After graduating, Bernardi and his family moved back to Canada, where Bernardi immediately began coaching and conducting opera for the Canadian Opera Company.

From there, he then became musical director of the Sadler’s Wells Opera Company in

F

London, England, now known as the English National Opera. “Like any career, it wasn’t a planned process,” says Kelly. “One thing just led to another.”

With an international career also came some of the finest talent in the business.

From Canadian operatic contralto Maureen Forrestor and American mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne to Grammy award-winning Frederica von Stade and American cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Bernardi has worked with an immeasurable amount of musicians. “Really the question is ‘who hasn’t he conducted?’” Kelly laughs.

Now bound to a wheelchair, Bernardi and his wife are residents of Villa Colombo, a seniors long-term care facility in Toronto. After suffering from two severe strokes, he decided to take permanent residence in July 2011. With continual greetings from passersby, Bernardi seems to have made a smooth transition from an unstoppable career to a well-deserved retirement. Villa Colombo has even encouraged him to continue his lifelong passion for music by purchasing a baby grand piano in the cafeteria, where he can play any time.

Bernardi fondly mentions the last conducting gig of his career: a 2010 performance of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, an Italian opera, at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.

Although Bernardi devoted his life to conducting, he did not foresee himself flourishing into the Canadian legend he is today. “I always liked music and the piano,” says Bernardi humbly. “I have never known anything else.”

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I neonati dell’anno 2012

Edward George Papageorgiou February 28, 2012 Rose-Ann Cotturo & Chris Papageorgiou

Rui Francesco Cucuzzella Leal February 16, 2012 Francine Cucuzzella & Rui Leal

Clara Vernacchia September 29, 2012 Julie Labelle & Marco Vernacchia

Julian Zac LeBel April 15, 2012 Anna Marinelli & Erik LeBel

Matteo Anthony Insogna September 25, 2012 Natalie Pietromonaco & Mathew Insogna

Robert Andrew Mormina July 25, 2012 Anne Palm & Joey Mormina

Anastasia Cianci January 9, 2012 Despina Pitsakis & Gaetano Cianci

Lucas Barbato August 22, 2012 Maria Gesualdi & Donald Barbato

Julian Philip Lemmo February 16, 2012 Connie Mosca & Gabriel Lemmo

Jessica Maria Juliette Ribuffo November 9, 2012 Jennifer Brennan & Domenico Ribuffo

Marcus Antonio Volpe January 26, 2012 Jennifer & Antonio Volpe

Alice Rodi July 19, 2012 Guylaine Tétreault & Frank Rodi

Anthony M. Di Criscio October 11, 2012 Teresa Lapadula & Mike Di Criscio

Gemma Violet Pap January 10, 2012 Stefania Orlando & Denis Pap

Francesco Jr. Di Campo June 6, 2012 Angelina Carestia & Francesco Di Campo

Olivia Loggia April 10, 2012 Lori Bruni & Roberto Loggia

Dimitry Kapralios August 8, 2012 Johanne Messina & Tom Kapralios

Nikola Lafrenière May 17, 2012 Natacha Spagnoletti & Daniel Lafrenière

Liana Cipriani February 23, 2012 Josie & Mario Giovannitti

Daniel Spinelli May 24, 2012 Maria-Lisa Bozzo & Johnny Spinelli

Abigail Fanelli June 8, 2012 Christine O’Reilly & Francesco Fanelli

Liana Dellerba August 7, 2012 Julia Di Re & Vito Dellerba

Sera Lamenta February 26, 2012 Caroline Kell & Carmelo Lamenta

Marcus Bobby Abatzidis August 31, 2012 Teresa Leuci & Bobby Abatzidis

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Stella Passarelli May 17, 2012 Melanie Gingras & Michel Passarelli

Sienna Helena Kuiper March 8, 2012 Bianca Morello & Matthew Kuiper

Logan Damiano Pesce July 15, 2012 Barbara Yeung & Tony Pesce

Jacob July 26, 2012 Julia Di Nardo & Bobby Charalabous

Mason Guiiano Jones October 26, 2012 Tania Iannucci & Duane Jones

Milan Guerrera February 20, 2012 Adriana Sanchez & David Guerrera

Alivia Emma Pietrantonio August 13, 2012 Elaine Quik & Michael Pietrantonio

Dario Giovanni Barbis July 15, 2012 Nadia Iacino & John Barbis

Matteo Nicholas D’Addario December 15, 2012 Nadia Colasurdo & Mike D’Addario

Pietro Carlos Caruso January 20, 2012 Zoila Velazquez Pitaluga & Matteo Caruso

Sofia Eva Cristofano August 31, 2012 Sonia Rubbo & Paolo Cristofano

Calogero Cirrito August 9, 2012 Tina Lanzon & Franco Cirrito

Danica Marie Scalia September 6, 2012 Sonia Broccoli & Joe Scalia

Nathan William Fox July 28, 2012 Nadia Farinaccio & Andrew Fox

Anthony Farinaccio Adams June 7, 2012 Pina Farinaccio & James Adams

Salvatore Vardaro April 28, 2012 Leonilda & Nicola Vardaro

Simona Giuseppa Mathieu October 9, 2012 Sonia Marchica & Steven Mathieu

Ryan Caswell August 2, 2012 Rosa Rossi & Matthew Caswell

Gabriella Bertone July 12, 2012 Martina Venditti & Paolo Bertone

Olivia Lipari May 7, 2012 Tania & Salvatore

Samantha Luongo July 16, 2012 Tonia Theodorou & Carmen Luongo

Marco Gaetano November 6, 2012 Maria Elena Guglielmino & Nick Evangelatos

Lucas & Sebastian Tomescu Farinaccio November 29, 2011 Alexandra Tomescu & Mike Farinaccio

Alyssia Maglieri July 30, 2012 Libby Rizzuto & Jimmy Maglieri

Bianca Gervasi January 6, 2012 Claudia Pulizzi & Michael Gervasi

Alessandro Noah Valenti April 4, 2012 Lucia Vellone & Pasquale Valenti

Alessio Miccoli December 6, 2012 Caroline Tiseo & Tony Miccoli

Nicolas Anthony Germano December 27, 2012 Tatiana Restrepo & Anthony Germano

Mila Louise Dolce November 29, 2012 Émilie Gagnon Thibault & Jason Dolce

Michelangelo October 23, 2012 Marie-Helene Saad & Michael Cerulli

Massimo Luca Caruana September 25, 2012 Nancy Greco & Johnny Caruana

Christian Siracusa November 24, 2012 Oriana Verni & Gian Carlo Siracusa

Gloria Adele Gasparini March 14, 2012 Carla Russo & Roberto Gasparini

Gianluca Mazzamauro May 19, 2012 Maria Lessis & Marco Mazzamauro

Gabriella Gia Stivaletta January 24, 2012 Antonella D’Angelo & Fernando Jr Stivaletta

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Noah Malatesta June 28, 2012 Jennyfer Flores & David Malatesta

Gianluca Serafinus January 5, 2012 Lucia Franco & Bryan Serafinus

-Kayla Maria Demirakos June 30, 2012 Anna Franca Falco & George Demirakos

Sebastiano Anthony Muoio August 31, 2012 Angela Dolce & Massimo Muoio

Pietro Donato Broccolini May 23, 2012 Eliana Freitas & Donato Broccolini

Dina Spezio February 27, 2012 Carmela Saia & Pasquali Spezio

Antonio Teoli July 16, 2012 Ivana Di Menna & Vincenzo Teoli

Joey Vito Bilotta October 5, 2012 Carolina Barile & Giuseppe Bilotta

Adriano Gaglio January 30, 2012 Tania Mete & Anthony Gaglio

Emilia Mastracchio September 3, 2012 Kimberly Andrade & Orazio Mastracchio

Simona Viscoso March 12, 2012 Angela Giorgio & Mario Viscoso

Felice Italiano April 8, 2012 Jenny Broccolini & Joey Italiano

Erika Iaconetti July 13, 2012 Marisa Mastrocola & Frank Iaconetti

Seraphina Gurreri September 11, 2012 Terry Lisi & Joe Gurreri

Alessio James Di Maio September 8, 2012 Marisa Ruscitti & Enrico Di Maio

Julia Langelier March 18, 2012 Angela Tiana Muro & Philippe Langelier

Justin Alberto Brenna October 29, 2012 Patrizia & Joseph

Calleo Vincenzo Sicoli May 23, 2012 Rachele Fiore & Carlo Sicoli

Romana Di Stefano June 20, 2012 Enza Volpe & Giovanni Pietro Di Stefano

Stella Norah Simona Proctor July 12, 2012 Arlette Chinappi & Michael Proctor

Lucas Tennant January 4, 2012 Sabrina Kim Cavallo & Matthew Tennant

Alessandro Napoltano January 28, 2012 Rosemary Lapolla & Carmine Napolitano

Rosa Barbara Sincovich August 22, 2012 Patricia Sasso & Albert Sincovich

Riley Barillaro September 27, 2012 Tracy Calabrice & Rick Barillaro

Lily Nardi September 22, 2012 Maude Larrivee & Matthew Nardi

-Luca Enzo Sarno October 6, 2012 Stacey Stivaletti & Bernardo Sarno

Emma & Rose Cinelli Morena May 24, 2012 Josie Cinelli & Antonello Morena

Brianna Margherita Spinelli July 10, 2012 Teresa Varano & Mauro Spinelli

Juliana Josephine Angela Ciarlo July 1, 2012 Gina Cacciatore & Michael Ciarlo

Don’t forget to submit your baby pictures for our February/March 2014 edition!

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Agostino Aldo Capraro September 2, 2012 Elisa Mucciacciaro & Vittorio Capraro

Dante Mellozzi February 1, 2012 Nadia Gulli & Donny Mellozzi

Eva Ignoto August 28, 2012 Brigida Zappia & Mimmo Ignoto

-Olivia Rose Vespoli December 19, 2012 Linda Cinelli & Adam Vespoli

Francesco Vignone October 22, 2012 Adriana Di Paolo & Carlo Vignone

Adriano Zampini March 20, 2012 Giuseppina Ippolito & Mauro Zampini

Gianfranco D’Angelo August 7, 2012 Paola Antonelli & Frank D’Angelo

Sofia Victoria Liberatore December 3, 2012 Anna Racanelli & Mario Liberatore

Layla Carly D’Alessandro August 21, 2012 Lora Di Mora & Carlo D’Alessandro

121-Manuela November 1, 2012 Laura Moneta & Massimo Lecas

Olivia Joy Bertrand October 13, 2012 Josie Montesano & Robert Bertrand

Sofia Mancini September 29, 2012 Annamaria Miucci & Rudy Mancini

Alessandro Ghaleb September 20, 2012 Cettina Borsellino & Steve Ghaleb

Julia Raimondo July 5, 2012 Georgia Radiotis & Costantino JM Raimondo

Santino Di Giorgio September 23, 2012 Kim Robbio & Luciano Di Giorgio

Giuliano Nadile Petruccelli June 29, 2012 Antonia Nadile & Marco Petruccelli

Dante Gaspare Borsellino January 11, 2012 Maria Lobasso & Antonino Borsellino

Enzo Levert March 28, 2012 Maria Angela Forioso & Jean-François Levert

Xander Cosenza March 28, 2012 Nelly Pacheco & Tino Cosenza

Dario Lamparelli October 19, 2012 Sandra Lasnier & Luigi Lamparelli

Giuseppe Pietro Iacono March 19, 2012 Candice Stella & Antonino Iacono

Erica Evalina Fazio August 5, 2012 Christina & Claudio Fazio

Nathan Catania August 10, 2012 Nirva Gariche & Enzo Catania

Victoria Boulay December 21, 2012 Cristina Guerra & Marc Etienne Boulay

Alessandro Nicolas Schiralli June 2, 2012 Kristina Taraborelli & Salvatore Schiralli

Alessandro Izaguirre October 8, 2012 Cynthia Licursi & Edel Izaguirre

Liliana Mastandrea October 19, 2012 Julie Renella & John Mastandrea

Alexia Romano March 5, 2012 Tanya Ferro & Vincenzo Romano

Brianna Chloe Ferrante October 3, 2012 Mary Vacirca & David Ferrante

Valentina Aemilia Serri November 16, 2012 Manon Harvey & Mark Anthony Serri

Adriano Rocco Ida June 21, 2012 Giovanna Mazzariello & Antonio Ida

Alyssia Gaetana Leone October 10, 2012 Katrina Trihey & Sergio Leone

Lucas Antonio Colagiacomo November 3, 2012 Leeann Rainone & Francis Colagiacomo

Noah Pichon-Baccega May 2, 2012 Laurence Pichon & Giorgio Baccega

Giada & Gennaro Grassi September 22, 2012 Mylena D’Arasmo & David Grassi

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Giulia Prata April 6, 2012 Luigina De Luca & Eddy Prata

Eva Lozza July 30, 2012 Marie-Pier Therrien & Lino Lozza

Matteo Piccone March 16, 2012 Nadia Riley & Fabio Piccone

Justin Pellecchia February 1, 2012 Lyne Lamarche & Frank Pellecchia

Nathan Continelli October 24, 2012 Cynthia Romanelli & Domenic Continelli

Eric Pietro Muro November 9, 2012 Paula Van Den Bosch & Giuseppe Muro

Gabriella Malacria January 18, 2012 Virginia Parente & Luigi Malacria

Marcello Piccioni June 26, 2012 Ida Di Lello & Mauro Piccioni

Dario Santino Carmelo October 26, 2011 Diana S Cigana & Damiano Panzini

Eva Mormina December 23, 2012 Lia Mezzacappa & Anthony Mormina

Micah Ciccotti Turner April 26, 2012 Laura Ciccotti & Liam Idelson Turner

Samuele Davide Canale March 20, 2012 Flavia Longo & Raymond Canale

Tiffany Ava Muro July 10, 2012 Claudia Lo Cascio & Angelo Muro

Adriano Filipp Ricci April 15, 2012 Marcia Ploplis & Luigi Ricci

Alessandro Chiarella August 19, 2012 Kiera Liutak & Giacomo Chiarella

Sofia Valela March 20, 2012 Cristina Baranello & James Valela

Arianna Caterina Tamburini October 19, 2012 Enza Orsini & Enrico Tamburini

Sebastian April 16, 2012 Gabriela Sierra & Jason Verelli

Keaton Peter Castelli October 28, 2012 Kristina Castelli & Paul Castelli

Jesse James Mancini January 30, 2012 Paola & Roberto

Gemma Mila Renda May 23, 2012 Antoinette Gurreri & Lenny Renda

Gabriella Elisabeth Ciccone May 30, 2012 Frederique Gobe & Nicola Ciccone

Matteo Minicozzi August 20, 2012 Marisa Cuculo & Silvestro Minicozzi

Ugo Politano November 30, 2012 Tanya Bassignana & Anthony Politano

Siena Santeusanio January 31, 2012 Melissa Spinelli & Mike Santeusanio

Camilla Arcuri March 15, 2012 Sophie Ponte & Leonardo Arcuri

Anthony Simoncic September 4, 2012 ValĂŠrie Di Guglielmo & Janko Simoncic

Nicolas Di Paola Vetro June 17, 2012 Claudia Di Paola & Anthony Vetro

Jake Haggiag-Scalia June 1, 2012 Cindy Scalia & Patrick Haggiag

Siena-Marie Mimma Aloisi & R Rocco

Adamo Giovanni De Riggi September 15, 2012 Melina Vigorito & Louis De Riggi

Liam Cabizzosu July 21, 2012 Nadia Ruccolo & GianSandro Cabizzosu

Alessandro Zappitelli February 27, 2012 Enza La Rocca & Frank Zappitelli

Noah Zinicola January 15, 2012 Gina Baron & Mario Zinicola

Alexia Infantino October 8, 2012 Rosana & Francesco Infantino

Doriana Cavallaro March 18, 2012 Luisa Maucieri & Domenico Cavallaro

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Events

DeLuca Fine Art Gallery Exhibition A vision of Canadian and Italian partnership thrives at DeLuca Fine Art Gallery in Toronto. The holiday exhibition, which ran until February 2, featured local and international Italian artists including Lori-Ann Bellissimo, Ross Bonfanti and Janet Bellotto.

“It’s become a true bridge between Canadian and Italian cultures,” says Corrado DeLuca, director of the gallery.

Born and raised in Verese, Italy, DeLuca ventured to Toronto in 1998 to pursue the art business. By gradually starting a following with collectors and hosting private shows in his own loft, DeLuca worked towards the successful gallery he now owns. From Vancouver and New York to Milan and Australia, the gallery attracts international dealers and collectors alike, offering contemporary art, post-impressionism and abstract impressionism from Canadian and Italian artists.

Looking forward to working with some new artists for upcoming exhibitions in 2013, DeLuca is retaining some of the regulars he often showcases, including his father Giuseppe DeLuca, a well-known artist in Milan. Holding onto his Italian heritage, DeLuca enjoys connecting with galleries in Milan in an effort to expand artists’ exposure while sharing the Italian culture with Canadian artisans.

Mountain with black dots on white background by Michael Toke and Black installation on wall by Scott Eunson

The dark blue/black street painting on the red brick wall

by Mark Boyko

Although admitting that many pieces he selects for his gallery have a very European feel, DeLuca tries to offer his following a balance array of Canadian and Italian art. “It’s difficult to put my personal taste aside when it comes to choosing art,” DeLuca laughs. “But my challenge as an art dealer is to have Canadians and Italians understand and appreciate the differences.”

(Stephanie Grella)

The white inflatable people on the ground by Max Streicher and the painting on the wall next to it by Max Wyse

Getting Stylish for SickKids Combining a creative flair for jewellery-making with her philanthropic nature is at the heart of Gia Seca’s fundraising efforts for SickKids Hospital. The Toronto resident, who owns a small handcrafted jewellery company called Gems by Gia, launched a fundraising project for the noted hospital in December 2011 through the sales of her pearl bracelets. The $35 elastic onesize-fits-all bracelets are created with round white freshwater pearls and feature a sterling silver heart charm. The gift includes a mini tote bag with an insert card identifying the cause, and all net profits go to SickKids. “I wanted to make something that would appeal to everyone regardless of age,” Seca says.

The idea came to the designer after two personal experiences she had with the children’s hospital: “The real inspiration was an Italian-Canadian boy who goes to the same school in Woodbridge that my friend’s son attends. He is now 12 and is currently being treated for acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at

the hospital. My other friend has a granddaughter who was rushed to the hospital after she shattered her arm.”

Seca says that in both cases she was very impressed with the expertise and compassion the hospital staff showed. “After hearing these stories and many others I decided to use my talents to raise money,” she explains. And so she called the hospital with her idea and became an official sponsor with a donation site.

The bracelets are available at www.etsy.com/shop/ gemsbygia; they are also on sale at the Mane Society Salon and Spa on 7540 Weston Road.

Seca is intent on continuing her fundraising work and even hopefully expanding, but for now she is content with the fundraiser’s accomplishments so far: “Contributing to this cause does make me feel like I am helping (in a very small way) those children and parents who are dealing with illness and suffering.” (Rita Simonetta)

2012 F.G. Bressani Literary Prize ceremony On November 7, the 2012 F.G. Bressani Literary Prize ceremony at the Italian Cultural Centre of Vancouver took place to honour and promote the literary work of Canadian writers of Italian origin or Italian descent. The prize was named after Father Francesco Giuseppe Bressani, a Jesuit missionary born in 1612, and the author of Breve Relazione, a narrative of his missionary work among the Hurons and Algonquians and his subsequent capture and torture by the Iroquois.

During the event, George Amabile received two awards, one for poetry (Dancing with Mirrors) and one for short fiction (Small Change). For the Creative Non-Fiction category, historian Lynne Bowen’s Whoever Gives us Bread prevailed over Ray Culos’ Injustice Served who was, however, awarded an Honourable Mention for his seminal work as a local historian. Vince Agro, the winner for the Fiction category (The Good Doctor) could not come to Vancouver. Sophie Blom accepted the prize and read from his work on his behalf. The Sicilian Club of Vancouver awarded a certificate of Recommendation to Rosanna LoPresti for her Sicilian language poetry collection Giardinu d’Amuri. The 2012 Bressani Judges were: Professor Salvatore Bancheri, Chair of Italian Studies, University of Toronto (Fiction), Candice James, New Westminster Poet Laureate, President of BC Writers’ Federation (Poetry) and Dr. Jack Little, Simon Fraser University (Creative Non-Fiction.).

Mike Cuccione, the President of the Italian Centre, and Dr. Fabrizio Inserra, Consul General of Italy, were in attendance and gave welcoming speeches. The Bressani Committee members stood up to receive their share of applause. It was the culmination of two years of work for Valentino Serviziati, Pamela Vio, Prof. Emerita Stefania Ciccone, Stella de Giorgio, (myself) Anna Foschi and Giulio Recchioni, the Centre’s Cultural Coordinator. (Anna Ciampolini Foschi)

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Panoram Italia PanoramItalia & TRANSAT HOLIDAYS Italia FIAT 500 WINNER 1 Events

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TRIP TO THE AMALFI COAST WINNER

From left: Tony Zara, Publisher of Panoram Italia magazine, with winner Costanzo Spedaliere, his daughter Melina, and Eric Corso, General Manager of Desmeules FIAT.

From left: Gabriel Riel-Salvatore, Managing Editor of Panoram Italia (Montreal), with winner Rosa Valerio, and Joseph Adamo, VP Marketing & Web Commercialisation Air Transat

On January 19, barber Costanzo Spedaliere made his way to Desmeules FIAT of Laval, QC to pick up the 2013 FIAT 500 he won as part of Panoram Italia’s FIAT 500 3-year lease contest, which he generously transferred to his daughter Melina. Eric Corso of Desmeules and the gang graciously received everyone with a great buffet of Italian delicacies. Please be sure to check our magazine, weekly newsletter and Facebook page regularly for more great prizes and giveaways!

Congratulations to Rosa Valerio who won our 7 Nights on the Amalfi Coast Contest presented in partnership with Transat Holidays. Valerio, who was thrilled by her prize, said: “You can never say no to a trip to Italy!” Although Valerio has visited the Amalfi Coast in the past, she confessed, “It is one of those places you have to go back to.” Buon viaggio! Please be sure to check our magazine, weekly newsletter and Facebook page regularly for more great prizes and giveaways!

Photo by Randi Weiner

Panoram Italia

FIAT 500 WINNER 2

Joe Piccoli, the winner of a Fiat 500, tries out his ride. Rita Simonetta, Managing Editor of Panoram Italia (Toronto), was on hand to present Piccoli with his grand prize.

Congratulations to Joe Piccoli of Burlington, Ontario, who won a Fiat 500 (3-year lease) when he subscribed to Panoram Italian magazine. The prize was presented in partnership with Maranello Fiat in Vaughan. Piccoli was all smiles as he accepted his new car. “I am very happy,” he said.” I wanted to buy a Fiat 500 a long time ago.” Please be sure to check our magazine, weekly newsletter and Facebook page regularly for more great prizes and giveaways!

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Reviving Italian Sounds

Photo by Alexandra Guerson

The voices of great Italian poets and music composers will come to life when The Musicians In Ordinary perform on Saturday March 2 at The Toronto Heloconian Club.

You Who Hear in Scattered Rhymes, the third show of the duo’s Heliconian Hall Concert Series, will bring historical Italy into the 21st century through a blend of Baroque setting and Renaissance poetry.

Hallie Fishel, soprano, and John Edwards, theorobist, will feature work from popular poets Tasso, Marino, Guarini and Petrach while reviving the sounds of legendary composers Claudio Monteverdi, Giulio Caccini, Sigismondo d’India and Vincenzo Galilei, who was the father of astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei. “Vincenzo Galilei was as clever with music as his son was with a telescope,” Edwards says.

The duo’s Heloconian concert series, which runs through April 27, marks their 12th season of performing. (Stephanie Grella)

Angelo Filomeno’s Intoxication exhibit On January 16, Italian modern artist Angelo Filomeno unveiled his Intoxication exhibit at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Toronto.

Filomeno is known for his exquisite use of machine-sewn embroidery on silk canvas and other exotic materials. On opening night, Filomeno showcased eight of his major works to the delight of art lovers from around the city.

Within his meticulous creations, Angelo Filomeno’s Rapture of the Skin Filomeno incorporates dark, often sinister, imagery that can range from skeletons to insects to severed limbs. Although his paintings may be an acquired taste, they immediately capture the attention of the viewer. His precision in the traditional art form of embroidery made him a master in the art world in this category.

Having learned to sew at a young age, Filomeno honed his skills early on. For many years he worked in the fashion industry until Angelo Filomeno’s Intoxication deciding to dedicate his time to art. The (door stops) Ostuni-born artist currently resides in New York City. His designs are displayed in various galleries around the world and he has also participated in two major biennials since the start of his career.

This free admission exhibit, hosted by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in collaboration with New York’s Galerie Lelong, continues on until Wednesday, April 10, 2013. (Diana Cina)

Photo by DiModa Studios

Seventh Annual A Cure in the Future Retro Gala More than 650 people are expected to gather on Saturday, February 16 in support of the seventh annual A Cure in the Future Retro Gala, which raises funds for cancer research at The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Last year’s edition raised over $60,000 and Joseph Bianchi, the co-founder of the Gala, is proud of its ever-growing success. “Since the first Gala in 2007, we went from 250 people to over 650 supporters,” says Bianchi. “We hope to have more and more supporters each year.”

The event will be held at Bellvue Manor in Vaughan with Breakfast Television hosts Dina Pugliese and Kevin Frankish, both long-time supporters, who will act as the evening’s MCs. Guests can enjoy a live and silent auction as well as a raffle draw, while Platinum Solutions Entertainment will welcome guests onto the dance floor.

But above all the glitz and glam, guests will be reminded of the cause that brings them all together: The Princess Margaret Hospital’s goal to “conquer cancer in our lifetime.” President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Paul Alofs will attend the event along with Dr. Robert Bell, the president and CEO of the University Health Network. They will discuss how A Cure in the Future has helped raise awareness and funds for cancer research throughout the past six years of the event. Throughout the previous years, the Retro Gala has raised more than $100,000 in the hopes of finding a cure. “We hope to continue supporting this cause for as long as we can,” says Bianchi. (Stephanie Grella)

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For children of Italian heritage, the holiday season lasts a little bit longer than it does for many others.

On Sunday January 6, over 100 people gathered in the Sala Caboto at Villa Colombo long-term care facility at Dufferin and Lawrence for the annual La Befana Brunch – a celebration of the Epiphany and the arrival of the Befana. The brunch, organized each year by a group of dedicated volunteers, is a great way to, “continue the tradition or share the tradition with people who may not know about it already,” said Stefanie Polsinelli, Communications Coordinator at Villa Charities. “It’s good for families to do together,” she added, and indeed it was. The event ran from 10:30am to 2pm and was filled with delicious food, as well as entertainment and activities for parents and children alike. Among the things to do were crafts, face painting, accordion music, a raffle and a silent action. Of course no Befana Brunch would be complete without an appearance by the good witch herself, who recounted the story of the Befana, handed out candy, and took pictures with the children. Proceeds from the brunch and the silent auction will go towards the Columbus Centre’s many children’s programs. (Sarah Mastroianni) If you are interested in attending the next La Befana Brunch, being held Sunday, January 12, 2014, contact Rose Vecchiarelli at (416) 789-7011 ext.242 or rvecchiarelli@villacharities.com

Photos by Gregory Varano

La Befana Brunch at Villa Colombo

La Befana (Laura Libralato) surprises the children at the brunch and brings treats to them all

Members of the Columbus Centre School of Dance perform “Hard Knock Life”

Event Co-Chairs Happie Testa and Marianne Corigliano Franco with Joe Cimicata of Presenting Sponsor Imperial Home Hardware

Three generations of a family celebrate the tradition of La Befana together

A One of a Kind Partnership On Wednesday December 19, Villa Charities Inc. and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) formally launched their joint project to redevelop the Columbus Centre and Dante Alighieri Academy Catholic High School in Toronto. The signing ceremony was held at the Columbus Centre, where Villa Charities, TCDSB and stakeholders involved celebrated the only co-development project of its kind in North America.

“Instead of co-existing in isolation, this redevelopment will tie the community’s work together in a common lens,” says Angela Gauthier, Associate Director of Education for TCDSB, of the $50 million project. “It’s the perfect opportunity to solidify a longstanding partnership with Villa Charities.”

The project will rebuild both Dante Alighieri, which was originally built in 1973, and Villa Charities’ Columbus Centre, built in 1980. Located at the southern quadrant of Dufferin St. and Lawrence Ave., the redevelopment will offer 14.5 acres of cuttingedge facilities for students and the surrounding neighbourhood. The expansion especially promises a more integrated setting for Dante Alighieri, which houses over 1,000 students who are currently dispersed throughout more than 20 portables. This project will alleviate the separation and “bring them all together under one roof,” says Gauthier.

As for the Columbus Centre, its brand new state-of-the-art facilities will offer a

The signing of the agreement between the TCDSB and Villa Charities

modern space for recreational and cultural activities for the community, from the Columbus Day Care and J.D. Carrier Art Gallery to a new fitness centre and banquet hall. TCDSB and Villa Charities’ partnership intends to enrich the neighbourhood bond for future generations to come.

After the signing ceremony, Gauthier says the next steps include finalizing plans with architects and sharing their vision with the community at large. “It’s a great moment of pride for Italian-Canadians who came here with only the shirt on their back,” says Gauthier. “This project speaks to their efforts and contributions to the community.” (Stephanie Grella)

WHEN EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS COUNT! NICK A DAMIANO Broker of Record President

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Mille Miglia

Storica The most beautiful race in the world

By Alain Raymond

How to combine the joys of traveling with the passion for automobiles? Head to Brescia in May for the Mille Miglia Storica. ne thousand Roman miles, mille passuum (1,600 km) on public roads through towns, villages and the Italian countryside. A race against the clock that captured the attention of motorsport enthusiasts for 30 years. Enzo Ferrari described it as “la corsa più bella del mondo,” the famed road race that ran yearly from 1927 to 1957 from Brescia to Rome and back to Brescia. A “crazy race” as some called it after several high speed crashes that claimed the lives of drivers, co-drivers and spectators lining the roads. So crazy, in fact, that it was cancelled after 1957.

But the memory remained and nostalgic enthusiasts decided to revive the threeday event not as an outright race but as a tamer re-enactment.

O

One Lucky Journalist So here I am in Italy invited by Fiat Group to follow the Mille Miglia; it’s a dream come true. Driving a brand new Alfa Romeo MiTo, decked out with Mille Miglia Media stickers, I started my memorable experience at Brixia Expo, Fiera di Brescia, where 375 historic cars gathered for technical inspection.

Once inspected, all cars head towards Piazza della Logia, in central Brescia, where a huge crowd awaits their arrival. All day long, the crowd wanders through the piazza and the narrow surrounding streets to admire an incredible selection of cars. A genuine history book for cars built between 1927 and 1957.

As the sun goes down over the piazza, all 375 cars gradually start heading towards the starting stage on Viale Venezia. Spectators line the streets, sitting in cafés along the way or in the stands erected at the start. From there, each car climbs on the podium and is briefly presented to the cheering spectators young and old alike.

By 11 pm, the last car leaves and it is time for me to join the “race” in my sexy MiTo, guided along by my trusty Garmin navigator. Having caught up with the convoy, I drive into the night on the roads of Lombardy to our first stop in Ferrara. Along the route, hundreds of people have stayed up, including children in pyjamas cheering the cars speeding by.

On Thursday, Piazza della Logia and its side streets are teeming with historic cars. An unforgettable sight.

Notice the aerodynamic profile of the 1948 Fiat 1100S Sport 1948; so much sleeker than today’s boxy SUV.

Photo Studio Mark by Fiat

Photo Studio Mark by Fiat

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After a few short hours of sleep in Ferrara, it’s time for the second start on Corso Giovecca. My peppy and nimble little Alfa zigzags through traffic trying to follow a group of participants. Being quite familiar with the Mille Miglia, Italian drivers move to the right to let the “race cars” through. On some sections, we are driving on the median of a non-existent lane. I love driving in Italy!

Cultural Heritage At one check point along the way, I decide to stop and take in the sights and sounds of the cars coming to a halt in front of city hall where the mayor in full official garb greets every competitor. I sit on a terrace, order an espresso lungo and ask the charming waitress why so many kids were present on this school day.

“This is the Mille Miglia, signore, it’s part of our culture.” I love Italy!

The Mountains My Alfa is on the road again speeding toward Sansepolcro after going through San Marino. Spectacular scenery all the way to the mountains leading to Monte Terminillo. This is where the smaller sports cars reap the benefits of their nimble handling. At the top, snow is still lining the narrow twisty road and drivers in topless cars are now wearing warm hats and coats. We stop at the check point near the summit. A cup of warm chocolate is a welcome treat.

Then, it’s downhill all the way to Rome. I can’t help wonder how some of the older cars from the 1920s can negotiate all the sharp twists and turns with their antique cable-actuated brakes. Skill, courage and a strong right foot, I suppose!

Photo Studio Mark by Fiat

Below the road signs, the famous Red Arrow, symbol of the Mille Miglia, points the way to a 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint.

Home of the Cavallino Rampante

1954 Mille Miglia

It’s 11 pm when I finally reach Hotel La Griffe, in Rome. Early next morning, the Mille Miglia is heading back to Brescia. I drive ahead to get to Maranello early in order to admire the cars arriving at the check point on Via Enzo Ferrari. What a sight! All these wonderful historic cars taking a break at the home of the Cavallino Rampante. Did I mention I loved Italy?

For the last leg of the Mille Miglia, participants head to Brescia via Parma and Cremone and are greeted by a cheering crowd at arrival.

This is indeed “la corsa più bella del mondo.” And the best part is that anyone can attend as a spectator in Brescia or any of the towns along the route. Simply look it up on the Web, check the route, and plan your next trip to Bella Italia.

Photo Alain Raymond

1950 Ermini 1100 Sport

Buon viaggio!

Photo Alain Raymond

Information Website: www.1000miglia.eu

Photo Alain Raymond

Awesome 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR similar to the car driven to victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia by Stirling Moss, the legendary British driver, at a record average speed of 157 km/h.

Mille Miglia 2013: May 16 to 19. Best way to admire all registered cars is in Piazza della Loggia, in Brescia, on Thursday morning. By 7 pm, on Viale Venezia, cars are presented one by one before going through the streets of Brescia along the many cafés filled with spectators.

Important: book your lodging in or around Brescia as early as possible.

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AC Milan Junior Camps in Toronto A dose of soccer reality

By Nick Sabetti

July 8, 2007. Canada loses 2-0 to Congo on home soil in the 2007 Under-20 World Cup and is eliminated from the tournament. And to make matters worse, Canada didn’t even manage to score a goal in its three games in the group stage. It was all very embarrassing and soccer fan Elio Barbati was left in disbelief by what he had seen. eing a fan of the game in this country for 30, 40 years, I couldn’t believe we were further than we were 20 or 30 years ago when I was a little kid watching these games,” says Barbati.

But it’s one thing to complain about the wretched state of the beautiful game in Canada; it’s another to actually do something about it. A meeting between Barbati and an AC Milan scout soon after the Under-20 tournament led to the idea of bringing the AC Milan Junior Camps to Toronto. A year later, it was already up and running.

Last year, around 200 kids took part in the week long Milan camps across Ontario. Barbati explains that the kids that come to the camp are always in for a reality check.

“What happens is that kids from different local teams come in and all think very highly of themselves and that they’re going to show everyone up,” says Barbati. “But I swear to you, within 30 minutes, and this is just the warm-ups, they’re already humbled, because they’re having difficulty doing just the warm-ups.”

According to Barbati, the difference between Italian soccer and Canadian soccer is like “night and day,” and most of it boils down to that first touch, that ability to caress a pass with ease.

“The difference in what I’ve seen, having observed some training in Italy as well, is that the way our kids touch the ball is completely different from the way an Italian, a Brazilian or a Mexican touches the ball,” says Barbati. “It’s completely that. We have the physical power and the size, but it’s kind of like the ball becomes a hot potato on our foot. Generally, Canada is still playing that kick and run sort of game.”

Some very good Canadian players have come through the Milan camps. One of them is captain of the Under-18 Canadian national team, Luca Gasporotto, who signed with Glasgow Rangers last August. The native of Ajax, Ontario, has fond memories of his time at the camp.

“I took part in one of the [camps],” says Gasporotto. “It was great. I got to experience training with new coaches and different players with different styles of play from what I was used to and I learned some new training exercises. It was a good experience.”

“B

Now that Canada has three professional soccer clubs in MLS, there’s hope that Canadian soccer can begin to make some important strides. A professional soccer league that Canadians can call their own has to be a focus as well. But the future of Canadian soccer will also depend on the individual contributions of passionate soccer fans, parents and players alike.

In late 2012, eight players from AC Milan Junior Camps were selected by visiting coaches to represent Canada at Milan Junior Camp Day held November 3 and 4 at Centro Vismar in Milan. Among the eight was Giovanni Folino, 10, who trains with RVDL Academy in Oakville, Ontario (pictured above). The kids also attended a Serie A game at Milan’s San Siro stadium and exceptionally were allowed to view a practice session at Milanello training grounds a day before AC Milan’s Champions League match versus Málaga.

For Barbati, it’s all about trying to bring the experience and know-how from across the pond closer to home.

“The idea for us is to try and bring a different level of training to Canada, something that we feel doesn’t exist here like in Europe,” says Barbati. “If it works over there, and we combine that with our own kids who are physically strong and healthy, we should be able to elevate the play in this country. That’s the primary goal.”

Posing with AC Milan at the Milanello training grounds

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Giovanni Folino (far left) and friends showing some Canadian pride on the pitch of Milan’s San Siro stadium

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