The second annual Taste of Italy Los Angeles, an evening of Italian and Italian American cuisine, wine and culture to benefit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles will take place on October 16 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 424 North Main Street in Los Angeles. Featuring dozens of the region’s best restaurants, wineries, artisanal gastronomical delights and top entertainment, the inaugural Taste of Italy delighted Italians and Italophiles alike, not to mention the “foodies.” In addition to the traditional “red sauce,” Taste of Italy 2010 will showcase the finest in haute cuisine, contemporary Italian fusion, fine domestic and imported Italian wines, and yes, gelato. Pane e Vino, Eastside Market, gastro-pub 8 ½ Taverna, Gail Silverton’s Gelato Bar, Ventura Limoncello and Casa Torrelli wines will undoubtedly be amongst the most popular. On the main stage, musical performances by Joey Gian, Giovanna Gattuso, internationally acclaimed opera singers and re-enactments by the Legion Six Historical Foundation will provide guests a variety from which to choose. The event is presented by the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles with key funding from the San Antonio Winery and Ravo Outdoor.
While the Taste of Italy is celebrating it second year of birth, the history of the Italian American Museum project spans close to two decades, when the community first began raising money to restore the historic Italian Hall, which, built in 1908 and located adjacent to Olvera Street, served as the social and cultural center for the Italians of Los Angeles for half a century. “We aim to raise awareness of the history and continuing contributions of Italians in Los Angeles, which many people are unaware began before California’s statehood,” said Paul Pagnone, President of the Italian American Museum, “and by doing so, reveal the unparalleled diversity of the City of Los Angeles.” The Olvera Street area, Chinatown and Lincoln Heights once comprised the core of the city’s little Italy, a history that Italian American Museum director and historian Marianna Gatto chronicled in her recent book, Los Angeles’s Little Italy. One need not be Italian to appreciate the event, Gatto assures. All that is required is an appetite and willingness to support a worthy cause.
Located in the oldest remaining building in Los Angeles’ historic Little Italy, the Italian American Museum will be the only museum in Southern California dedicated to the Italian American experience. Established in 1993, the Historic Italian Hall Foundation is a 501 (c)3 charitable, non-profit organization that acts as the support group for the Museum, raising money through grants and from individuals, corporations and organizations. The mission of the Historic Italian Hall Foundation is to foster a deeper understanding of Southern California’s diverse heritage through research, exhibitions and public programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in Los Angeles and the United States.
For more information please contact the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles at 213-485-8432, or via email at marianna@italianhall.org, or visit www.italianhall.org.