FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joanne Tehrani, (212) 642-7771, joanne.tehrani@edelman.com
Catherine Franklin, (212) 642-7798, catherine.franklin@edelman.com
THE SECOND ANNUAL BARILLA FEAST:
AT THE CROSSROADS OF ITALIAN FOOD AND CULTURE
BARILLA and FINE LIVING TV Network Explore Authentic Italian Cuisine and Culture and Honor the People and Places that Celebrate and Advance the Essence of Italy
Academia Barilla and Nine New York City Restaurants Announce First Annual Regional Italian Restaurant Week (October 22-29, 2003)
NEW YORK, NY, October 2003 — BARILLA, the Italian food company, will partner with FINE LIVING TV Network to present the Second Annual Barilla Feast, to be held on October 21, 2003 at The Laura Belle in New York City, starting at 5:30pm. Andrea Immer, Master Sommelier and host of FINE LIVING’s Simply Wine with Andrea Immer will host the event.
“Ever since Italian-born Christopher Columbus set foot on American shores in 1492, Italian cuisine has become an indelible part of American food and culture,” said President Paul Davis, President, Barilla America. “Over the years, we have seen many adaptations to the way we view Italian food based on American tastes and ingredients — however, Barilla’s mission is to get back to the roots of Italian cuisine by sharing the diverse, regional dishes that are authentically Italian.”
This year’s Feast will lead guests on an epicurean journey through various regions of Italy, exploring the essentials of authentic, regional Italian cuisine. Along the way, Barilla will honor some distinguished people who have shared their passion for authentic Italian food and culture in a unique and impactful way.
Honorees in attendance at the Feast will include best selling author Frances Mayes for her contribution in spotlighting authentic Italian food and culture via her books and writing; Lidia Matticchio Bastianich for advancing Italian cuisine via her restaurants, television programs and cookbooks; and Tony-award winning composer, Maury Yeston, for bringing the essence of Federico Fellini’s Rome to the stage with his musical adaptation of the classic film "8 ½." Each honoree will receive a $10,000 contribution to use towards the cause of their choice. Other presenters will include Elvio Ubaldi, Mayor of Parma, and Tim and Nina Zagat, founders and co-chairman of the world’s best-selling restaurant guides.
In the spirit of a true Italian Feast, the food and wine will be the centerpiece of the evening. Following a Fellini and Rome-inspired antipasti and cocktail reception (including original signature cocktails developed by Andrea Immer for the evening’s honorees), a four-course meal will be served, featuring regional Italian dishes that represent the authentic cuisines of Parma and Tuscany. Original dishes by Frances Mayes and Lidia Bastianich will be included as part of the menu. Antinori, Italy’s premiere winery, will be featured as Barilla’s exclusive wine partner — pairing a number of fine wines with each course of the evening’s specially-designed menu.
“As the world’s largest pasta brand, Barilla is pleased to be able to recognize and honor those who have shared their passion for authentic Italian food and culture in such a meaningful way, making a significant and positive impact on the way the world views the diverse cuisines of Italy,” said Luca Barilla, Vice Chairman of Barilla. “We’re excited to come together to celebrate these contributions at The Barilla Feast — which has become Barilla’s unique way of sharing its passion and expertise for the authentic Italian eating and dining experience.”
The Barilla Feast will also serve as the kick-off for New York City’s first annual “Academia Barilla Regional Italian Restaurant Week: A Celebration of Italy’s Authentic Flavors.” From October 22-29, 2003, nine notable Italian restaurants, in partnership with Academia Barilla— a new company of Barilla dedicated to advancing authentic Italian cuisine worldwide — will adopt a specific region of Italy and create a special weeklong prix fixe menu that offers a selection of authentic dishes from those regions. Participating restaurants and select regions include Felidia (Sicily), Becco (Friuli Venezia Giulia), Trattoria Dell’Arte (Lazio), Vice Versa (Emilia Romagna), Acqua Pazza (Campania), Luca (Lombardia), I Trulli (Puglia), Osteria del Circo (Tuscany), and F.illi Ponte (Piemonte).
"For us, the exciting part of the Academia Barilla Regional Italian Restaurant Week is that it will be educating Americans about modern Italian cuisine, especially helping them understand the unique cooking of the diverse regions of Italy,” said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey and Barilla Feast partner. “Regional Italian Dining Week, by showcasing some of Italy’s most interesting regional dishes, will provide a delicious tutorial of the authentic tastes of Italy.”
About Barilla
Since 1877, the Barilla company has been producing pasta and other grain-based foods for consumers around the world. The company's basic animating principle has been to make these healthy products affordable to all, no matter where they might be. Barilla has remained true to its entrepreneurial roots over the past four generations, by combining ancient Italian traditions
with cutting-edge technological advances. The result is a globally successful company, built on a foundation of principles that allow for continuous growth to reach ever-expanding goals.
The Barilla Group - whose brands include Barilla, Mulino Bianco, Pavesi, Voiello, Wasa, Misko (Greece), Filiz (Turkey), and Yemina and Vesta (Mexico) - is headed by the Barilla family for 125 years. The Group has 25 factories (18 in Italy and 7 abroad). It is the worldwide leader in pasta and one of the largest baked goods producers in Europe. Currently realizes 31% of sales in volume in more than 100 countries outside of Italy.
About FINE LIVING Network
FINE LIVING offers 100% original lifestyle programming that inspires and empowers people to live better. Now approaching distribution in 19 million homes, it is the ultimate resource for people looking to pursue their passions, realize their dreams and maximize their precious free time. Covering five lifestyle areas – Adventure, Favorite Things, Transport, Personal Space and Every Day – FINE LIVING is an authoritative and entertaining source that simplifies the myriad of options for living a balanced and satisfying life. FINE LIVING launched in March 2002 along with its award-winning companion website FineLiving.com, a robust interactive resource that enhances the television experience. In April, FINE LIVING was named Best New Company by The American Business Awards.
Scripps Networks is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP). Scripps operates 21 daily newspapers, 10 broadcast television stations, Scripps Howard News Service, United Media, which is the worldwide licensing and syndication home of PEANUTS and DILBERT, and
31 affiliated websites, including FineLiving.com, hgtv.com, foodnetwork.com, diynet.com and comics.com.
About Antinori
Since 1385, 26 generations of the Antinori family have produced world class traditional and innovative wines in Tuscany and Umbria, making Marchesi Antinori one of the premier wine producing families of Italy for over 600 years. Marchesi Antinori wines are imported into the U.S. exclusively by Remy Amerique, Inc of New York, NY. More information can be found at www.antinori.it.
