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CONTACT: Rachel Gillman
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SAY FAREWELL WITH A FINALE FEAST
Barilla Celebrates Culinary Moments of Classic Television Shows
NEW YORK (April 20, 2004) – As another television season draws to a close, it’s time for Americans to say good-bye to a few old “friends” that we’ve shared our living rooms with throughout the years. Final episodes of favorite television series are great occasions for the nation to come together, gather around the table and TV with friends and family, and bid farewell to a piece of pop culture history with a finale feast.
Many of the most memorable TV moments involve baking mishaps, comical appetites, or special occasion meals, providing plenty of inspiration for a finale menu. With final episodes typically loaded with dramatic scenes – a tearful good-bye, a joyful reunion or an unexpected love connection – a finale feast can offer a happy ending.
Barilla, the number one choice of Italy – where food is an integral part of any special occasion, along with Chef Gianluca Rizza of F.illi Ponte Ristorante in New York City, has developed the following finale recipes and viewing party ideas for a feast to honor some of the best farewell moments:
• Dine behind-the-scenes. Be creative with cooking and connect the dishes to famous finale themes:
o The “Heartbreak” Salad: A last episode isn’t complete without heartbreak, injury or a dramatic demise.
Fortunately this salad is easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat –just toss spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh
mozzarella, pitted black olives, balsamic vinaigrette, and salt and pepper to taste.
o “Will She Get A Ring?” Tortellini: As the title characters’ roller coaster romance comes to an end, the
question on every viewer’s mind is “Will they tie the knot?” Since tortellini is ring shaped, it’s the perfect pasta
for the occasion. Chef Rizza says, “Barilla Tortellini is the closest pasta you’ll find to the Italian homemade
experience. It makes an elegant dish that is perfect for any cook to impress guests, yet is remarkably easy and
convenient to prepare any time.”
o Tearful Tiramisu: The last moments of the finale may bring an onslaught of tears, but guests can be consoled
with a classic dessert. Tiramisu is a traditional Italian favorite and will provide a tasteful conclusion to your finale
feast.
• Nurture Nostalgia. Keep guests engaged with trivia games during commercials and discuss memorable episode
moments. Or go over the top and invite guests to arrive dressed as their favorite character and award the best
dressed. As the end nears, be prepared with tissues in case of a tearful farewell.
• Toast Tradition. Watching a favorite show with close friends is a treasured tradition. Celebrate the bonding
moments with a finale toast of sparkling champagne.
“Whether it’s the finale of a hilarious sitcom or an emotional drama, these recipes and tips should help almost anyone host a successful party,” says Chef Rizza. For recipe information and favorite finale moments in TV history, visit www.finalepartytips.com.
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 the first Italian food group, headed by the Barilla family for 125 years. The Group has 25 factories (18 in Italy and seven abroad). It is a worldwide leader in pasta and currently realizes 31 percent of sales in volume in more than 100 countries.
