UNICO National, the Nation's largest Italian American service organization, will partner with CiaoDC.com to bring ‟Taste of Italy." a day of Italian culture, cuisine and artists to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The event will take place Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. It is open to the public; tickets can be purchased for $10 in advance or for $12 at the door.

‟Taste of Italy" will prominently feature chef Mary Ann Esposito, host of the longest-running cooking series in television history - PBS' Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito. Esposito is well loved for her authentic and traditional Italian cuisine. She will be offering a cooking demo and a book signing. Esposito's husband, Guy Esposito, will offer a wine tasting.

Other culinary contributors include Rosello Rago of the online cooking resource, Cooking with Nonna; local artisinal company Dolci Gelati, serving gelato, and a pizza dough making demonstration by Naples native Chef Dino Santonicola of Bethesda's newly opened Pizzeria da Marco.

‟Taste of Italy" will also feature several Italian artists, including The Faction of Fools, D.C.'s Commedia dell'Arte group. This theatre group performs locally and internationally, keeping alive the Renaissance theatre style that is defined by its use of masks, improvisation, and physical comedy. The classical tenor Elio Scaccio, who recently released his debut CD, Lettere D'Amore, will also perform. The final two artists rounding out the impressive lineup will be Italian singer-songwriter Giada Valenti and award-winning songwriter/producer and recording artist Micheal Castaldo.

‟Taste of Italy" will also feature visual artists with live demonstrations of caricature drawings and culinary demonstrations, an online to live auction, an Italian car display by Ferrari and Maserati of Washington, and children's entertainment.

Online to live auction items will include an Italian Villa getaway; and a chance to cook beside chef and featured guest, Mary Ann Esposito. According to Alyssa Ciccone, ‟Taste of Italy" producer and publisher of CiaoDC.com, ‟Taste of Italy will celebrate all things Italian - music, art, theatre, fashion, and of course food! With so many great things to see and do, this exciting day will offer something for everyone."

The event is part of the weeklong 2011 UNICO Convention, which runs from August 3 through August 7 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. This convention takes place in different locales around the country each year and brings together UNICO dignitaries, officers, and delegates representing over 130 chapters. The convention will serve as the perfect backdrop to showcase Italian products and services for an audience that is excited to celebrate its Italian roots and culture.

The ‟Taste of Italy" participating sponsors include International Gourmet, Lavazza, Daniel's Boutique, Campagna Pasta, Tutto Italia, Paul Sorvino Foods, and Dolci Gelati, a local artisinal gelato company.

Last updated on August 1, 2011 | CiaoAmerica.net |