The dinner was preceded by a video sent to all the members of the Accademia Italiana della Cucina and guests, from a restaurateur/friend of Philip Guardione, Giovanni Ardizzone, owner of  “Da Nino,”  in the town of Letojanni, located next to Taormina. Ardizzone shared some typical Sicilian dishes and showed admiration for his friend who has brought their traditions and culture to New York.

The evening was in honor of our new Consul General, Fabrizio Di Michele who gave a great introductory speech focusing on the spirit of conviviality and its importance in our culture extended through shared experiences. This was one of his first dinners in New York with so many people at one table.