Montreal Vol.7 No.6

D E C 2 0 1 2 / J A N 2 0 1 3 • VO L . 7 • N O. 6

PM40981004

THE ITALIAN-CANADIAN MAGAZINE MAILED TO HOMES IN THE GREATER MONTREAL AND OTTAWA AREAS

SUBSCRIBE & WIN A

FIAT 500

ITALIAN-CANADIANS IN THE MEDIA DEUX D’ENTRE NOUS • TWO OF US • DUE DI NOI •

SABRINA MARANDOLA & LAURA CASELLA

OR A TRIP TO THE

AMALFI

www.panoramitalia.com

COAST

NEWLYWEDS OF THE YEAR

BUON NATALE!

La Dolce vita...

begins with a condo close to your roots.

@ St. Léonard

r Constructeu012 de l’abnitantiéone20212-ACQ Gala ha

vue spéctaculaire

31/2

41/2

51/2

Bureau des ventes Jarry / Viau, Saint-Léonard (en arrière du stationnement du Pharmaprix)

(514) 778-7800

Lundi-vendredi: 13h-16h30, 18h30-20h30 Samedi-Dimanche: 13h-16h30 Informez-vous de nos promotions!

w w w. g ro u p e - m a g r i . c o m

CONTENTS

15

December 2012 / January 2013

Readers’ Comments 15

Lifestyle

Editorial 16

Living Italian Style 46

Cover Story: Sabrina Marandola & Laura Casella 18

Fall Fashion 48

Life & People

46

Le origini romane delle feste natalizie 24 Le origini del mito diSan Nicola 25

Arts & Culture

Una certa sera di dicembre 26 A Uniquely Merry Christmas 27

50

What we used to get 28

52

Food & Wine

Major label signs record deal with Franciscan Friar 50 Musica Italiana: Panoram Italia’s Picks 51

Advice & Business Advice: Pasquale Artuso & Associés 52

Traditional Italian Holiday Menus 30

Advertorial: BL Valve 54

Biscotti for the Holidays 32 The Truth Behind Torrone 34 La Franciacorta: Grandes bulles à l’italienne 35

Events

56

Various events 56 One more day 60

Riccardo Bertolino: Un asso in cucina 36

Newlyweds of the year 62

Advertorial: Pâtisserie Vimont 38

40

Travel Beyond the glass: The craft of Murano 40

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Filippo Salvatore

MANAGING EDITOR Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

WEB MANAGER Claudio Ortu

TORONTO MANAGING EDITORS Viviana Laperchia Rita Simonetta DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Adam Zara

COMMUNITY & EVENTS Sonia Benedetto PROOFREADER Claudio Ortu Marisa Pellegrino

ART DEPARTMENT ART DIRECTION Gabriel Riel-Salvatore Manon Massé GRAPHIC DESIGN Manon Massé David Ferreira

PHOTOGRAPHY Fahri Yavus HAIR STYLIST & MAKE-UP Nazzareno Salvi - Estetica Emmanuelle Blanchard

ADVERTISING

A Glimpse at Italian Holiday Traditions 29

30

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Tony Zara

EDITORIAL

Dossier: Italian-Canadians in the Media 20

24

EXECUTIVE

VICE PRESIDENT – MARKETING & SALES TORONTO Earl Weiner

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Frank Crisafi

CONTRIBUTORS Me Pasquale Artuso Laura Casella Aicha Cisse Giuseppe Continiello Laura D’Amelio Danila Di Croce Loretta Di Vita Alessia Sara Domanico Anna Ferrari Amanda Fulginiti Jenny Galati Loreta Giannetti Stephanie La Leggia Sabrina Marandola Antonella Petrelli Giovanni Princigalli Alain Raymond Guénaël Revel Gemma Screnci Joey Strizzi Léa-Catherine Szacka Elvira Truglia Alex Villalta 9300, Henri-Bourassa West, suite 100, Montreal, Québec H4S 1L5 Tel.: 514 337-7870 I Fax: 514 337-6180 or by e-mail at : info@panoramitalia.com Legal deposit - Bibliothèque nationale du Québec / National Library of Canada - ISSN: 1916-6389

68

Sports

Distribution par / by

Jay Leno’s Garage 68

De Scarpa à Siza en passant par Rossi 42 ’Tis the Season 44

Subscribe @ www.panoramitalia.com

Publications Mail Agreement #40981004

Printed by:

514.337.7870 www.accentimpression.com Montreal, Québec, Canada

Comments from our readers S u b s cr i b e t o o u r e -n e w sl e t t e r o n p a n o r am i t a l i a. c o m a n d b e su r e t o c h e c k o u r Fa c e b o o k a n d Tw it t e r p a ge s re g u l ar l y f o r we e k l y re s t a u r a n t g i ve a wa ys a n d m u c h m o re !

I love receiving your magazine. As a heritage language teacher, I am thrilled to incorporate your articles into my classroom. I like using them as an external resource to guide my students. My passion and goal is to embrace the Italian-Canadian culture/lifestyle, and your magazine makes that possible. Grazie per il vostro lavoro!

Liana Giampaolo, Montreal

Thank you for your newsletter for the month of Oct/Nov. I enjoy reading your stories and flipping through the pages of Panoram Italia very much. Along with your articles, I love looking at all your sponsors and reading commentaries from your readers. This is the reason that I have signed up for three years.

Maria Ruocco Caluori

RE: Miles apart... but close at heart, Vol. 6 No. 1

I was the fortunate winner of the trip to Tuscany at the beginning of the year (January 6, 2012). I’m writing to express my gratitude for having won such a wonderful trip. Nadia Gilles from Air Transat coordinated the trip for me. She went out of her way to accommodate me due to my inability to drive myself from Rome to Florence and then on to Tuscany as part of the winning trip. She arranged an alternative plan whereby we received 7 nights at the Independent Hotel in Rome with transfers to and from the airport and 48 hours hop-and-go. She was also instrumental in allowing me, for an extra charge, to take my other daughter with me as well. This was truly a momentous time for me and my two daughters since it enabled me to return to my homeland and introduce my family to my roots. My humble thanks go out to Panoram Italia, the trip sponsors and Air Transat.

Angela Loconte, Toronto

By chance I found a link to your magazine on the internet. I wanted to thank you and say how I appreciate the publication. In particular I read Sabrina Marandola’s review of Families, Lovers, and their Letters: Italian Postwar Migration to Canada by Sonia Cancian. I am not Italian by birth, but rather by choice. My father served in the Canadian Army in Italy during the Second World War and came to love the country and its people. Later I married the daughter of Italian immigrants to Canada. Before marrying, I learned to speak, read and write Italian out of respect for my future wife’s culture. We would visit her hometown each summer as our children grew up. Eventually we acquired her patrimonial home and restored it. Last summer while cleaning out one of the cantine, we found a box of letters written by my wife’s father to his parents after he moved to Canada. Your stories and Sabrina’s review reminded me of those letters. Recently, I was laid off after working for the same federal crown corporation for 26 years. After trying to find work at home in Canada for over a year and being on the wrong side of 50, I extended my search. I now work in Switzerland. My wife and children are still in Canada. I understand the feelings of being apart (I will not say separated because we are only separate in distance not love). We write emails not letters.

They will never be preserved. I know the same sentiments about leaving one’s loved ones as are described in your articles. On weekends, I often drive 2 hours to Piemonte, or take the train to Milano or Lago di Garda. At Easter and other important holidays, I visit my wife’s cousins in Abruzzo, my camera at hand, ready to capture the warmth and joy of Italy. Thanks for helping me connect to a community that is so close to my heart.

Gerard Power, Switzerland

RE : La Legge Tremaglia e i professionisti dell’emigrazione.

Vol. 2 No. 4 Non posso che condividere pienamente la posizione di Panoram Italia riguardo l’abrogazione della legge Tremaglia ed il voto degli Italiani residenti all’estero in possesso della cittadinanza del Paese che li ospita. È encomiabile che Lei, a differenza di tanti altri, abbia il coraggio di dire la verità a questo proposito. Mi viene in mente quello che diceva Gesù Cristo: «Nessuno può servire due padroni». Essere seduti su due sedie è molto scomodo e può essere pure pericoloso! Pesi, poi, il momento di crisi economica in cui l’Italia si trova oggi e i soldi che vanno sprecati per inutili elezioni di deputati e senatori all’estero. Mi auguro che il primo ministro canadese Harper mantenga la parola e proibisca l’elezione di cittadini canadesi in altri paesi. Sarebbe come fare politica estera nel territorio canadese.

A. Valeriani, Brampton

16

Ed i t o r i a l

L’Italia di Mario Monti e della Terza Repubblica

Filippo Salvatore

Un anno fa, il mese di novembre 2011, Silvio Berlusconi, completamente screditato a livello internazionale, ha rassegnato le dimissioni e Mario Monti è subentrato al suo posto come Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri. Che bilancio si può fare dell’operato del governo dei tecnici dopo un anno? ilvio Berlusconi afferma in termini perentori: “Dopo un anno di governo tecnico i dati sono disastrosi. Monti danneggia il Paese, perché d’accordo con la Germania.

SOccorre cambiare la politica economica imposta dall’Europa e dall’egemonia tedesca che non è solidale e questa strada è assolutamente da invertire». È argumenta che elezioni regionali in Sicilia del mese scorso hanno confermato che il 70% degli italiani è disgustato da questa politica, da questi partiti, da questi protagonisti”. Ma, in tutta onestà, è proprio lui che ha incarnato per quasi un ventennio questi tre mali. Adesso finge si esserne estraneo ed associa i mali che affliggono l’Italia al binomio Monti-Merkel.

Nel fare un primo consuntivo del governo Monti si può dire che la maggioranza degli italiani ha accettato le misure draconiane imposte. Il sostegno nei suoi confronti resta molto alto. Monti è riuscito a ridare a livello internazionale la considerazione e la stima che un grande Paese come l’Italia merita. C’è chi ama presentarlo come un politico che accetta gli ordini dai banchieri, che è magnanimo con i ricchi e i potenti e duro con il cittadino comune. Certo, c’è stato l’aumento delle tasse, ma anche un maggior rigore verso l’evasione fiscale, – una vera piaga – contro il crimine organizzato, contro gli sprechi amministrativi. Si poteva fare di più nella riduzione delle province, ma qualcosa è stato fatto. Andrebbe ridotto il numero delle regioni e probabilmente si arriverà alla propo sta di macro-regioni. È stata approvata la legge che impedisce ai corrotti di potersi ricandidare. Innegabilmente si poteva e si doveva fare di più; bisognava attaccare i privilegi di tanti poteri corporativistici, della cosiddetta casta e introdurre una patriomoniale per obbligare i ricchi a pagare di più. Vero. E le dimostrazioni dei giovani e dei disoccupati ne sono l’espressione. Tuttavia Mario Monti fa valere, giustamente, che “L’Italia non ha grandi squilibri, a parte il rapporto debito-Pil (120%), ma il debito comincerà a scendere nel 2014”, anche grazie a privatizzazioni e alla vendita di immobili. Il debito è cresciuto meno rispetto alla media UE durante la crisi. Se un anno fa l’Italia fosse affondata avrebbe trascinato con sé anche l’euro. Abbiamo in Italia uno dei migliori sistemi pubblici in Europa”. La riforma delle pensioni “è tra i sistemi più sostenibili e porta risparmi altissimi”.

Con ogni probabilità, quindi, il governo tecnico di Mario Monti arriverà alla fine del mandato. Si prevedono elezioni regionali il 10 marzo in Lombardia, Lazio e Molise e, per risparmiare, si è scelta la stessa data per le elezioni nazionali.

Ci sarà un secondo governo Monti? Alcune forze di centro, laiche e cristiane, che fanno capo a Italia Futura di L. Montezemolo, P. Casini ed G. Fini, si stanno organizzando per riproporlo come candidato. Difficile prevedere a questo punto l’evoluzione degli avvenimenti. Stiamo assistendo, ad ogni modo, alla fine della Seconda Repubblica

e la Terza Repubblica che emergerà dopo le elezioni di primavera sarà, dovrà essere, certamente diversa da quella emersa nel 2008. Berlusconi farà di tutto per continuare a svolgere un ruolo di primo piano, ma, oggettivamente, non ha più i numeri, né il seguito. Gli italiani si faranno sedurre dal populismo del Movimento 5 Stelle di Beppe Grillo? I risultati elettorali a livello comunale a Parma ed a quello regionale in Sicilia dimostrano che l’antipolitica, o meglio una visione nuova di fare politica, è un’esigenza fortemente sentita dal popolo italiano. I vecchi partiti stanno facendo di tutto per impedire a M5S di svolgere un ruolo importante, fondamentale nella prossima legislatura. Questo spiega i tanti bizantinismi e i veti incrociati dei diversi partiti, riluttanti ad abbandonare il Porcellum e ritornare al Mattarellum. Una delle proposte più sensate sulla questione della legge elettorale da cambiare è stata fatta dal mio amico professor Roberto D’Alimonte. Nel caso (quasi matematicamente certo) che nessuna coalizione raggiunga il 42,5%, dovrebbe scattare un premio del 10% da assegnare al primo partito della coalizione di maggioranza. In questo modo si garantirebbe la governabilità senza colpire il principio di rappresentanza.

In realtà, il sistema che più di tutti garantirebbe il binomio “governabilità e rappresentanza” è quello basato sui collegi uninominali. Personalmente, poi, sono dell’idea che la soluzione migliore per l’Italia (per la sua storia, per la frammentazione che causano tanti partiti e partitini) non sia il turno unico, ma quello che consente anche aggregazioni di programma su candidati autorevoli e scelti realmente dai cittadini. In altre parole l’Italia della Terza Repubblica ha bisogno di collegi uninominali con votazione a doppio turno.

Il doppio turno sfoltisce e obbliga i piccoli partiti ad aggregarsi e impedisce a forze politiche regionali come la Lega Nord di svolgere un ruolo sproporzionato rispetto alla vera base politica che rappresenta. L’Italia ha bisogno di un “taglio epistemologico”. La Terza Repubblica sarà tale nel 2013 e sarà l’espressione di un ‘Italia diversa solo se avverranno cambiamenti strutturali profondi. La nuova legge elettorale dovrebbe essere concepita con lo scopo di rendere il Paese stabile e governabile. L’ingovernabilità che caratterizzava la Francia negli anni ‘50 è stata risolta quando è stata cambiata radicalmente la legge elettorale che ha permesso a Charles De Gaulle di diventare Presidente. Resta da vedere se la classe politica italiana saprà operare i cambiamenti tanto necessari.

N.B. Panoram Italia magazine has chosen to deal with the ongoing, contentious Charbonneau Commission once it is completed and its report and recommendations become public.

18

Cover Story

By Adam Zara

Gli Italo-Canadesi nei media Sabrina Marandola & Laura Casella

Les Italo-Canadiens dans les médias Sabrina Marandola & Laura Casella

Non tutti se ne sono accorti. Sono entrati dalla porta principale ma in punta di piedi. Mai una parola fuori posto o un atteggiamento sopra le righe. Cavallaro, Gentile, Persico, Simeone, Marinaro, Gargiulo, DePalo e Nuovo: adesso più che mai, Montréal ha un brillante gruppo di Italiani nel mondo del giornalismo e dei media.

Il s’agit d’une chose qui a discrètement fait son chemin au sein de l’industrie des médias sans jamais créer de vagues. Cavallaro, DePalo, Gargiulo, Gentile, Marinaro, Nuovo, Persico, Simeone : aujourd’hui plus que jamais, la forte composante italienne de Montréal compte son lot de reporters et de personnalités médiatiques.

that has valued education, social harmony and hard work – Italian surnames are being pronounced on nearly every local TV station and radio dial, and this month’s cover features two shining examples.

For Panoram Italia readers, the names Sabrina Marandola and Laura Casella should ring a few bells.

Both young women have been lending their writing talents to the magazine since its inception as a quarterly in 2006. And they have quite a bit more in common. They are second generation Italian-Canadians, raised in Montreal’s East End, who studied Journalism at

he sia questa la conferma che gli Italo-canadesi sono pienamente integrati nel tessuto sociale del Canada naturale conseguenza di una comunità che ha puntato sull'istruzione, sull'armonia sociale e sull'impegno nel lavoro o no, oggi, i cognomi italiani vengono pronunciati in quasi tutte le stazioni TV e radio locali. La copertina di questo mese ne presenta due eccezionali esempi.

Per i lettori di Panoram Italia, i nomi Sabrina Marandola e Laura Casella dovrebbero suonare familiari.

Entrambe hanno arricchito con il loro talento la nostra rivista fin dall'inizio del 2006. Hanno anche dell'altro in comune.

Fanno parte della seconda generazione di Italo-canadesi cresciuti nella zona Est di Montréal, hanno studiato Giornalismo alla Concordia University dopo aver frequentato il Dawson College. Se rimane loro del tempo, scrivono ancora per la carta stampata ma, adesso, sono tra i protagonisti dei media radiotelevisivi di Montréal.

Sabrina Marandola alterna i suoi impegni tra la CBC TV e la radio, come giornalista e metereologa. Ha lavorato per la Canadian Broadcasting Company nel 2008, dopo aver maturato la sua esperienza in diverse testate: The Suburban, Ciao Montréal e 940AM, sotto la supervisione di Dennis Trudeau. Il suo talento si era già manifestato all'età di 9 anni durante una gara di oratoria alle scuole elementari. "È stata la prima volta nella mia vita in cui ho esposto, oralmente, una mia ricerca sui dinosauri" - ci rivela. "Ho dovuto sostenere la prova davanti all'intera scuola, erano presenti 700 persone.

Ho vinto il 1° premio e ho anche battuto un alunno di 6ª elementare! E quando ci ripenso, mi dico: se tutti sono così nervosi nel parlare in pubblico e io no, qualcosa vorrà pur dire!".

Sabrina, ormai 31enne, ha fatto la gavetta quando conduceva lo show mattutino di 940AM, iniziando alle 4 tutti i giorni. Ha potuto, però, far maturare la sua professionalità. E non solo. Nel 2009, al Just For Laughs Festival, Sabrina ha incontrato uno dei suo idoli, il leggendario attore e regista Roberto Benigni. "La conferenza stampa era iniziata e... Benigni è Benigni: gesticolava, era esagerato nel modo di parlare, trasudante di energia ed entusiasmo. L'intera sala rideva a crepapelle. Ha parlato per due minuti, poi si è fermato di colpo. Ha guardato verso di me e ha esclamato: ‘Regardez la beauté Québecoise!’. Mi sono detta: Mio Dio! Roberto Benigni pensa che io sia bella! La mia vita è meravigliosa! Da quel giorno, ogni volta che ho una giornata storta tutto quello che devo fare è ripensare a quel momento".

eu importe l’analyse qu’on en fait, qu’il s’agisse d’une indication que les Italo-Canadiens soient désormais pleinement intégrés dans le tissu social canadien, ou qu’il s’agisse en fait d’une progression naturelle d’une importante communauté qui a valorisé l’éducation, le respect et le travail, des noms italiens sont désormais prononcés sur pratiquement toutes les chaînes de télévision et de radio de la métropole. Notre couverture de ce mois-ci en présente justement deux brillants exemples.

Les noms de Sabrina Marandola et de Laura Casella devraient être familiers aux lecteurs de Panoram Italia.

Toutes deux collaborent au magazine depuis les tous débuts de la publication en 2006. Ces jeunes femmes partagent aussi un parcours commun: Italo-Canadiennes de deuxième génération, elles ont grandi dans l’est de Montréal et détiennent un diplôme en journalisme de l’Université Concordia.

Bien qu’elles continuent à l’occasion d’écrire des articles lorsque le temps le leur permet, elles occupent maintenant régulièrement les ondes des médias locaux.

Sabrina Marandola partage son horaire entre la radio et la télévision de CBC comme journaliste aux nouvelles et comme annonceure météo. Elle a commencé à travailler en 2008 pour la Canadian Broadcasting Company, après avoir travaillé plusieurs années à la pige pour le Suburban, Ciao Montréal et le 940 AM, sous la direction de Dennis Trudeau. Mais, son cheminement a démarré dès l’âge de 9 ans, lors d’une compétition de joutes oratoires organisée par son école primaire. « C’était la première fois de ma vie que je faisais une présentation orale, nous dit-elle. C’était sur les dinosaures. J’ai dû présenter mon exposé devant toute l’école (700 personnes) et j’ai remporté le premier prix. J’ai même battu des élèves de sixième année! C’est alors que j’ai pensé : ‘Si tout le monde est si nerveux devant un public et que ce n’est pas mon cas... ça peut peut-être vouloir dire quelque chose?’ » En commençant ses journées de travail à quatre heures du matin, cette jeune trentenaire a certainement gagné ses galons comme productrice du morning show au 940AM. Mais son métier lui a en contrepartie procuré quelques avantages. Elle a pu notamment rencontrer dans le cadre du festival Juste pour rire 2009, une de ses idoles de toujours, l’acteur et réalisateur bien connu Roberto Benigni. « La conférence de presse commence, nous raconte-t-elle, et Benigni étant Benigni (gesticulant, plus grand que nature,

Continued on page 19, column 1

Continua a pagina 19, colonna 2

Suite à la page 19, colonne 3

C

Italian-Canadians in the Media Sabrina Marandola & Laura Casella It’s something that’s been inconspicuously inching its way into the mainstream without a whisper of a fuss. Cavallaro, DePalo, Gargiulo, Gentile, Marinaro, Nuovo, Persico, Simeone: now more than ever before, Montreal’s strong Italian contingent has a representative cast of reporters and media personalities. ny way you slice it – the official indicator that Italian-Canadians are fully integrated into Canada’s A fabric, or the natural progression of a vast community

4565 Jarry est, St-Léonard, QC H1R 1X6

www.draperie-si.com (cel) 514.969.5309 (store) 514.722.6336 (fax) 514.722.6330

P

Cover Story Concordia University by way of Dawson College. While both still pen the odd article when time permits, they now feature as steady fixtures of Montreal’s broadcast media.

Sabrina Marandola divides her schedule between CBC TV and radio as a news reporter and weather presenter. She began work for the Canadian Broadcasting Company in 2008 following stints at the Suburban, Ciao Montreal, and 940AM under the tutelage of Dennis Trudeau. Her journey kicked off at age nine during an elementary school public speaking competition. “It was the first time in my life that I had ever done an oral presentation – I did it on dinosaurs. I had to repeat my oral in front of the whole school, 700 people, and I won 1st place – I even beat the 6th graders! That’s when I thought, ‘If everyone’s so nervous doing this and I’m not...maybe there’s something there?’”

While the 31-year-old certainly paid her dues as producer of the 940AM morning show, starting work at 4am daily, her profession eventually developed its share of perks. She met one of her idols, legendary actor and film director Roberto Benigni, at the 2009 Just for Laughs Festival. “So the press conference begins, Benigni is being Benigni: gesticulating, larger than life, oozing with energy and enthusiasm – the whole room is in stitches. He talks for about two minutes and then he just stops dead. He points to me, and says ‘Regardez la beauté Québecoise!’ And I’m just thinking, ‘Oh my God, Roberto Benigni thinks I’m beautiful! My life is amazing!’ From that point on, if ever I’m having a bad day, all I have to do is think of that moment.”

For Laura Casella, rising through the ranks meant getting her feet wet with the overnight shift at CJAD radio. The 27-year-old from St-Leonard got her first break as producer of the Tommy Schnurmacher Show in 2009. “When a full-time position as Tommy’s producer opened up, I jumped on it,” she says. “The experience I gained working with him was invaluable; I would definitely say he’s been my biggest mentor so far.”

Like Marandola, Casella’s passion for being in front of the camera developed early on. “In Grade 5, I had to do this skit and I made up this character – Peggy White – and I performed it in class and in front of my family: ‘I’m Peggy White, and this is the Peggy White Show!’ (laughs). My cousins still talk about it.” She cites Oprah Winfrey as her main inspiration; she’d love to have her own talk show one day.

Casella’s current position as morning reporter for CJAD and freelancer for CTV Montreal thrusts her on to the scene of breaking news events, for a first glimpse of murder investigations, early morning fire bombings and seven-car pile-ups. Her most memorable report was covering the student protest in Trois-Rivières earlier this year, when she received the effects of tear gas during a live report. “I couldn’t even get my words out, live on CTV news,” she explains. “All of a sudden I’m crying and can’t finish my report. In the moment I was devastated because I felt so unprofessional, as though my TV career was over...but everyone was really supportive and made me understand that it was all part of live reporting.”

Certainly, the unpredictability of the business is something that drives both women. As Marandola puts it: “Interviewing Monsieur et Madame tout le monde, crafting my story and making a connection with the audience,” is something she lives for. Whereas prior generations would have seen an Italian family name as an obstacle, she and Casella view it as an asset. “It’s all about using it to your advantage,” says Marandola. “My Italian heritage helped me work for the Suburban’s East-End edition, Ciao Montreal, and Panoram; knowing three languages opened so many doors for me.”

Looking ahead, both women echo the same sentiment.

“I don’t see myself moving to another market,” says Marandola.

“To me, Montreal is home; it’s who I am through and through. The rich diversity of all the cultural communities is what I grew up in; it’s what I know and it’s what I am. It’s just a place that plays to my strengths because I play to its strengths.”

Per Laura Casella la gavetta ha significato sfidare il freddo per fare il turno di notte a CJAD radio. La 27enne di St-Leonard ha avuto la sua prima svolta di carriera da produttrice nel Tommy Schnurmacher Show, nel 2009.

"Quando si è liberato il lavoro a tempo pieno come produttrice ne ho approfittato subito" dice. "L'esperienza che ho accumulato lavorando con lui non ha prezzo. Posso certamente dire che Tommy è stato il mio più grande mentore, finora".

Come per Marandola, anche Casella ha sviluppato presto la passione del parlare in pubblico. "In quinta elementare ho dovuto fare una scenetta e ho inventato un personaggio, Peggy White, e davanti alla mia classe e alla mia famiglia ho esordito così: 'Io sono Peggy White e questo è il Peggy White Show!’" - ci dice, e ride. "I miei cugini ricordano ancora quel momento". Laura ci rivela che il personaggio a cui si ispira maggiormente è Oprah Winfrey e amerebbe anche lei, un giorno, avere uno show tutto suo.

Il suo ruolo di giornalista del mattino per CJAD e collaboratrice di CTV Montréal, la porta sulle scene dei più diversi avvenimenti di cronaca. È tra i primi che assistono alle indagini di omicidio, agli scontri a fuoco durante la notte o ai tamponamenti a catena. Un ricordo particolare è legato a un servizio che risale all'inizio di quest'anno sulla protesta studentesca a TroisRivières. In quella circostanza, durante un collegamento, è stata intossicata dal lancio di un lacrimogeno. "Avevo difficoltà a parlare, ero in diretta su CTV news. All'improvviso ho iniziato a lacrimare e non sono riuscita a finire il mio servizio. Sul momento ero amareggiata perché sentivo di non essere stata professionale e temevo che la mia carriera in TV sarebbe finita. Ma i miei colleghi mi hanno dato il loro appoggio, ricordandomi che queste cose accadono quando si fa l'inviato".

L'imprevedibilità di questo lavoro certamente stimola le due ragazze. Marandola ci dice, infatti: "Intervistando Monsieur et Madame tout le monde ho la possibilità di raccontare le loro storie e creare un legame con il pubblico".

Se per le generazioni precedenti avere il cognome italiano poteva essere un ostacolo, per Sabrina e Laura, invece, è la marcia in più.

"Lo utilizziamo a nostro vantaggio", dice Marandola. "La cultura italiana mi ha aiutato in diversi lavori, come al Suburban’s East-End, Ciao Montréal e Panoram Italia. Conoscere tre lingue mi ha aperto molte porte".

Sul futuro, entrambe le giornaliste hanno progetti simili. "Non ho intenzione di cambiare città per lavoro" - dice Marandola. "A Montréal mi sento a casa. Sono cresciuta nella ricchezza culturale delle sue diverse comunità. Questo è quello che so e quello che sono. È il posto che più valorizza i miei punti di forza perché io conosco bene i suoi".

Traduzione Claudio Ortu

19

débordant d’énergie), la foule est en délire. Il parle pendant près de deux minutes avant de s’interrompre brusquement.

Il me fixe et laisse s’échapper : « Regardez la beauté québécoise! ‘Et je me dis, ‘Oh mon Dieu, Roberto Benigni pense que je suis magnifique! Ma vie est fantastique!’ Dès lors, lorsque j’ai une mauvaise journée, tout ce que j’ai à faire c’est de repenser à ce moment précis. » Pour Laura Casella, gravir les échelons a signifié faire ses armes de nuit à la radio de CJAD. La jeune femme de 27 ans, originaire de Saint-Léonard, a obtenu son premier contrat de productrice du Tommy Schnurmacher Show en 2009. « Lorsqu’un poste à temps plein comme productrice de l’émission de Tommy s’est finalement ouvert, j’ai sauté sur l’occasion sans la moindre hésitation. explique-t-elle.

L’expérience que j’ai acquise en travaillant avec lui est incroyable. Je n’ai aucun mal à dire qu’il est mon plus grand mentor jusqu’ici. » Comme Marandola, la passion de Casella pour s’exécuter devant la caméra s’est manifestée à un tout jeune âge. « En cinquième année, je devais préparer un sketch et j’ai inventé le personnage de Peggy white, que j’ai incarné devant ma classe et devant toute ma famille. ‘Je suis Peggy White, et voici le Peggy White show!’ (rires). Mes cousins m’en parlent encore. » Elle évoque Oprah Winfrey comme une de ses principales sources d’inspiration. Elle nous révèle même qu’elle adorerait avoir un jour son propre Talkshow.

Le poste de Casella comme reporter aux nouvelles du matin pour CJAD et comme pigiste pour CTV Montreal la pousse tous les jours à l’avant-scène de l’actualité. Elle nous livre ainsi quotidiennement les premiers topos de la journée concernant les enquêtes pour meurtre, les attentats à la bombe ou les accidents importants. Son reportage le plus mémorable s’est déroulé à Trois-Rivières pendant une manifestation étudiante au printemps dernier. Lors d’une transmission en direct, elle a été incommodée par les effets d’une bombe lacrymogène. « Je n’arrivais plus à parler et j’étais en direct sur CTV news, explique-t-elle. Tout d’un coup, je me suis mise à pleurer et je n’ai pas pu compléter mon intervention. Sur le moment, j’étais atterrée, car j’avais l’impression de ne pas avoir été professionnelle, comme si ma carrière à la télévision était terminée... Mais tout le monde a été d’un grand soutien et on m’a expliqué que ça faisait partie des aléas du direct. » Le côté imprévisible du métier exerce un attrait certain chez les deux femmes. Marandola affirme : « Interviewer monsieur et madame tout le monde, développer mon histoire et le rapport avec l’auditoire,» ce sont toutes des choses qui l’anime.

Alors que pour les générations passées, porter un nom italien aurait pu constituer une limite, Marandola et Casella le perçoivent plutôt comme un atout. « Il suffit de l’utiliser à son avantagenous révèle Marandola. Mon héritage italien m’a aidé à travailler auprès de la section de l’est de Montréal du Suburban, pour Ciao Montreal et Panoram. Maîtriser trois langues m’a ouvert bien des portes. » Lorsqu’elles envisagent leur avenir, les deux femmes évoquent les mêmes sentiments : « Je ne me perçois nulle part ailleurs, » nous dit Marandola. « Pour moi, Montréal c’est comme être à la maison. Cette ville exprime qui je suis et ce que je suis. Sa grande diversité culturelle m’a toujours inspirée. J’ai été habituée à ça et c’est ce qui me définit. C’est un endroit qui me permet d’exploiter mes forces, car je me nourris justement de ses forces. » Traduction Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

20

Dossier

Terry DiMonte Montreal Radio Staple

By Loretta Di Vita

Montreal radio personality, Terry DiMonte, concedes that there are varying degrees of Italian-ness. Raised in the Anglo community of Pierrefonds in the ’60s by an Italian father and an English mother, DiMonte, nevertheless, feels more Italian than the Olive Garden variety that he’s invariably perceived to be. “My family may not have had the kitchen for company and the plasticcovered couch, but I had cousins who did,” he cracks, recalling his youth. itting crossed-legged on a Ferrari-red ultrasuede sofa in his well-appointed townhouse, wearing a sports hoodie of the same hue, he speaks about the impact his Italian background has had on his personal and professional personae. Off air, without the assistance of studio wizardry, his voice still booms loud. And it’s the same voice, along with his groove for classic rock, a deeprooted desire to communicate with a public audience, and the need to “give back” to the community, that has taken him, since 1978, through various radio formats – CBC, CITI FM, CHOM FM, The Mix, CJAD, Q107 – to the coveted chair as CHOM’s Mornings Rock show’s dial-rocking ‘Morning Man’.

Waving his hands to emphasize key points, he reveals that he’s just as animated behind the studio mic, and attributes his tendency to gesticulate to his Italian origins. Though he doesn’t speak Italian, he punctuates several statements with an enthusiastic “bene!’” – which comes out “beneee” – in the same anglicized accent in which he calls himself, “DiMonteee”.

Asked if he’s ever faced any prejudice in his career because of his Italian roots, the 54 year-old DiMonte explains how that may have been a problem in the ’30s and ’40s, but not for his generation. He admits that since he’s not generally thought of as “ethnic”, it’s not a personal issue, and he hasn’t witnessed any fellow industry players

S

of ethnic background struggling for equality. He adds that an ethnic bent has actually become “an asset”, after a macrocosmic cultural shift in the ’80s.

Beneath his casual, unassuming demeanor, he is a self-proclaimed stickler for good old-fashioned manners and mores associated with quainter times. His friendly blue eyes turn serious when he talks about the core values governing his work ethic, largely accredited to his Italian side: self-discipline, respect, and honesty. DiMonte is careful to underline that both sides of his family forged his sense of decency, but his Italian grandparents showed zero tolerance for any etiquette lapse. “They were like ‘HEY!’”, he laughs, flapping his hand to mock a slap.

An audience of 100,000 loyal listeners attests to DiMonte’s ability to connect with each one singularly. “It’s a craft,” he affirms. “You’ll never catch me saying ‘you all.’ I’ll always say ‘you’.” To ensure on-going dialog with his followers off-air, he turns to Facebook and Twitter. Acknowledging that social media has revolutionized mass communication, he warns of the thorniness an open forum can pose. “Some people are abusive,” he says. Confident to the point where he can shrug off gratuitous negativity, he feels for more junior colleagues, who haven’t yet developed the thick skin to dismiss esteemrattling remarks.

DiMonte’s hometown of Montreal is a cultural tapestry and he speaks to each thread of it, but his personal sense of culture has been attuned by a series of pleasure trips to Italy.

It was at the piazza in his beloved late grandmother’s birthplace of Caserta, surrounded by an idyllic backdrop of olive groves and mountains, that he became overwhelmed by a sense of his Italian heritage. His strong voice softening with sentiment, he says, “I got a little teary-eyed and thought, this is who I am; this is where I come from.”

Natasha Gargiulo and Freeway Frank Virgin Radio’s Morning Duo

By Aicha Cisse

Freeway & Natasha In The Morning has awakened and entertained Montreal radio listeners for almost a year now. Freeway Frank (Franco Depalo) and Natasha Gargiulo took over the reins on the radio show in early 2012 and have since then built an army of loyal listeners. he show has been a ratings winner, making Virgin Radio 96 the no.1 English music station for both Francophones and Anglophones in the city. With undeniable on-air chemistry, Depalo and Gargiulo use their energetic personalities to inject a good dose of laughs and entertainment into Montreal’s FM airwaves.

“It’s been my dream to host a morning show in my hometown of Montreal since I was a kid. I feel very blessed,” explains Depalo.

With a career which spans over two decades, Depalo remembers being fascinated with radio and the theatre of the mind at an early age. His father initially tried to discourage him from pursuing a career in media because “they didn’t put Italians on television.” It was a harsh reality Depalo was confronted with from the very beginning.

“When I first started, I was asked to change my last name to an English-sounding name to appeal to the listeners at the time,” says Depalo.

Despite facing many hurdles in the competitive industry, he persevered and overcame career setbacks to become one of the most popular radio personalities in Canada.

“My dad was glad I proved him wrong. Even though he didn’t speak English, he used to stay up all night listening to my shows. He was very proud and it meant the world to me.”

T

Hailing from Monteal’s West Island, Natasha Gargiulo was introduced to broadcast media by her father Giovanni, a well-known anchor in Montreal’s Italian community. For Gargiulo, being the daughter of a respected anchor did not mean getting plucked from obscurity and rocketing straight to the top. She still had to pay her dues.

“The fact that my father was an anchor didn’t give me connections. I had to prove myself and work my way up like everyone else. It took years of hard work but I enjoyed every minute of it along with the lessons I learned,” explains Gargiulo.

In addition to her successful radio work, Gargiulo enjoys a successful career in television, as a national correspondent for Entertainment Tonight Canada.

“To be given the opportunity to co-host the morning show on the station I grew up listening to as a teenager and now mother, is a dream come true,” says Gargiulo.

Both Depalo and Gargiulo pride themselves on being able to represent their community with honour and pride.

“Italians sometimes get a lot of bad press. It feels good to get positive recognition because we worked very hard to get to where we are,” mentions Depalo.

“It’s great that there are so many Italians working in the media. We’re everywhere!” jokes Gargiulo. “In the

same way the French are trying to preserve their language, Italians working in the media are holding on to their tradition and trying to preserve it. So we definitely see more efforts to appeal to the Italian community.”

Both hosts embrace the fact that they are immersed in different cultures and languages in their everyday lives. They especially love being able to speak three languages on-air.

“We’ll throw in some French and Italian occasionally and we’re proud to be able to do it because that’s what this city is all about. It’s the norm to speak many languages,” says Depalo.

Dossier

21

Mose Persico From Sorrento to Tinseltown

Tony Marinaro Talking the Talk

By Aicha Cisse

By Joey Strizzi

“I love the challenge of interviewing Hollywood stars,” says entertainment host Mose Persico.

“I have to make a good impression in the first 30 seconds. I also love meeting all our viewers and getting their feedback, the good and the bad!”

Growing up a huge sports fan, Tony Marinaro dreamt of becoming a professional soccer player.

His love for the sport came from his father, who immigrated to Montreal in 1967 with Marinaro’s mother and oldest of two sisters from Messina, Sicily.

rom a young age, Persico seemed destined for a career in television. “I was never shy in front of a crowd,” says the native of Sorrento, Naples. Persico’s family immigrated to Canada in 1965 aboard the ship Cristoforo Colombo. At family gatherings, he would impersonate Johnny Carson. “I’d use a spoon as a mic and interview my aunts and uncles. I’d ask them about the meal preparation and how they planned everything.”

Persico won many awards at speaking contests and was often asked to host variety shows at school. He pursued his interest in broadcast media and graduated from Concordia with a major in communications and a minor in broadcast journalism.

Encouraged by one of his teachers who told him that this was his calling, Persico began his professional career with an entry level position at CFCF TV’s mailroom.

He recalls, “On my first day in 1985, I ran into Bill Haughland who told me he too had started in the mailroom and that I wouldn’t be there for too long.” Haughland was right.

Determined to hone his on-air skills, Persico volunteered at CFCF on a show called Reel-To-Reel. He was also sent on assignment to press junkets, interviewing celebrities on behalf of CFCF Pulse. Eventually Persico’s assiduous work paid off and he was given his own weekly three-minute feature.

“I worked really hard and paid my dues. It was an honest, hardworking ascension.” Persico not only had the chance to work with some of the most distinguished journalists, but he also received worthy advice from the former queen of daytime television herself.

He remembers “Oprah, who kept calling me ‘Mozee’ which I found funny. She told me that in order to make it in the business, I had to always be respectful and grateful.”

After 25 years on the Hollywood beat, Persico’s fondest career memories include interviewing all of the great Italian filmmakers and actors – especially Sophia Loren.

The legendary actress even poked fun at his Italian accent.

Being teased by Sophia Loren for his Italian accent wasn’t the only time that Persico’s heritage was under scrutiny. Persico recalls, “When I started working in television, I had to deal with a lot of stereotypes. There was a time when visible minorities (and as an Italian, I was considered one) were not represented in television.

Thankfully, many executives saw talent above everything else and gave me a chance.

Now the face of the media’s changed and we see a lot more diversity, which is great because it’s reflective of our society.”

Over the years, one important thing hasn’t changed to Persico. He not only considers himself a proud Italian, but he is also proud to call himself a Montrealer.

In his eyes, being trilingual (French, English and Italian) is an advantage to be embraced.

“When I look back at my family history, it makes me more appreciative of the sacrifices my parents made. They gave up a great life in Italy to offer their children a future in America. It’s important to know your roots and be proud of where you come from. As a Montrealer, I feel blessed to speak so many languages. We should not have to choose if we are Anglophone, Francophone or Italian. We can be everything.”

he elder Marinaro was responsible for passing on the love for the beautiful game to his only son, born five years later in Ville Emard.

However, Marinaro’s pro soccer aspirations were put on ice when he suffered a back injury at 17. “I got hurt, but I think I knew before then that I probably wasn’t good enough to play pro,” said the 40-year-old LaSalle resident. “I had decided that if I couldn’t play sports for a living, I wanted to talk about sports and interview players instead.”

Marinaro started talking about sports well before his dreams of playing them ended. At the tender age of 12, he regularly began calling sports-radio talk shows to discuss his other passion. “I loved hockey; how could you not growing up in that era?

I listened to the late Ted Tevan all the time on the radio, talking hockey. He was original, well-rounded; informative... I was inspired by him. I started calling his show all the time.”

Then years later, a chance meeting on a golf course with Wayne Bews, who was the sales manager at CHOM FM, ended up leading to Marinaro’s big break. “Wayne said he had heard me calling Ted’s show. We talked sports for a while; I took part in his hockey pool with his buddies for a few years after that. Then one day, I get an email from him with the subject line: Do you want to be a star?”

Bews had moved to the Team 990 and he wanted to come out with a Canadiens post-game show to compete with CJAD. “I walked into the studio to audition. I wasn’t very good, but he didn’t tell me that! He did say it was good enough to air, but at the time, there was no budget for the show. There was only one local program, the morning show with Mitch Melnick.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Marinaro took on the post-game show on his own time, with no pay. Along the way, the Habs pre-game show was born. After four months of working gratis, Marinaro was asked to audition for a new afternoon act.

He joined comedian Joey Elias and the Afternoon Drive was born. Marinaro was working on the radio full-time.

Eleven years later, Marinaro is now the solo host of a popular midday program (10-noon) called the Montreal Forum, along with other duties including the postgame show, on the revamped TSN 690.

He has developed a good relationship with his listeners, through his passionate debates and sometimes controversial positions, and he counts among those listeners a strong contingent from within the Italian community. “At first people had thought that it was going to be difficult to make it with my Italian background and unpolished grammar. But I think it actually helped me. Montreal is very multicultural and I was embraced as one of the boys. The Italian community has really supported me, especially considering that there aren’t too many Italians on the radio.”

Characters such as Filippo the taxi driver, Jerry from Rosemont and Sal from RDP have become regular contributors to his show, engaging in heated debates and rants about the sports they love.

And for Marinaro, that’s the greatest reward of all... giving other passionate sports fans a forum to share their love of sports, or vent, with a guy who can relate to how they feel.

F

T

22

Dossier

Frank Cavallaro Best Dressed Weather Forecaster

By Sabrina Marandola

When walking through the CBC newsroom, it’s easy to tell which desk belongs to Frank Cavallaro. While most have stacks of black and white newspapers, Cavallaro’s space blares with colour. Green, white and red flags adorn every angle... and azzurro blue fills the spaces in between. large poster of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is tacked up on his wall. “I am a huge soccer fan. Napoli is my team,” Cavallaro says, adding that both his parents were born near Naples. “My dad brainwashed me when I was a kid. Every week, we would go to a café to watch the soccer match. It’s been in me ever since.”

Besides Cavallaro’s personal Italian-decorating, he can often be seen around the office with an espresso in hand (he even brought an automatic espresso machine to the office), and sometimes turns heads with his fashion-sense. Although you can’t always see them on TV, Cavallaro occasionally wears funky shoes to accompany his sleek suits and ties. He was even voted one of the “Best Dressed TV Personalities” this year in the now defunct Montreal Mirror.

But there is much more to Cavallaro than his love of soccer, coffee and fashion – which sounds so “Italian cliché.” Many may not know that before being a weather specialist, the 54-year-old started his broadcasting career as a radio DJ – working across the country.

Cavallaro landed his first job in the Maritimes, as the drive-home host. “I started working in 1980 in New Brunswick. I must have been the only Italian in Sussex,” he says chuckling, adding that he had to change his last name. “I was Frank Collins.

Collins was easy to pronounce... and then I couldn’t be Franco Collins. So it became Frank, and Frank always stuck since then. Only my mom and my very close friends still call me Franco.”

Cavallaro had fun on the air with his new name. “Everytime I played Phil Collins, I hinted that I knew him…and people believed me,” he says laughing. By 1984, Cavallaro got his last name back when he returned to Montreal to work for CFCF 600 radio.

He then moved to Manitoba and Ontario, before coming back to Quebec. It was 1988 when he entered the world of television.

“I got my first weather job at Météo Media,” Cavallaro says.

It wasn’t long before he got a call from CFCF, to be a fill-in weatherman.

A

But before going on air, Cavallaro had to get rid of one thing – his moustache.

“I was told I had to shave it – to look younger and less mafioso.” He did, and by 1998, Cavallaro became the full-time weatherman. He brought his personal Italian touch, creating the everpopular Zucchini Contest.

Every summer, Cavallaro would ask viewers to submit pictures of the longest zucchini growing in their garden. He says this all started thanks to his nonno. “My grandfather grew a four-foot zucchini. I brought it to work one day and showed it on the air. That’s how it all started,” Cavallaro says. “It was very popular, and people still remember this contest.”

Cavallaro also won the highest honour a weather presenter could ever wish for. In 2001, when he was in Paris for an annual Weather Conference, Cavallaro won the title of “Best Weather Presenter in the World.” Cavallaro worked at CTV as an award-winning weatherman until 2008. He then joined CBC – where he’s still bringing you your forecast on the evening TV newscast, as well as on CBC Radio One’s morning and drivehome shows – Daybreak and Homerun.

“There are not many Italians in the business,” he says. “In a city like Montreal, with such a big Italian community and so much going on, there should be a few more, but it’s still nice to see more and more Italians working in the media.”

Marianna Simeone Something to Say

By Sabrina Marandola

Marianna Simeone is a shining example that when you love what you do, the world comes to you.The 52-year-old is a businesswoman, journalist, media commentator and beloved TV personality among the Italian community – none of which, she says, she ever planned for. areer path?! What career path? There was no career path when we were growing up,” she says. “I was a whiz in math, so my teachers said I should go into business. So that’s what I did and I was going to be an accountant.”

But life had other plans for Simeone. Her father died when she was 21. This family tragedy led Simeone to reflect on her life and her roots.

“My father always told me to hang on to my roots,” she recalls. “So I decided I wanted to clean up my Italian. I wanted to learn it perfectly, and this was something I was doing just for ME.” Simeone left for Benevento, Italy, to settle her father’s estate… and it became home for a while. “I fell in love with Italy, no question about it,” she says. With a conviction to master her mother tongue, she attended university in Naples.

Two years later, after taking command of Dante’s language, Simeone decided it was time to come back home to study at Concordia University.

A new door opened wide the day she went for a coffee in Little Italy.

C

“

“Carole Gagliardi (Italian-Montreal news editor and director) overheard me speaking Italian flawlessly. She asked me to do a screen test,” Simeone recalls. She agreed, and Gagliardi asked her to start working as a host of TeleDomenica immediately.

It was a job Simeone adored. “I was there every single Sunday for 6 years.” She was also quickly approached by the Board of Directors of the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

Simeone became the youngest person, and the first woman ever, to be named Executive Director at the Chamber. “For me, it was not a job, but a dream come true to promote trade and business with Italy – the country of my roots – with the country that is my home!”

That dream job lasted 14 years, and during this time, journalists in the city were getting to know her too. “Every time something would happen in Italy, journalists would ask me to comment. And I always had something to say!”

In 1998, CJAD approached her to be a regular columnist on the discussion panel, Gang of 4. Her day job had her travelling on a regular basis, but she felt it was her duty to accept the offer. “I said yes because we, as a people, won’t exist until we are represent-

ed in the media,” Simeone says. “We – all immigrants – have something to say. We have been invisible for too long.”

After CJAD, Simeone worked at Global TV, on her own all-Italian-language show 7 Giorni. “With the exception of Pauline Marois, Jean Charest and Gerald Tremblay, all our guests spoke Italian – including newsmakers!”

She went on to do commentary on French television and radio for Radio-Canada.

Simeone also had a political-commentary segment on CBC News Montreal, for which she won four awards. “I got into this business because I have something to say,” Simeone mentions. “I have a message – in Italian, in English, and in French – for all communities, and that’s why I want to be here.”

Simeone also says it’s about time there are more Italians in the Montreal media. She recalls, years ago, a hairdresser at a TV studio remarking that Simeone was the first brunette to sit in her chair. “We need examples. We can’t all sound the same. We can’t all sound like vanilla, because some of us sound like espresso coffee.”

Dossier

23

Franco Nuovo La radio nouveau genre Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

«Il suffit d’avoir deux choses dans la vie pour faire tout ce que l’on veut: un smoking et une paire de jeans.» Voilà, en deux mots, qui résume le personnage de Franco Nuovo, ce grand gaillard aux airs de motard soixante-huitard qu’on a longtemps lu dans le Journal de Montréal et dont la voix suave résonne maintenant, depuis plusieurs années, dans les studios de radio de la Première chaîne de Radio-Canada. é en 1953 à Montréal, Franco Nuovo a toujours vécu son italianité en marge de la communauté italienne à proprement parler. Avant leur installation définitive au Québec, ses parents d’origine sicilienne se sont d’abord transférés dans l’Hexagone, où ils vécurent avec sa sœur aînée pendant quelques années. S’identifiant naturellement dès son plus jeune âge à la majorité francophone, il se faisait souvent garder par ses voisins québécois du quartier Rosemont, où il a grandi. Il a aussi poursuivi toutes ses études en français avant de compléter son baccalauréat en sociologie à l'Université de Montréal. Il nous assure toutefois avoir toujours conservé un fort attachement à sa culture d’origine qui semble d’ailleurs vouloir refaire de plus en plus surface ces dernières années. « Je finis toujours par choisir l’Italie, lorsque vient le moment de partir en voyage. C’est plus fort que moi. » nous confie-t-il en riant.

Après un passage dans le monde du spectacle chez KebecSpec, il entre finalement au Journal de Montréal à la fin des années 1970, où il évoluera pendant trente ans comme chroniqueur de cinéma, puis comme columnist. « C’est clair que le fait d’être d’origine italienne a eu une influence sur ma carrière de critique cinématographique. » s’empresse de répondre le cinéphile lorsqu’on lui pose la question. On a qu’à penser à tous les films issus de la grande période néo-réaliste italienne ou aux grands classiques de Scorsese et de Coppola pour se convaincre que porter un nom italien comporte son lot de fierté lorsqu’on s’épanche librement sur le septième art.

N

Mais, nous assure-t-il, les voyelles de son nom de famille ne l’ont jamais gêné dans son travail, lui qui affirme d’ailleurs, avoir toujours voulu devenir journaliste. « Ce que j’aime avant tout dans mon métier, ce sont les innombrables rencontres qu’on y fait. » Il peine à nous livrer spontanément les personnalités qui l’ont le plus marqué lors de sa longue carrière, tant elles ont été nombreuses. Des noms ne tardent toutefois pas à surgir, un à un : le fameux journaliste-essayiste Pierre Bourgault, le chanteur Charles Aznavour ou l’actrice Jeanne Moreau. Une liste d’invités qu’on s’imagine mal déferler dans les médias anglophones du Québec, que Nuovo avoue avoir peu côtoyés. Ce constat confirme de surcroît que la frontière entre les deux solitudes demeure difficile à franchir dans le milieu journalistique québécois.

Nuovo nous révèle finalement avoir toujours aimé écrire, malgré le fait que ce soit un acte terriblement solitaire qui diffère beaucoup de la spontanéité de la radio.

Et bien qu’il s’ennuie du monde de la rédaction, il voue désormais un profond amour à la radio qu’il considère comme un moyen de communication formidable. Il chérit particulièrement l’esprit d’équipe derrière tout le processus de réalisation d’une émission comme la sienne, Dessine-moi un dimanche, diffusée chaque dimanche de 18h à 22h. Un travail de camaraderie qui s’apparente volontiers, selon lui, à la chimie d’une troupe de théâtre. Bref, un univers extrêmement nourrissant qui, espérons-le, pour le plaisir de ses auditeurs, saura l’alimenter pendant encore longtemps.

Davide Gentile Une affaire d’excellence Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

« Je me perçois comme une petite PME de l’information » nous révèle Davide Gentile, tête d’affiche aux affaires municipales à la télévision de Radio-Canada. Être entreprenant est un atout majeur pour tout bon journaliste, selon-lui, car les grands reporters se distinguent des autres en cherchant constamment à mettre de l’avant leurs propres histoires. e fils d’immigrant sicilien et de mère québécoise nous parle de sa double identité comme d’un avantage qui l’a généralement bien servi. Le fait d’évoluer dans deux univers culturels l’a en quelque sorte toujours poussé à jouer un rôle d’observateur. Un réflexe inné qui l’a peut-être même encouragé à devenir journaliste avoue-t-il. Stimulant sa curiosité, ses origines l’ont amené à côtoyer deux réalités différentes, mais complémentaires. Imprégné en quelque sorte du meilleur des deux mondes, Gentile s’exprime dans un français impeccable et démontre une forte assurance qu’il attribue à ses racines italiennes. « Je dirais que j’ai hérité de la fougue et du tempérament sanguin des Italiens. Mon père me parlait toujours italien à la maison, mais ça fait longtemps que je ne le pratique plus. Je continue, par contre, à m’exprimer encore beaucoup avec les mains... », précise-t-il en s’esclaffant et en gesticulant.

Aussi perfectionniste qu’un tailleur napolitain, ce quadragénaire a sans doute aussi hérité de ses ancêtres siciliens son acharnement au travail et son côté entrepreneur. Ironiquement, le père de Gentile vient du village de Cattolica-Eraclea, rendu désormais célèbre à Montréal par une poignée d’entrepreneurs en con-

C

struction qui ont atteint, en l’espace d’une à deux générations, les sommets de la pyramide sociale québécoise. Une situation qui lui vaut parfois quelques railleries de ses collègues qui, comme lui, couvrent les dossiers liés au monde municipal. « Pour ma part je me sens parfaitement intégré.

Je n’ai jamais été gêné outre mesure de mes origines méditerranéennes » nous assure-t-il. Son nom italien ne lui a d’ailleurs jamais vraiment posé de problème au cours de sa carrière. Il lui arrive toutefois qu’on le questionne sur la façon de prononcer son nom de famille. « Je formule toujours Gentile avec les accents toniques italiens » affirme-t-il, nous révélant ne pas vouloir dénaturer son patronyme familial. Le seul compromis qu’il s’autorise touche son prénom qu’il prononce David. Une tendance fortement répandue et acceptée chez ses homologues anglophones (Terry DiMonte, Frank Cavallaro, Tony Marinaro, etc.), ajoute-t-il.

En tant que journaliste, les origines italiennes de Gentile le poussent souvent à aborder ses sujets différemment. « C’est bien entendu que ça forge notre tempérament et que ça change notre perspective sur les choses et nous oblige à être plus pondéré », nous révèlet-il. Ce fut le cas notamment lors de sa couverture du

dossier des accommodements raisonnables, durant la commission Bouchard-Taylor. Il faut aller au-delà de l’immédiat, nous explique-t-il, en prenant comme exemple sa famille sicilienne qui, en l’espace d’une génération, s’est parfaitement intégrée. La même chose s’applique, selon-lui, lorsqu’on aborde le thème de la langue dans les études sur le recensement. « Qu’est-ce qu’un allophone? » se questionne-t-il. Sa femme est québécoise d’origine, mais maîtrise cinq langues dont l’italien. « Elle le parle en fait mieux que moi » nous assure Gentile, un peu gêné.

Dans le contexte actuel d’ouverture à la diversité dans les médias, Gentile affirme n’avoir jamais senti que son nom l’ait aidé ou nui d’une quelconque manière. Mais, il nous confie, sans vouloir offenser qui que ce soit, qu’il en aurait probablement été bien autrement dans son milieu, s’il avait conservé un fort accent italien. Gentile souligne ainsi l’importance de bien maîtriser le français et l’anglais pour s’épanouir pleinement dans la société. C’est la clé, au-delà du talent, pour réellement sortir du carcan ethnique et avoir les mêmes chances que les autres explique-t-il.

Et c’est justement ce qu’il nous démontre éloquemment, soir après soir, sur nos écrans.

Le origini romane delle feste natalizie 24

Li fe &People

Anna Ferrari

Un tempo, quando l’antica Roma non esisteva ancora, in Italia regnava Giano, un antichissimo re-dio che si diceva avesse due volti, uno davanti e uno dietro, simbolo della sua capacità di conoscere il passato e di prevedere il futuro, governando saggiamente. l governo del regno, lo affiancò Saturno, identificato poi con il dio greco Crono.

Sotto lo scettro di Saturno il benessere e la pace prosperarono a tal punto che, per indicare quell’epoca felice, si parla di “età dell’oro”. Saturno fondò alcune città nell’Italia centrale ma poi, un giorno, scomparve all’improvviso. Giano, rimasto solo, volle mantenere vivo il ricordo di quel misterioso benefattore, dedicandogli un tempio a Roma, istituendo, in suo onore, le feste dei Saturnali (Saturnalia) e dando all’intera regione il nome di Saturnia.

Fin qui il mito. Nella storia i Saturnali diventarono, ben presto, la più importante ricorrenza del calendario romano. Cadevano in dicembre e si celebravano in origine, secondo la maggior parte delle fonti, il 17 del mese; in età imperiale i festeggiamenti si estesero a quattro, cinque giorni, e all’epoca dell’imperatore Domiziano furono prolungati nella festa dei Sigillaria, dal 17 al 23 dicembre.

Lo scrittore latino Macrobio ce ne spiega il motivo. Poiché la maggior parte della gente, piuttosto ignorante e priva di calendario, non conosceva la data esatta dei Saturnali, ognuno li celebrava quando voleva: così, le feste si allungarono...

In quel periodo dell’anno, dopo la semina, si sospendevano i lavori agricoli per far riposare la terra, garantendole fecondità e rinascita, in primavera; per l’uomo era il meritato sollievo dalle fatiche dei campi e la liberazione dalle costrizioni sociali, nel ricordo della mitica età dell’oro che Saturno aveva portato con sé.

In occasione dei Saturnali era tradizione cercare di ricreare, in qualche modo, quella società meravigliosa dove tutto era facile e non esistevano mali e ingiustizie.

Perciò era consentito, solo in quei giorni, abbandonarsi ad attività piacevoli che durante il resto dell’anno non si potevano praticare: si organizzavano sontuosi banchetti pubblici, ai quali partecipavano tutte le classi sociali; si allestivano spettacoli di danza e di

A

mimi e si tenevano concerti; si consentivano i giochi d’azzardo, vietati durante il resto dell’anno; ci si vestiva in modo informale e agli schiavi era concesso di rinfacciare ai propri padroni vizi e difetti e di farsi addirittura servire da loro.

E poi c’erano i banchetti familiari: in quell’occasione, invitati e padroni di casa si scambiavano piccoli doni, di solito: frutta, vino, formaggi, olive, candele di cera, forme di pane dalle fogge più varie e statuette. Queste, si diceva, sostituivano le vittime che, in tempi remoti, erano offerte in sacrificio sull’altare di Saturno: sarebbe stato Ercole a imporre la sostituzione dei sacrifici umani con l’offerta di statuette di argilla, cera o pasta. Ma si regalavano anche tavolette per scrivere, libri, dadi, pettini, berretti di pelo, zampogne, bisacce, grattaschiena d’avorio e così via.

Benché nel periodo più tardo dell’Impero, gli intellettuali non apprezzassero molto queste feste, delle quali lamentavano lo stravolgimento delle regole e l’eccessiva libertà, i Saturnali continuarono a essere amati e celebrati con passione dal popolo. Essi, almeno in parte, ebbero continuità nelle feste del Natale cristiano.

Il problema del rapporto tra il Natale e le precedenti feste pagane di Roma è, in realtà, molto controverso. Sembrerebbe probabile che l’identificazione del 25 dicembre con la nascita di Gesù (della quale non conosciamo con certezza la data) fosse favorita proprio dalla ben radicata tradizione dei Saturnalia e, anche, dal fatto che in quello stesso giorno un altro culto importante dell’Impero romano – quello di Mitra, divinità solare di origine iranica – celebrava la nascita del proprio dio, il Sol Invictus.

Il credo cristiano sovrappose la propria festività a quelle pagane, delle quali conservò molte tradizioni, reinterpretandole. È dall’inizio del IV secolo che il Natale è sicuramente celebrato il 25 dicembre, come attestato in un documento ufficiale del 336.

Nella festa cristiana si ritrovano, dunque, molte caratteristiche delle antiche celebrazioni pagane, come: lo scambio di doni, gli incontri familiari e l’allentamento dei ritmi della quotidianità. L’agrifoglio, già sacro a Saturno, divenne la pianta natalizia per eccellenza. Perfino l’uso moderno di accompagnare i doni di Natale con bigliettini augurali deriva dai Saturnalia romani, anche se i nostri biglietti, forse, non sono originali come quelli del poeta latino Marziale, vero maestro del genere, che per giustificarsi di un regalo modesto scrisse (Epigrammi, V, 59): “Se non ti mando in dono argento o oro, lo faccio nel tuo interesse. Chi fa un prezioso regalo, vuole in cambio un prezioso regalo: con i miei vasi d’argilla, tu non avrai nessun obbligo”.

San Nicola

Li fe &People

25

Le origini del mito di

Nell’anno 1087 l’abate Elia di Bari ordinò a 62 marinai baresi di imbarcarsi per le coste turche, tra Rodi e Cipro. I Turchi, infatti, avevano da poco conquistato la piccola città di Myra, dove erano custodite le spoglie di San Nicola, che della città fu vescovo e vi morì il 6 dicembre del 343 d.C. La missione dei marinai consisteva nell’impossessarsi delle reliquie del Santo per portarle in quella parte dell’Adriatico che restava saldamente cristiana.

Giovanni Princigalli Bari, i marinai furono accolti come degli eroi e San Nicola fu, fin da subito, amato e venerato.

Ma dato che la città aveva già un Santo patrono, ossia San Sabino, l’abate Elia propose alla cittadinanza di scegliere: “Sabino o Nicola? Chi volete come Patrono?”. I baresi scelsero quest’ultimo, ossia il nuovo e il diverso, che divenne, così, San Nicola di Bari. In suo onore fu eretta una bellissima Basilica, tra i più importanti monumenti in stile romanico d’Italia. Purtroppo l’abate Elia morì prima della fine dei lavori.

Nei mosaici e nelle statue che lo raffigurano, il Santo ha la pelle scura. Fu così che un santo straniero e moro, fu adottato e italianizzato, anzi “baresizzato”, visto che il nome più diffuso in città è proprio Nicola, in dialetto locale: Nico, Colino e Ba Cola.

Accanto a questa forma di appropriazione, localizzazione e naturalizzazione di un Santo non italiano, che addirittura spodesta il tradizionale Santo locale, si assiste a un fenomeno inverso: l’internazionalizzazione di San Nicola, che diventa il Santo dei due mondi, dell’Est come dell’Ovest.

Bari, infatti, è conosciuta anche come città del Levante, poiché è il porto dell’Europa occidentale che più di altri si affaccia ad est: verso la Grecia, l’Albania, la Croazia e il Montenegro. Il mare Adriatico è dunque una frontiera che divide ma che può anche unire, non solo cristiani e musulmani, ma anche cattolici e ortodossi.

Per un lungo periodo, in Italia, Bari fu, oltretutto, la capitale dell’Impero bizantino (di religione ortodossa). Da secoli, non solo i pellegrini cattolici giungono a Bari (gli stessi crociati visitavano la Basilica prima di recarsi in Terra Santa) ma anche tantissimi pellegrini russi, serbi e greci. Va aggiunto che la Basilica di San Nicola è la sola chiesa cattolica a ospitare anche una cripta ortodossa, oltre che un tesoro di doni preziosi (l’oro di San Nicola) offerti da Zar, nobili e religiosi dell’Est. La doppia identità del Santo, nato a Myra (nell’Est) ma trapiantato e rinato a Bari (in Occidente) fa sì che esso sia festeggiato due volte: il 9 maggio (giorno in cui i marinai baresi tornarono

A

vittoriosi dalla loro missione) e il 6 dicembre (giorno della sua morte).

A maggio viene rievocato l’arrivo dal mare di quei 62 marinai, che i baresi acclamano dall’alto delle antiche mura medievali o dal lungomare, costruito negli anni Trenta.

A dicembre, invece, la statua del Santo, in processione, viene portata in giro per la città vecchia.

Entrambe le feste si concludono, la sera, con spettacolari fuochi d’artificio.

San Nicola, salvato dai marinai, le cui reliquie attraversarono il Mediterraneo dalla Turchia a Bari, divenne nel ‘600 il protettore dei marinari olandesi che, in navigazione nell’Atlantico alla volta di Nuova Amsterdam (la futura New York), posero il ritratto del Santo sulle loro navi. San Nicola divenne così Santa Nikolaus, la cui bella e grande chiesa a lui dedicata sorge ancora oggi a New York.

[

San Nicola divenne in epoca moderna un Santo globalizzato, da Beirut alle Americhe.

Di nazione in nazione e di secolo in secolo, fu venerato come Santo del Dono, oltre che come protettore dei bambini e dei marinai.

]

Tra i suoi miracoli più noti si ricorda il salvataggio di tre bambini e il dono di monete d’oro gettate attraverso una finestra per offrire sostegno a una famiglia bisognosa.

Tra il ‘700 e l’800, in Nord Europa, alcuni miti pagani (come quello di Sinterklass che portava regali) si fusero alla venerazione cristiana di San Nicola. Nel 1823, lo scrittore newyorkese Clement Clark Moore scrisse la poesia “A visit from Saint Nicholas”, nella quale il Santo di Myra e di Bari fu per la prima volta rappresentato come un elfo cicciottello, con la barba bianca, un vestito rosso e un pacco pieno di regali. A

chiudere il cerchio ci pensò, nel 1931, la Coca Cola che disegnò il babbo natale come lo conosciamo oggi.

Ecco che San Nicola già americanizzato con il nome di San Nikolaus, divenne Santa Klaus, ossia Babbo Natale.

Ma facciamo un passo indietro. Molti storici sostengono che l’abate Elia non volle portare a Bari le ossa del Santo solo per motivi religiosi, ma anche per calcoli politici ed economici, poiché grazie a quella traslazione, Bari accrebbe l’importanza del proprio porto e divenne un centro di grande rilevanza per i traffici commerciali tra Est e Ovest. Ancora oggi i pellegrini (detti dai baresi ziaziti) aiutano non poco i commercianti e gli albergatori locali ma anche i tantissimi abitanti della città vecchia, che si improvvisano venditori ambulanti di noccioline, olive e panini.

Ma ancora più sorprendente è l’operazione commerciale, quasi profana, della Coca Cola, ossia portare un Santo del Mediterraneo tra le nevi del Nord, sbiancargli la pelle e la barba, svestirlo del suo abito vescovile per avvolgerlo in un buffo vestito di lana rossa con un cappello da montanaro. Di questi tempi, Santa Klaus è più conosciuto di San Nicola.

Negli stretti vicoli della città medievale di Bari e in tutta Italia, San Nicola ha, oggi, un altro concorrente.

Questa volta, però, non si tratta di un’invenzione pagana ma di un un uomo di chiesa da poco santificato: Padre Pio, i cui ritratti e le cui statue si trovano sempre più nelle case, negli ospedali e per le strade di Bari e dell’intero Paese.

Padre Pio è un Santo nuovo. Santa Klaus è un mito moderno.

Il vecchio San Nicola nato secoli e secoli fa, che posto occuperà nel prossimo futuro tra i fedeli di Bari e del Mondo intero? A ben vedere la cripta, costantemente gremita di pellegrini russi, rumeni e serbi, e a partecipare alle sue due feste, tanto affollate, ci sarebbe da sperare che resterà per sempre San Nicola di Bari e dei due mondi, a meno che un giorno, in chissà quale futuro, con una nuova decisione di popolo, non si chiederà ai baresi di scegliere tra lui e Padre Pio o chissà chi altro.

1635, Aut. Laval (440) ouest, Chomedey, Laval H7L 3W3 450-973-6369 • www.dekkor.ca

Porcelaine Imitation Bois

26

Li fe &People

Una certa sera di dicembre Loreta Giannetti

Fine dicembre 1956. Fa freddo in casa. Domani si parte per Napoli dove prenderemo il bastimento per l’America.

Non riconosco più la mia casa. I mobili sono stati venduti.

Sono rimaste solo tre sedie in mezzo alla cucina e le casse adoperate per preparare il presepio. camino acceso ci riscalda e con la sua dolce fiamma rossa crea un po’ di luce nella cucina silenziosa. Fuori è buio. Notte senza stelle. Mia madre mi sembra più grande del solito. Quando cammina per la cucina, la sua ombra arriva fino al soffitto. Ho paura.

Mia sorella dorme su una cassa che gli fa da culla. La casa la chiudiamo domani.

Stasera si veglia e si aspettano parenti e amici venuti a salutarci. Arrivano i nonni, arrivano gli zii e le zie. Non sanno dove mettersi; mamma offre le sedie ai più anziani e le casse ai più giovani. Nessuno ha voglia di parlare; singhiozzi sotto voce. Anche il fuoco tace questa sera. Fa freddo ed è buio. Tutti di nero vestiti, come a un funerale.

Solamente occhi rossi, solo occhi bagnati da tante lacrime.

La nonna si mette a parlare a bassa voce con mia madre. Forse le parla di mio padre, il figlio che ci aspetta in America. Ma le lacrime di mamma aumentano sempre più. Mi avvicino e lei mi prende fra le sue braccia. La prima volta dopo tanti mesi.

Il

Fuori una fisarmonica si mette a suonare: una canzone triste, poi altre due e niente più. Si sente il passo del musicista che si allontana. Arriva altra gente, il vicinato. Amiche di mia madre, comari e compari: cominciano, piano piano, grida di dolore.

Grida di mamma straziata da questa partenza e grida di quelli che rimagono.

Grida delle nonne, delle zie e delle comari. Gli uomini tacciono e fissano il fuoco del camino, la sigaretta in bocca. Non dicono niente. Dopo un pò se ne vanno tutti.

«Vi accompagniamo domani alla stazione!».

La cucina si è riscaldata; il fuoco rimane fedele: è lui che ci fa compagnia fino alla fine della notte.

Mia sorella dorme sempre. Mia madre prepara un lettino fatto con le casse di legno del presepio. Ci mette la grossa coperta verde e mi prende fra le braccia e lì, distese sulla terra di Betlemme, vicino al fuoco, arriva il sonno. Tutto ormai è buio intorno a noi.

Li fe &People

A Uniquely Merry Christmas

27

By Loretta Di Vita

Blame a gang of Hollywood producers and Madison Avenue mad men for having created a white-washed, non-ethnic concept of Christmas that had little to do with the Christmases I knew as a child growing up in an Italian-Canadian household. onging to be cast in one of those media-spun saccharine scenarios, I became increasingly aware of the cultural differences that set my reality apart. There were many, but allow me to begin with my family's culinary holiday customs. While there may not have been any creatures stirring in the homes of the genteel families of my envy-fraught musings, there were plenty in our kitchen – all of the aquatic type and destined to be included in the traditional Christmas Eve seven-course seafood dinner. I remember shrieking upon seeing Dad, his shirt sleeves rolled tight above his elbows, arm-wrestling an eel (a Christmastime delicacy once oven-roasted) as it tried to escape the kitchen sink. There was nothing quaint about my typically gentle father gripping the slippery sea monster with all his might and finally smacking the life out of it.

Indeed the cultural chasm that caused my yuletide dissonance stretched further than our kitchen. Following my lovely mother as she whirled about the house, tackling a series of Christmastime to-do's, I questioned our way of doing things.

"How come we don't hang mistletoe under the doorway?" I asked, while Mom gingerly lowered a teeny ceramic figurine of Baby Jesus into the wooden crèche at the base of our tinsel-strewn faux fir.

"Because we're Italian and we don't do that," she replied categorically.

"Well then, can we puhleeze hang a wreath on the front door?"

"There's only one place for a wreath, as far as our culture is concerned, and that's not on the front door," she said, sparing me any disturbingly morbid details.

"Why can't we go caroling house to house before suppertime?" I asked.

"Because it's not an Italian custom. Che figura! The neighbours will think we've lost our marbles!" she half-joked.

All I wanted for Christmas was to experience a non-Italian one, and to live out holiday scenes devoid of the ethnic references that made me feel self-conscious, different, foreign, even. As my wistfulness surged, surely surpassing that of Noël crooner Bing Crosby dreaming of a white Christmas, I entertained my own dream: I could see myself wearing a tartan taffeta frock, turning ric-rac edged felt Christmas stockings upside

L

down, letting their delightful contents spill to the broadloom. Meanwhile, my parents would grow merrier and merrier as they dipped crystal goblets into a punch bowl of brandy-spiked egg nog.

I envisioned myself transported by anglo-saxon infused holiday glee, twirling home-strung popcorn garlands round and round a freshly cut evergreen tree, hauled home on the roof of a stationwagon, until I'd get dizzy and fall to the floor in bemused mirth. I'd write to Santa, instead of penning my name to Christmas letters my father wrote in Italian and sent to my aunts and uncles whom I'd never met, living in a far-away country shaped like a boot. I smiled, imagining the benevolent potbellied gent, travel-lagged and mildly delirious, bursting into a jolly Ho! Ho! Ho! after helping himself to dimpled shortbread cookies instead of Mom's homemade anis-flavoured biscotti. But no matter how vivid my chimera, ethnicity still hung heavily overhead, like the prosciutto curing in our basement; and just as thick to slice.

My breaking point finally came while watching Mom trying to salvage a near-expiration-date (and obviously re-gifted) panettone, thoughtfully provided by la commara Maria, with liberal dustings of vanilla powdered sugar.

"Why can't we have a yule log cake instead for dessert? Can't we just be like everybody else?" I demanded in exasperation.

"We are like everybody else," came the inevitable reality-check from my mother.

"We're just like the Bernardinis, the Sistis, the Della Russos, the Ferraras..."

Faster than I could say “Buon Natale,” Mom had burst my bubble. Just like that. But it was at that moment of cultural reconciliation that I regretted wanting to be who we were not, and I embraced our traditions for what they were: uniquely Italian.

What we used to get 28

Li fe &People

By Laura D’Amelio

The earliest memories of Christmas for Italians are the simplest ones. “For Christmas we would get torroncini, small pieces of torrone wrapped in paper.

Or ones that came in small boxes and were chocolate covered,” says Giovan’Domenico Manduca, 86. sk any older Italian of their young Christmases and the memories bring a smile to their face, though many were filled with poverty. “There would be torrone, nuts, chestnuts, dried figs on the table for everyone to share, but it’s not like it was rich times. At that time, we were poor,” Manduca’s 71-year-old wife Concetta confides.

Gifts were few and simple.

“The first gift I remember getting is a little box, with two dried figs inside and two chestnuts,” says Marianna Paneduro, 88, who immigrated from Sicily. “For us, the most important part of Christmas were traditions like making cuccidati (Sicilian fig cookies) and sfinci (fried dough with sugar). On the Epiphany, though, my godmother would give me a doll made out of coloured sugar.”

For most, gifts were expected on the Epiphany when children left out their socks for La Befana to fill. “We would put socks on the handle of the wood stove because the Befana would come down the chimney.” says Manduca. “It would have some nuts and torrone, and if we were good, chestnuts and a little candy. There was charcoal in the socks if you were bad.”

“What we’d do is hang our socks outside our windows. Just our plain old, every days socks. Hilarious,” says Jerry Buccilli who immigrated to Canada when he was seven in 1975. “I remember vividly one time when I found a small rubber ball, a windup toy mouse, a chocolate and a small amount of chestnuts which my mother later roasted.”

A

Nunizo Tumino, 84, recalls receiving fruits and nuts for the holidays and rare special gifts too. “My uncle was an arch priest. He would give us a ‘colombella’ for the Epiphany, a five lira coin with a dove design on it. But we were only allowed to keep it for a few days and then we had to give it to our mother to buy something worthwhile.”

His wife Maria, 82, remembers holidays in Calabria as many others do – there were neither gifts nor charcoal. The season was special because of all of the sweets they would bake and the mandarin oranges and nuts that were plentiful.

Once in Canada, Italian immigrants looked for similar treats to give during the holidays, which were affordable and kept with tradition. “In Canada, we put the same things if we could find them here, like chocolates, dried figs and torrone.” says Manduca.

“When we started to make more money, when the children were 13 or 14, we could give them $10 or $15 or toys and pyjamas.”

Tumino founded a small market in Etobicoke, Ontario, and imported chestnuts as a perennial favourite. Torrone, torroncini, panettoncini, and Perugina Baci were also bought up quickly during the season.

“There is still a very high demand for panettone, torrone, Baci, dried figs, walnuts, and almonds from the older generation, although a little less from their children,” says Liana Tumino, 47, of the family business. “The older Italians still maintain a tradition of buying not only for themselves but also for the rest of their family during the holidays.”

As families grew in Canada, gifts changed and traditions waned. Italian-Canadians recall their earlier Christmases not for the gifts, but for the sense of family.

“My earliest memories are family and extended families getting together for Christmas Eve and the traditional fish dinner,” says Liana Tumino. “But the big family gatherings are not being done any longer. Now it is a more private immediate family affair; before it was extended to family and friends too.”

Celebrating La Befana and the real meaning behind the holidays is missing, says Jerry Buccilli. “Also, it used to be that everyone cooked something or baked something, but more and more younger kids aren’t carrying on with those traditions. My own personal philosophy is to uphold those traditions. It’s getting harder to do that but I think there are enough of us who believe in the same principles as I do. I’m all for a revival of ‘the old ways.’”

Li fe &People

29

Holiday Traditions

A Glimpse at Italian

By Gemma Screnci

“Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!” These greetings resound in households during the Christmas season. Wishing good cheer to family and friends is made in the hope that the New Year will bring good things. Here are a few holiday traditions believed by Italians to boost luck where love, money and health are concerned. veryone has heard of the auspicious properties of the mistletoe during Christmas time. This long-standing belief comes from the Druids. They believed that this plant had magical properties and that kissing under mistletoe would bring good fortune, and that it was especially lucky for couples in love. Italians have their own romantic tradition said to enhance the love life of singletons and couples through the New Year like wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve. It seems very appropriate that the Italian culture, known for its passionate ways, associates bright coloured underwear with good fortune. Italians believe that receiving them as a gift will increase luck, and so will throwing them out the next day.

One can’t look into Italian superstitions and traditions without talking about food. In Italy, it is customary to eat lentils or black eyed peas for good monetary fortune on New Year’s Day (the round shape of the beans represents coins). The dish is usually served with sausage because eating pork is believed to be particularly lucky.

It’s no wonder that lenticchie and cotechino are a must on Italian tables. In Piedmont, enjoying a plate of rice on New Year’s Day is thought to be lucky as well. Italians also believe that eating grapes during the countdown – one per each stroke of the clock until it strikes midnight – ensures good health in the future. To cleanse away bad energy, Italians also like to set fireworks and firecrackers off on New Year’s Eve; they

E

say it scares away bad spirits. In some regions, mostly in the south, it is still common practice to throw old objects out the window in order to start the year off on a clean slate.

Another tradition meant to bring luck is burning the Ceppo, which is a tree log that is set on fire on Christmas Eve, which is supposed to burn through until New Year’s Day. The ashes of the tree are considered to be very fortunate and protect the household throughout the following 12 months.

Whether or not people believe in superstitions, and no matter how diverse traditions are, everyone hopes for a little happiness at the dawn of a New Year. The holiday season is a time to take stock of the year that has passed, and to celebrate good times with family and friends, hopeful that the year ahead will be even better than the one left behind!

0% financing on our most popular models

Rimar Volkswagen

Rimarkable

service

514 . 253 . 4888 5500 Métropolitain east (Lacordaire exit)

w w w. r i m a r v w. c o m

Traditional Italian Holiday Menus 30

Food& Wine

By Gemma Screnci

The most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us. The Christmas season is a time of love, family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the Italian culture is certainly known for the richness and variety of its customs from north to south, and abroad.

Italians celebrate Christmas in a ceremonial way, with food at its core. uring the Christmas season, Italians prepare dishes that are customary to their celebrations. In fact, on Christmas Eve, it is customary to eat “di magro” (eating light), which is why the traditional “Seven-Fish Christmas Eve dinner”, a meal that includes a variety of fish and seafood, is usually served. On Christmas day, tortellini soup, meats like lamb, chicken or turkey, famous desserts like panettone and torrone, and a glass of spumante, are all classics we look forward to enjoying. Although these dishes are part of the Italian festivities, there are some more traditional foods specific to each region, depending on the resources and the agricultural richness of different areas.

In Florence, for instance, appetizers abound. The Christmas table is filled with a display of delicacies including cured meats, homemade olives and cheese. Another typical appetiser enjoyed by Tuscans is crostini Toscani, which is chicken liver pâté served on country bread. The meal then begins, usually with tortellini soup, and the

D

segue includes pasta and meats served in different sauces and marinades. In Venice, fish-based dishes are plentiful on Christmas Eve, from risotto di pevarasse, a clambased risotto, to baked sea bass and eel. On Christmas day, Venetians enjoy an antipasto of ossocollo, which is a traditional sausage made from the meat from the pig’s neck, as well as other flavourful cold cuts. The main dishes are then served, most typically, ravioli in broth, cappone lesso (boiled rooster), and musetto (boiled salame made from the meat of the pig’s head). As for dessert, dried fruit and nuts are always on hand, as well as mostarda con mascarpone, a sweet pastry made of candied fruit, mustard essence and mascarpone.

Comfort food is a must during the Christmas season in south central Italy. In Naples, on Christmas Eve, the Cenone includes fried capitone (female eel), as well as baccalà, vongole, and different kinds of seafood served with pasta. On Christmas day, the main course includes a variety of baked pasta, different meats, like turkey for

Food & Wine

instance, and dessert of course. The Napoletani finish off their meal savouring struffoli (small dough-balls glazed in honey), the classic mustaccioli, and susamielli (S-shaped cookie). In the capital, Romans enjoy outside activities during the festive season, as well as treats sold by street vendors, such as roasted chestnuts and dried fruit. Aside from the more common dishes, Romans also like to prepare pezzetti (fried cubes made of ricotta and vegetables). On Christmas Eve, Romans savour dishes made with fried vegetables and fish such as zucchini, artichokes and baccalà, as well as pasta with seafood, like eel or salmon, for instance. On Christmas day, stracciatella soup is a popular entree, followed by baked pasta dishes such as lasagna and cannelloni. The meat course is then served – lamb, sausage, chicken and different kinds of meat-based dishes – with vegetables. For dessert, the most famous one is certainly the

31

pangiallo a sweet composed of a mix of dried fruit, honey and candied lemon, covered by a layer of egg batter.

Southern Italians are surrounded by water, so it is quite natural that they enjoy the wonders of the sea throughout the year, and especially during the holidays. The most common fish-based dish is baccalà, served fried, in tomato sauce or with a variety of other condiments. In Calabria, one of the Christmas specialties are potato zeppole, which are fried dough sticks made with potatoes and anchovies, depending on taste. For dessert, Calabresi enjoy confetto, a treat made with sesame seeds, honey and almonds, typically served in square shapes. In Sicily, the cenone starts off with homemade goods such as cheese, olives, roasted peppers, marinated vegetables like eggplant, as well as orange and fennel salad. Eggplant being such a traditional food in Sicilian cuisine, the antipasto also includes caponata. The Seven-Fish meal is then underway, from baccalà, to calamari, shrimp and mussels, Sicilian tables are filled with appetizing seafood. On Christmas day, pasta and meat dishes are a classic, as well as cardi, a vegetable in the artichoke family, and the famous arancini. One very known holiday dessert are the buccellati, also known as cucciddati, pastries made with dried fruit such as figs, and a variety of nuts, like almonds and pistachios. And let’s not forget the cassata siciliana and the famous cannoli!

From one region to another, there might be slight variations in the dishes we serve, but the core of the holiday spirit remains the same. As Italians, we take pride in our traditions, we prepare meals with much love and care, and the holiday season is a special time when we appreciate good food, and good times with our families.

Find more holiday recipes on panoramitalia.com/food&wine

2495, St-Martin est Laval 450 629-6202 2000, René-Laennec Vimont 450 629-5115

Commandez votre buffet pour le temps des Fêtes Paniers et bûches de Noël

www.patisseriestmartin.com

Food & Wine

32

By Danila Di Croce

Biscotti for the

For most Italians, the holidays mean spending time with the whole family, building a presepio (nativity scene) and cookies... lots of cookies. Whether you bake them yourself, help mamma or nonna with the recipe, or buy them at your local bakery, most people agree that Christmas just isn’t complete without a lovely tray of biscotti on the table. iscotti have played an important role in Italian history. The term “biscotti” actually derives from the Latin word bis, meaning “twice,” and coctum, meaning “baked” or “cooked”. They date back to Roman times, originally referring to long, finger-shaped pieces of dough that were baked twice in order to completely dry out so that they may endure long travel. In those times, these firm and crunchy treats were made more out of convenience and were a staple in the diet of Roman Legions. Nowadays, the word refers to all varieties of Italian cookies, with an endless assortment available throughout Italy since different areas have their own traditional recipes and each family adds its own particular touch.

Amelia Monteleone, who was born in Catanzaro, Calabria, remembers growing up in Italy over 60 years ago and feeling the excitement around Christmas time. Everyone looked forward to homemade cookies, such as zippole (fried pastry dough often made with potato and topped with sugar).

“We would wait for the cookies for so long, and we would eat them even after they hardened because we knew that once they were gone, they were gone!”

Monteleone recalls.

She also remembers the difference in ingredients: “Some didn’t even put chocolate [in their recipes], they would just dip the cookies in vino cotto because they had the wine – chocolate was too expensive.”

Today, while many still choose to bake biscotti for the holiday season, some individuals opt to visit their local bakery to delight in a special treat. John Paul Deleo

B

of Tre Mari Bakery says the bakery often receives advance orders for up to 1 kilogram of assorted cookies, whether for Christmas or any other special occasion, with amaretti cookies being the most popular.

Whether celebrating a wedding, a baptism, communion, anniversary, or Zippoli any other special event, it seems that biscotti are ever-present.

More often than not, the cookies are handcrafted by friends and family, but why is it that we slave over these little delicacies? Is it just for “la bella figura”?

Leila Anna Ouji, a PhD candidate in Italian studies at the University of Toronto, describes her reaction when she first saw Italian cookies presented at an Italian wedding: “I thought it was very touching that [the family and friends] made them as it means so much more than giving a “busta” (monetary gift) because you know that they put their time and their love into making those cookies.”

Aside from a display of affection, Italian biscotti also represent a sense of pride for family or regional heritage because the recipes have been handed down from generation to generation.

As Ouji explains, “It’s an ancestral symbol – it’s something passed on from grandmothers and great-grandmothers. It may not be your typical family heirloom, but [these recipes] are beautiful in that they are passed on to be enjoyed and shared.”

Monteleone agrees that the custom is a significant connection to one’s roots.

“We make the cookies to hold on to a piece of our past,” she said.

In doing so, future generations can enjoy the sights and smells of Italian history, says Deleo. “It gives [younger] generations an idea of what it was like; pictures are great but traditions are more important.”

Biscotti do more than simply tantalize our taste buds; they connect us to our rich Italian cultural heritage, and like all wonderful Italian traditions, it is important to learn them before they are lost.

Each of our bakeries offer an array of mouth-watering goodies. Whether you’re craving a sweet dessert or looking for a healthy on-the-go meal,

Let the professional pastry chefs at Dolci Più create the cake of your dreams or choose from one of our exclusive designs.

Dolci Più will satisfy all your cravings!

Dolci Più Saint-Laurent: 849 Décarie, Ville St.Laurent 514.855.8922

info@dolcipiu.ca • www.dolcipiu.ca Photos: Studio 55

Holidays Amaretti con frutta corretti

By Alex Villalta

Ingredients: • 3 large eggs • 2 cups sugar • 4 cups almond flour • 25 ml almond extract • 25 ml Sambuca liquor

Food & Wine

33

Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Take 2 of the 3 eggs and separate the egg white from the yolk . Using an electric beater, beat the egg whites until you achieve peaks; set aside.

2. Take the 2 egg yolks, along with the last egg, and mix with 1 cup of sugar, beat with a paddle mixer for about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the egg whites to the mix (Step 1), the remaining cup of sugar, the almond flour, mix in the almond extract and the Sambuca (alternately with flour). Mix for about 3-5 minutes.

4. With the help of a small ice cream scooper, form into 1 inch balls. Immediately after, roll in the coarse sugar and place 2 inches apart on a cookie tray lined with parchment paper.

• Coarse sugar for coating

5. Once on the tray, top each cookie with your choice of red or green maraschino cherries or simply top with a whole almond.

• 12 red maraschino cherries (rinsed, dried and cut in half)

6. Place on the middle rack in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

• 12 green maraschino cherries (rinsed, dried and cut in half) • 24 white roasted almonds

7. Let cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

More cookie recipes on panoramitalia.com/food&wine

Food & Wine

34

The Truth Behind Torrone With its celebratory confections, the presence of torrone on store shelves is a sure sign that the holidays have arrived in Italy. Once produced to honour royalty, torrone boasts a long and glorious history, closely associated to Christmas traditions. Also available year round, the distinctive sweet is typically enjoyed after meals with an amaro or digestif.

By Jenny Galati hile the word “torrone” probably derives from the Latin verb “torrere” meaning to toast, most likely in reference to the toasted nuts from which it is made, its origins, on the other hand, are as varied as the many different types of torroni found throughout Italy.

Some food historians suggest that the recipe derives from Ancient Rome’s cupedia or cupeto (a sweet treat made from honey, almonds and eggs that was offered up to the gods), while others argue that it came from an Arabic indulgence known as turun (made of honey and toasted sesame seeds) introduced to Italy via Sicily.

The famed nougat was, however, first documented in Cremona in 1441 as a dessert created for the marriage of Francesco Sforza and Maria Bianca Visconti by the court’s pastry chefs. Inspired by the city’s famous Torrazzo tower, his delicacy was hence coined torrone.

While this last theory is highly debatable, there may be some truth to the tale seeing that torrone has been a specialty of the Lombard city since the 16th century.

Torrone has been considered a valuable treat and was often gifted at Christmas by influential people. In

W

Torrone Recipe

the 17th century, the torrone of Benevento became a popular Christmas gift, so much so that it was sent to the high priests in Rome, thus creating the tradition of torrone as a celebratory sweet.

Aside from its festive appeal, the flavour combination of torrone became the inspiration behind other beloved treats. It even evolved into a popular gelato flavour, as well as being the predecessor to chocolate bars such as Toblerone and Milky Way.

Types of Torroni While the production process of torrone went from being an artisanal one to a commercial one thanks to the industrialization of the 19th and 20th centuries, the recipe for this brittle has remained fairly consistent.

The notable Italian nougat made from honey, sugar, egg whites and toasted almonds or other nuts is made in dozens of variations across Italy. Each bears its signature texture and taste, ranging from the crunchy and crumbly duro to the softer and tender morbido varieties. No matter the name or type, torrone is a sweet holiday tradition worth of being passed on.

By Michael Chiarello Ingredients • 2-2/3 cups superfine sugar • 2/3 cup light corn syrup • 1/2 cup water • 2 egg whites, at room temperature • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon orange extract • 1 teaspoon almond extract • 1/2 cup diced candied fruit, plus additional for topping • 1 cup sliced almonds

Here is a collection of some of the most famous torroni: • The region of Campania is famous for its classic crumbly hazelnuts Torrone di Benevento along with the Torroncino Croccantino or Torrone Bacio. The latter, smaller in size, is made with sugar, honey, crushed hazelnuts and almonds and coated in chocolate.

• Abruzzo produces the Torrone morbido al cioccolato (a soft chocolate torrone).

• The area of Caltanissetta, Sicily, produces the cubaita made with toasted almonds, sesame seeds, honey and orange peel (much like its Arabic predecessor).

• The soft torrone of Sardinia is made with honey, egg white, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts.

• Molise makes the Torrone del Papa, seasoned with figs.

• In Calabria the ciballo is made with peanuts in place of almonds.

Directions Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer temperature registers 260 degrees F. Meanwhile, in an electric mixer, beat egg whites to form stiff peaks. When sugar reaches 260 degrees F, slowly pour in a thin stream into egg whites, while the mixer is running. Add extracts, beat on medium speed for 13 minutes, then fold the candied fruit into the mixture. Mix for another 2 minutes, then fold in 1/2 cup of the almonds. Pour mixture into 9-inch square cake pan sprayed with baking spray or butter the pan and then dust with flour. Top with remaining almonds and additional candied fruit.

Let sit overnight, then cut into serving pieces.

La Franciacorta Food & Wine

35

Grandes bulles à l’italienne Comme partout en Méditerranée, on élabore du vin en Lombardie depuis la Rome antique. Au moyen âge, ce sont alors les moines qui possèdent le monopole de la conduite de la vigne et de la vinification dans la région, tandis que l’aristocratie locale, généralement propriétaire des vignobles, se réserve le commerce des vins. lusieurs siècles plus tard, en 1967, l’état italien enregistre en tant que DOC (denominazione di origine controlata) civique le nom de Franciacorta, l’appellaP tion phare de la région. Souvent comparée au Champagne pour son style et sa qualité, elle obtient officiellement en 1983 la dénomination DOC, puis finalement en 1995 la mention DOCG (denominazione di origine controlata e garantita). Cette reconnaissance suprême hisse finalement la Franciacorta au sommet du panthéon œnologique du Bel Paese, lui consacrant ainsi son statut de grand vin mousseux. Le cahier de charge de l’appellation stipule en effet que les vins de Franciacorta soient exclusivement élaborés comme vins effervescents, selon la méthode traditionnelle champenoise (double fermentation en bouteille).

L’étymologie du mot Franciacorta nous ramène au terme Francae Curtes, nom donné à l’époque féodale aux communautés de moines bénédictins français venues s’installer dans la région pour y cultiver la vigne. Comme ces communautés étaient exemptées des taxes princières en échange de leurs bons et loyaux services, Francae Curtes signifierait donc franc de taxes. On accorde aussi une certaine importance à l’idée, pourtant plus ancienne, qu’il s’agisse en fait d’une traduction de Petite France, nom donné à la région au IXe siècle par Charlemagne, alors qu’il y était cantonné avec ses troupes. Peu importe laquelle de ces deux hypothèses se vérifie, l’une aussi bien que l’autre nous permet d’expliquer la présence de cépages français dans cette portion du territoire lombard. Le chardonnay, le pinot noir et le pinot blanc sont en effet les trois seuls cépages autorisés de l’appellation.

La zone du Franciacorta compte sur 1143 hectares de production pour une moyenne annuelle frisant les 8,4 millions de bouteilles produites. Tout comme le système des pergolas côtoie la taille Guyot, plusieurs typologies de vigne, divisées selon leur âge, leur variété ou leur enracinement, coexistent légalement sur le territoire.

Dans le cas d’une cuvée issue d’un seul millésime, 85% du vin doit provenir de l’année de vendange indiquée sur l’étiquette. La liqueur de tirage ne doit pas excéder 25 grammes de sucre de canne par litre. Comme en Champagne, ce dernier ingrédient est utilisé pour provoquer une deuxième fermentation en bouteille (un processus aussi appelé prise de mousse). Si le vin est destiné à porter la mention Satèn, en référence à un vin plus suave et soyeux en bouche, la liqueur de tirage ne doit pas dépasser 18 grammes

Par Guénaël Revel

de sucre par litre. Ce type de cuvée engendre généralement des vins mousseux de style crémant, à la bulle plus fine et à la mousse plus crémeuse.

La période d’élevage du vin dure au moins 25 mois et la période de seconde fermentation en bouteille, 18 mois au minimum. La Franciacorta Rosé doit obligatoirement contenir 15 % de pinot noir, vinifié en rouge. La mention Satèn n’est accordée qu’aux cuvées élaborées à partir du cépage chardonnay, avec une liqueur de tirage inférieure à 18 grammes de sucre par litre et une liqueur de dosage pour une version Brut. Le liquide de dosage (aussi appelé liqueur d’expédition), contrairement au liquide de tirage, fait référence à la liqueur ou au vin utilisé pour remplacer le liquide perdu lors du dégorgement des bouteilles. On effectue cette dernière manœuvre pour dégager la lie de fermentation s’étant accumulée dans le goulot renversé des bouteilles lors de la prise de mousse. Le dosage de celles-ci détermine de surcroît les différentes catégories de Franciacorta, classées ici en ordre croissant, du plus sec au plus doux : • Pas Dosé, Dosage Zéro ou Nature: Si le vin contient moins de 3 grammes de sucre résiduel • Extra Brut: Si le vin contient entre 0 et 6 grammes de sucre résiduel • Brut: Si le vin contient moins de 12 grammes de sucre résiduel

• Extra Dry: Si le vin contient entre 12 grammes et 20 grammes de sucre résiduel • Dry: Si le vin contient entre 20 et 35 grammes de sucre résiduel

Bien des maisons et vignerons de la région n’hésitent pas à s’attribuer la paternité de la Franciacorta. On retrace néanmoins ses origines aux années 1960. Elles seraient le compte d’un œnologue indépendant travaillant alors pour la maison Berlucchi. Ce dernier, amusé à tirer quelques bouteilles de pinot noir comme on le fait en Champagne, (c’est-à-dire laisser un vin refermenter en bouteille grâce à l’ajout de nouvelles levures), aurait obtenu des résultats assez probants pour convaincre par la suite plusieurs grandes familles fortunées des environs : Berlucchi, Bellavista, Ca del’Bosco, etc., à investir dans cette nouvelle méthode de vinification. À vous maintenant de juger si elles ont eu tort ou raison de le faire. Tchin, tchin !

Montenisa Brut

Bellavista Cuvée Brut

Cuvée Prestige Brut

Antinori Franciacorta docg $30.50 (SAQ # 10678616) ★★★ 88/100 Soft, inviting bouquet recalling peach and green apple with yeasty hints and toasted bread notes.

Rich, crisp and vibrant Franciacorta.

Bellavista Franciacorta docg $36.75 (SAQ # 340505) ★★★ 89/100 Delicate bouquet of pears intertwined with elegant hints of lime and vanilla.

Smooth and balanced traditional sparkling wine with a fresh and lengthy finish.

Ca'del Bosco Franciacorta docg Lombardy Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantia $31.00 (SAQ# 11008024) ★★★ 88/100 Delicate and feminine is the best way to describe this sparkling Franciacorta.

Inviting aromas of brioche are followed by hints of citrus and Granny Smith apple.

More selections on panoramitalia.com/food&wine B u o n N a t a l e e Fe l i c e A n n o N u o v o / J o y e u x N o ë l e t B o n n e A n n é e

2227 Bélanger est • Montréal • Québec H2G 1C5 T.514.374.5653 • www.gastronomiaroberto.com

Riccardo Bertolino Un asso Food & Wine

36

Giuseppe Continiello

Foto Claudio Ortu

Un asso in cucina

Amore per la freschezza e per la qualità degli ingredienti.

Attenzione ai prodotti locali.

Grande esperienza internazionale.

La celebre tradizione della cucina francese, la sua estetica raffinata e... il tocco italiano. Insomma, un asso in cucina. Questo è Riccardo Bertolino, giovane e creativo executive chef della Maison Boulud del Ritz-Carlton di Montréal, il ristorante più atteso dell’anno. on lui alla testa dei 28 in cucina, tutto gira facile. E tutto è a vista. La cucina della Maison Boulud, nella quale ci si può affacciare sull’area di lavoro, è viva e attraente. Comunica i valori della Casa. E il messaggio è: “Qui si ha rispetto per il buono, per il bello, per il gusto e per la qualità”.

Come i migliori chef, Riccardo Bertolino ha cominciato giovanissimo. “Verso i 13-14 anni ho lavorato un pò dovunque in Italia, dalla Toscana alla Sardegna, dall‘Umbria a Bologna (città della cucina superlativa. Nota del Redattore), dove sono nato. Poi è venuto il tempo dell‘esperienza internazionale: prima Londra e poi Parigi, a Il Carpaccio e al Le Meurice, dove ho fatto parte dell’équipe che, capitanata dallo chef Yannick Alleno, ha ottenuto le prestigiose 3 Stelle Michelin. Da lì, il salto oltre Oceano, due anni a New York, al Daniel (3 Stelle Michelin) e, in qualità di executive sous chef, al Café Boulud. Cinque anni dopo, brillantemente conclusa l’esperienza professionale a Singapore, al DB bistro moderne, è arrivato l’importante riconoscimento di avere en charge la Maison di Montréal”.

C

Panoram Italia: “Cosa pensi di Montréal dal punto di vista gastronomico?”

Riccardo Bertolino: “Qui c‘è un elavato livello culturale per quanto concerne la gastronomia. I clienti sono davvero ben educati a livello gastronomico e i prodotti locali sono di ottima qualità. Tutto mi sembra come in Italia e come in Francia. La frutta ha

il sapore che ti aspetti e le verdure sono bellissime. Gli agricoltori locali sono molto attenti. Propongono prodotti biologici e di nicchia. C’è poi un’umanità e una passione per il lavoro che fanno felice anche lo chef più esigente”.

PI: “Come valuti il livello della cucina italiana a Montréal?”

RB: “L‘esperienza vissuta a New York e quello che ho occasione di vedere qui a Montréal mi fanno affermare che la tendenza dei ristoranti italiani in Nord America è quella di fondere la tradizione italiana con quella locale. Qui è difficile trovare il piatto semplice che rispetta il prodotto. Si ha, generalmente, la tendenza a coprire, a trasformare un pò. Esistono, tuttavia, le eccezioni, e sono sempre più numerose. A Montréal, in particolare, ho trovato ristoranti che ricercano la genuinità dei cibi e che seguono la tradizione. Qui non è difficile trovare prodotti italiani di ottima qualità.

Ma bisogna imparare a essere selettivi per non trovarsi davanti un piatto che di italiano ha solo il nome e, a volte, nemmeno quello”.

PI: “Il tuo stile in cucina?”

RB: “La cucina che propongo io è di tipo francese, ma il fatto di essere italiano si vede ed è apprezzato. Io utilizzo molti prodotti italiani. Il mio stile? Rendo piu’ leggera la cucina francese con il tocco italiano”.

Ricetta carpaccio di rape rosse, faisselle di capra fresca, noci di pecan e vinaigrette allo xeres Per 4 persone

Ingredienti

Per la vinaigrette:

• 4 rape rosse (media grandezza) • 8 rapette chioggia (o mini rape colorate) • 2 rape gialle • 500 gr sale grosso • 350 gr di faisselle di capra fresca • 1 scalogno a brunoise • 50 gr di erba cipollina • 40 gr di noci di pecan tostate

• • • • • •

20 gr senape di dijon 50 gr aceto di xeres 100 gr olio di oliva extravergine 50gr di scalogno confit 50 gr rucola 50 gr di cressone

Procedimento Lavare le rape rosse e avvolgerle in un cartoccio di alluminio con 2 rametti di timo, 2 di rosmarino, uno spicchio d'aglio, 50 gr di burro, sale e pepe bianco a mulinello.

Ripetere l'operazione per gli altri 2 tipi di rape, chiudere i cartocci, disporre su sale grosso e infornare a 175 gradi per circa 40 minuti (dipende dalla grandezza delle rape).

Tagliare lo scalogno a piccoli cubetti e tritare finemente la cipollina, incorporare le 2 al formaggio di capra fresco, aggiustare di sale, aggiungere un filo di olio extravergine e un goccio di aceto di xeres.

A cottura ultimata pelare le rape e tagliare le rosse a fettine sottili, disporre sul piatto mettere nel centro il formaggio di capra e intorno le altre rapette tagliate a spicchi.

Condire il carpaccio con una vinaigrette fatta con la senape, aceto di xeres invecchiato, scalogno confit e l'olio. Lo stesso olio emulsionato a filo.

Finire il piatto con noci di pecan tostate, crudite di rapette, foglie di rucola e cressone selvaggio.

Ravioli di ricotta di capra e limone, pesto genovese e pecorino di fossa Per 4 persone Per la Pasta

Per il pesto

• • • • • •

• 100 gr di basilico Genovese • 30 gr prezzemolo • 50 gr olio extravergine d’oliva ligure • 1/2 spicchio d’aglio • 20 gr pinoli tostati • 15 gr pecorino di fossa grattugiato • Sale/pepe bianco trito (QB) • Per la cottura della pasta • 100 gr di patate gialle a cubetti • 100 gr di fagiolini verdi fini a cubetti • Finizione: basilico, olio extravergine d’oliva ligure, scaglie fini di pecorino di fossa, pepe bianco a mulinello, pinoli tostati e scorze di limone.

• • • • • •

500 gr farina 00 8 rossi d’uovo 100 gr acqua tiepida 25 gr olio d’oliva extravergine Per la farcia di ricotta 500 gr ricotta di capra freschissima Le scorze di 4 limoni non trattati 50 gr cipolla 50 gr scalogno Mezzo spicchio d’aglio 5 gr di peperoncino dolce d’Abruzzo trito 25 gr Parmigiano Reggiano Grattugiato

Procedimento Per la Pasta Fare una fontana con la farina, incorporare i rossi d’uovo, sale e acqua.

Lavorare l’impasto fino a risultato omogeneo, coprire di pellicola alimentare e lasciare riposare 30 minuti.

Per La Farcia Passare la ricotta a tamis fine, fare soffriggere la cipolla e lo scalogno tritato al burro a fuoco dolce e aggiungere l’aglio trito, cuocere 10 minuti dolcemente e far raffreddare. Incorporare tutti gli ingredienti alla ricotta, salare (io aggiungo un goccio d’olio d’oliva e un uovo alla farcia), mettere in un sac à poche.

Per il pesto Sfogliare, lavare e asciugare il basilico e il prezzemolo, raffreddare in congelatore il mortaio e l’olio d’oliva e tostare i pinoli. Mettere tutti gli ingredienti nel mortaio e pestare fino a consistenza, salare e gustare.

Stendere la sfoglia fine a mattarello, riempire i ravioli a 10 gr di farcia l’uno.

Cuocere i ravioli in abbondante acqua salata (1’ 30’’), cuocere nella stessa acqua i fagiolini e le patate a cubetti piccoli.

Nel piatto stendere uno spechio di pesto di basilico, disporre 8 ravioli, finire con i cubetti di patate e i fagiolini, il limone grattuggiato e le scaglie fini di pecorino di fossa.

sunshine_investments@hotmail.com

Pâtisserie Vimont 38

Food & Wine

A family’s sweet success

By Laura Casella

Patisserie Vimont is a bakery where modern and traditional values come together. Located in Vimont, Laval on boulevard René-Laennec, this bakery is stocked for all your cravings. pon walking into Patisserie Vimont, you will notice several fully-stocked shelves with traditional Italian products, olive oils, spices and fine imported chocolates.

The bakery also has a large variety of mouth-watering cookies, pastries, cakes, pizzas, salads and much more.

“When people come in here, there is a wide selection for them to choose from,” says Lillo Bentivegna, who owns the quaint bakery with his brother-in-law, Tony Cerone. The partners opened the bakery on Valentine’s Day in 2004. They saw the potential of opening a pastry shop in the young, emerging neighbourhood of Vimont and have customized their bakery to reflect the clientele that they serve.

“Bakeries back then would sell mostly bread,” explains Lillo, “but today’s generation doesn’t eat that much bread and is looking for more choice.”

That choice includes fully prepared meals, which saves families the hassle of cooking after a long day’s work.

“You can come here, pick up your sauce, some meatballs, a salad, and there is your dinner,” Tony says.

You can also pick up anything from homemade soups, cutlets, fresh sauce, and sausages, all the components to make you feel like you are having a home-cooked meal, without spending any time in the kitchen.

Lillo started working in the pastry business at a young age. He took a trade in baking, and at only 15 years old, began working at a pastry shop in Saint-Michel called Maria Christina. For 17 years, Lillo was a partner at Boulangerie Lasalle in Rivière-des-Prairies with Vincenzo Sferlazza before leaving to embark on this new venture. He has also attended many pastry shows in Italy.

Meanwhile Tony has been in the restaurant business all his life. His food is authentic and delicious and he can cook anything from roasts to lasagnas and much more. He owned many restaurants such as Manic and Impact Pizzeria, both located in Montreal, and Istori Resto-Bar downtown. Besides being a great chef, he also happens to be great with the customers.

“He knows all the clients on a first-name basis,” says Lillo, of his brother-in-law, “and when the kids come in, he is always ready with a cookie.”

Family is an important component to the success of Patisserie Vimont. Lillo’s wife (Tony’s sister) Mary Cerone is also a partner and has offered them great support throughout the years. She works behind the scenes in administration to make sure everything runs smoothly. The couple’s two daughters, Melissa and Stephanie, serve customers, and Lillo’s brother, Angelo, also a partner, has worked side by side with him since the beginning.

Tony and Mary’s other brother also works as an assistant chef, and last

U

but not least, Tony and Mary’s parents are always there to help and support them, and have been the best parents anyone could ask for.

Now close to ten years later, Patisserie Vimont has captured the hearts and appetites of many loyal customers.

“We are very grateful to all our customers for their support,” says Tony. “We’re like a family. We know them, they know us, and the customers know each other.”

People certainly feel the warmth and welcoming of a family when they come here, but there is another reason why they keep coming back; and that is the quality of the food.

“My cannolis and zeppole are made from scratch with 100% ricotta and are the best in Laval, my lobster tails are delicious, and our cheesecake is also a popular choice,” Lillo says.

Other popular choices include amaretto cookies made with 100% almond, and gluten-free chocolate cookies, which prove that this bakery is always looking for ways to innovate itself.

Finally, Lillo says he is very proud of the selection he has in his bakery. One person who would have been impressed is his mother who passed away three years before the bakery opened; proud of her son’s hard work, dedication, and passion to produce the best possible product for their customers.

Proof that when family comes together, it can achieve many sweet things.

Tony, Lillo and the entire staff would like to thank all their loyal customers and wish them happy holidays!

Pâtisserie Vimont Laval 2799 Rene-Laennec Blvd, Laval, Québec H7K 3T4 Tel.: (450) 629-2324 • Fax (450) 629-2920 www.patisserievimont.ca

2012-2013 Please submit your baby’s picture online at www.panoramitalia.com by clicking on ‘Magazine’ followed by ‘Babies of the Year,’ or by mail, and include the child’s and parents’ names along with the date of birth.

Cost: $55 (taxes incl.)

Pictures will appear in our February/March 2013 issue.

Deadline: January 11, 2013 Si prega di inviare la foto a www.panoramitalia.com e cliccare prima su ‘Magazine’ e poi su ‘Babies of the Year,’ oppure spedirla per posta con i nomi del bambino dei genitori e la data di nascita.

Costo: $55 (taxes incl.)

Le foto saranno pubblicate nell’edizione di febbraio/marzo 2013.

Scadenza: 11 gennaio 2013

Luca Vincenzo Fiengo April 9, 2011 Maria Uccello & Pasquale Fiengo

Julian John Arcaro January 9, 2011 Maria Santino & Robert Arcaro

Sofia Laurana Carmela Cigana September 2, 2011 Laura Battista & Walter Cigana

9300, Henri-Bourassa ouest Bureau 100 St-Laurent (Québec) H4S 1L5 info@panoramitalia.com

Beyond the glass Tra vel

40

By Amanda Fulginiti

The craft of Murano

No trip to Venice would be complete without a vaporetto ride straight to Murano, the most famous of its islands. The small city, known as the mecca of glassworks, is only a nine-minute boat ride from the Fondamente Nuove and a 30-minute ride from San Marco. Here’s a short guide that will help you look beyond the glass to the treasures of Murano. hile the origins of glassmaking in Venice date back to the Roman Empire when glass was made to illuminate ancient Roman bathhouses, Murano began to make its mark in 1291 when glass maker furnaces were moved exclusively to the island. So why did Murano become the center of the glassmaking industry? In the fifteenth century, Master Angelo Barovier discovered the process for producing clear glass (cristallo) that allowed Murano glassmakers to become the only producers of mirrors in Europe. Other techniques were also developed around this time. For instance, the growing popularity of Chinese porcelain among European nobility fueled discovery of white glass made to mimic porcelain (lattimo). Inspired by the Orient, enamelling and gilding glass became extremely popular as well. Filigrana glass is made by using glass rods with inner threads of white, golden or coloured glass that are twisted or intersecting (aventurine); and is ice glass appears finely crackled (ghiaccio).

Murano almost saw its demise in 1797 when Napoleon conquered Venice and abolished all of the city’s guilds, including the glassmakers. Fortunately, it would rise back from its ashes half a century later, in 1854, when the Toso brothers (Fratelli Toso) began to revive old techniques. During that same period, a lawyer named Antonio Salviati came to Venice from Vicenza and began dedicating himself to restoring the longtime tradition of Murano glass production. He was so successful at it that he later went on to restore the mosaics at San Marco as part of a 15-year contract with the city of the Doges’s authorities.

Today several glass factories are open to the public for tours that take visitors behind the scenes of how these wondrous pieces of glass are made. On the Rio dei Vetrai are several ancient furnace-houses that have survived since medieval times. To watch a glass master mould glass with fire is most definetly a site to behold. Shapes are born as if by magic. The fire, the blowing, and the use of tongs are the result of years of glassmakers mastering their craft.

One of the best times to discover the city’s wonders is during the Christmas season at Natale di vetro (Christmas of Glass), an event celebrating the traditional art of glassmaking. On December 6, in the midst of the Festa di San Nicolò, a week-long celebration held in honour of the patron saint of glass blowers, a procession is held along Murano’s Grand Canal. Beginning on St. Nicholas Day and stretching for the whole month, the Natale di Vetro celebrations are a must-see combination of Christmas magic with the art and wonder of Murano glass. Entertainment ranges from music concerts and

W

With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Pina & Mariella provide a full range of business and vacation travel with a personalized and professional touch.

art exhibitions to labs for the children and glass-blowing demonstrations. The Tunnel of Lights is when precious, handmade Murano chandeliers, created by the most skilful masters of the island, light up the ancient portico of the San Pietro Martire cloister. Two more main events include the Glassworks Regatta, involving six-oar carolina boats (each one representing a glassworks factory of Murano), and the Furnace Food, a series of traditional dinners held at various glass factories, prepared by glassmakers.

During the 2006 Murano celebration of Natale di Vetro, the glass master Simone Cenedese designed the world’s tallest glass Christmas tree (now housed in the Glass Museum). Weighing three tons, it is three meters in diameter and consists of 2,000 metal rods and 1,000 glass tubes. Two years later, Cenedese designed another famous glass sculpture titled Natale di luce in una cometa di vetro, which is now on permanent display at Campo Santo Stefano.

Other sites to consider visiting in Murano are the Gothic church of San Pietro Martire, the Palazzo Da Mula and the Palazzo Giustinian, once an ancient Episcopal site now holding the rare collections of the Murano Glass Museum. This authentic shrine to blown glass art is definitely a must-see as it showcases ancient to more modern glassworks made by the likes of Carlo Scarpa, a famous architect known for his experimental designs of bowls and vases, and designer Ettore Sottsass, known for his totem glass vases.

The art of glass making is carried on today at the Abate Zanetti glass school and the Promovetro associated furnaces. Thanks to Promovetro, the Vetro Artistico® Murano trademark was instituted into law by the Veneto Region in 1994 to safeguard the city’s craft due to counterfeiting. One good place to purchase quality glass and to arrange a tour in Murano is at the Ferro & Lazzarini factory, founded in 1929. Their glass creations have even been displayed at the prestigious Venice Biennale and Milan Triennale exhibitions.

There is an endless amount of Murano glass creations ranging from fine jewellery to decorative vases, mirrors and carafes – prices vary but some items are as expensive as a trip to Venice itself! While Murano glass works are now sold around the world, customers beware. Always look for the Promovetro trademark logo when purchasing glass items, although the surest bet is to buy them locally in order to ensure authenticity. So if ever you find yourself in the floating city, be sure to take the time to explore, perhaps even treat yourself, to the craft of Murano!

W W W. S E C U R I T E R O B O T E C . C O M LIC. RBQ: 8234-6305-40

Visit their new website for specials, promotions and online bookings. www.voyagesoptima.com

Christmas travel

Gift Certificates

PINA & MARIELLA (514) 251-0611

Available!

6050 rue, Jean-Talon Est, complexe Le Baron (rez-de-chaussée) Montréal, Qc, H1S 3A9

Domenic Romanelli Président

TÉL.: 514-990-7209 FAX: 514.881.7213 info@securiterobotec.com

12161 Philippe Panneton, Montréal, Qc H1E 3R1

De Scarpa à Siza par Rossi

Tra vel

Par Léa-Catherine Szacka

Ital Florist is the most trusted florist for sending your christmas flowers, arrangements, bouquets and gift baskets – to your friends and family anywhere

Holiday Celebrations

The FTD ®

®

Bouquet

• Convenient • Easy • Affordable • Enjoyable • & Memorable

Cet automne, en plus de la Biennale d’Architecture, la ville de Venise nous a proposé cinq expositions mettant à l’honneur le travail d’architectes parmi les plus talentueux du XXe siècle : Carlo Scarpa, Alvaro Siza Vieira et Aldo Rossi. otre circuit touristico-architectural a ainsi débuté à La Fondazione Cini, sur la magnifique île de San Giorgio Maggiore (au large de la place Saint-Marc). Ici, on y proposait Carlo Scarpa Venini 1932-1947, la toute première exposition organisée dans le cadre du projet Le Stanze del vetro, une entreprise lancée par la fondation, dans le but de mettre en valeur l’histoire et l’héritage lié à la fabrication du verre à Venise aux 20e et 21e siècles.

Le Stanze del vetro entend remettre le verre au centre de l’attention et de la discussion internationale. Dans le cadre de ce programme, la Fondazione Cini organisera, entre 2012 et 2021, une série d’expositions dans l’aile gauche de l’ex-Convitto, un espace tout juste restauré par la firme Selldorf Architects de New York. Au programme, des artistes tels que Michelangelo Pistoletto, Mario Merz, Gerhard Richter, Robert Smithson, et Yayoi Kusama. Jouissant de 650 mètres carrés d’aires d’exposition, l’espace Stanze del vetro, en plus d’héberger des expositions, accueillera des conférences, ateliers et autres événements dédiés à l’étude du verre.

L’exposition Carlo Scarpa Venini 1932-1947 rendait compte du travail de l’architecte vénitien Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978) comme directeur artistique de la fabrique de verre Venini, entre 1932 et 1947, et comprenait plus de 300 objets magnifiquement mis en scène par le commissaire Marino Barovier. Entre 1927 et 1947, pendant les années obscures du fascisme, Scarpa s’était isolé à Murano, l’île du verre. De cette période, l’architecte retira une connaissance pointue des matériaux et de leur utilisation, connaissance qu’il a certainement mise à profit dans ses réalisations architecturales. Par la mise en scène de pièces de verre (certaines jamais encore montrées au public), mais aussi de prototypes, de dessins originaux et de documents d’archives, le commissaire de l’exposition Scarpa Venini a voulu montrer l’importance de la fabrication du verre dans l’ensemble de la carrière de Scarpa.

En 1957, dix ans après avoir quitté la compagnie Venini, Scarpa fut approché par Adriano Olivetti, alors à la recherche d’un architecte de talent pour concevoir une salle de montre aux abords de Piazza San Marco. Cinquante-cinq ans plus tard, la somptueuse boutique vient tout juste d’être restaurée et rouverte au public. La visite vaut certainement le détour : au milieu de Place Saint Marc, ce petit espace traduit parfaitement l’esprit du design italien des années 1950. L’utilisation de matériaux nobles et épurés traduit un incroyable souci du détail qui a fait la marque de commerce de Scarpa.

Du 30 août au 14 octobre dernier, les visiteurs qui ont eu le privilège de se rendre au

N

Holiday Traditions Bouquet The FTD ®

®

w w w. i t a l f l o r i s t . c o m To choose the flowers and the arrangements you want to send see our huge selection in our complete Christmas catalogue

@ www.italflorist.com For guaranteed delivery before Christmas

Call Today at 1-800-461-4825

en passant

Tra vel

Christmas Gift idea yet!

This could be your best

Gift Baskets Delivered Directly to Loved Ones in Italy

Architectes à l’honneur dans la Sérénissime magasin Olivetti ont pu y voir du même coup Olivetti et la néoavantgarde cinétique, une réplique de l’exposition du même nom, organisée dans l’espace Olivetti cinquante ans plus tôt. À deux pas de la place Saint-Marc, au Ca’Giustinian, siège social de la Biennale de Venise, s’est tenu The “Arches” of Aldo Rossi for the 3rd Intl. Architecture Exhibition 1985, une exposition présentant le travail de l’architecte Aldo Rossi en tant que commissaire de la Biennale d’Architecture de Venise. Cette petite exposition était en fait un ensemble de vitrines montrant une série de dessins et de documents d’archives (correspondances, photographies et autres). Malgré une bonne documentation, on aurait apprécié davantage d’explications permettant de bien accompagner les archives.

Un peu plus loin, sur les Zatterre, au Spazio Vedova (ex-magazzini del sale) les visiteurs ont pu visiter une autre exposition dédiée au travail de Rossi. Aldo Rossi Teatri, du célèbre commissaire Germano Celant, qui rassemblait, pour la toute première fois, non moins de seize projets de théâtres réalisés ou projetés entre le début des années 1970 et sa mort en 1997. Une belle présentation de dessins et de maquettes, l’exposition, nous a plongé dans le monde à la fois sombre et magique de Rossi.

Finalement, en revenant vers la place Saint-Marc et en se dirigeant vers le campo Santa Maria Formosa, les visiteurs pouvaient s’arrêter à la fondation Querini Stampalia, afin d’admirer quelques dessins, scènes de voyages et portraits, réalisés par le grand architecte portugais, aujourd’hui Lion d’Or de la Biennale de Venise, Alvaro Siza Vieira.

Surprenante, l’exposition Alvaro Siza, Viagem Sem Programa ne présentait aucun dessin d’architecture. Par ailleurs, dans un très beau film accompagnant l’exposition, le visiteur pouvait entendre le maître parler d’architecture et voir quelques-unes de ses réalisations.

Ces cinq petites expositions avaient le mérite de ne pas fatiguer le visiteur et étaient pour la plupart, discrètes et sensibles. En bref, un agréable petit circuit architectural vénitien à faire dans l’ordre ou le désordre qui nous démontre bien que Venice, au-delà de son image de carte postale et de ville musée, demeure toujours une grande ville de culture.

Carnet d’adresses : • Le Stanze del vetro, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, île de San Giorgio Maggiore • Espace Olivetti. La boutique est ouverte de janvier à mars et en novembre et décembre, de mardi à dimanche, entre 10h et 17h, et d’avril à octobre, de mardi à

dimanche entre 10h et 19h. Audio guide et visites guidées disponibles sur rendez-vous.

• Ca’Giustinian, entrée gratuite.

• Fondazione Emilio e Annabianca Vedova, Zattere • Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Elegance

17 Items

Raffinato

15 Items

Give the gift that speaks warmth and love this holiday season For guaranteed delivery before Christmas Call us at 1-800-461-4825 Place your order NOW Make your gift choices from our complete Christmas catalogue @ www.italflorist.com

Tra vel

44

’Tis the

By Alessia Sara Domanico

With elaborate markets, the launch of the Opera season, living nativity sets and Epiphany festivities, there is no shortage of events when it comes to the holidays in Italy.

Season

Bolzano Christmas market

s if plucked from a storybook, the period that typically starts on the 8th of December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and runs through to the Epiphany on January 8 is when you can catch a glimpse of Italy at its most resplendent. Fifty foot tall trees dominate the country’s most iconic piazzas, entire villages transform into giant nativity scenes, bridges, canals and historic buildings are covered with twinkling lights and charming markets take over numerous city centres. On our search for the most notable ‘Natale’ goings-on, we uncovered some unique occurrences outside of the classic guidebook. Read on to see where the magic is happening this season…

A

Umbria Above the town of Gubbio in Umbria lies Mount Ingino, a Guinness record-winning spot. Every holiday season, a 650 metre-tall light installation in the form of a Christmas tree is set up on the mountain's slopes.

Known as the Gubbio Christmas Tree, it can be seen from 50 kilometres away. In Città di Castello, Umbria, a group of rowers (all dressed like Santa) navigate their way down the Tiber River in lit up canoes. Once they reach the bridge at Porta San Florido, they disembark and hand out presents to the town children assembled there. When it comes to nativities, head to Assisi. Regarded as the birthplace of nativity construction, St. Francis of Assisi is credited with building the first nativity scene. The city pays homage to his legacy each year with an array of nativities displayed in the churches, piazzas and streets of Assisi.

The Alps The areas experiencing the most wintery weather on the peninsula often find the most inventive ways of spreading cheer. In the VIP ski town of Cortina D’Ampezzo, hundreds of skiers bear torches as they glide down the slopes on Christmas Eve, illuminating the white mountain in a magical glow. The picturesque Piazza Walther in the nearby town of Bolzano organizes a well-known Christkindlmarkt, which runs until December 23 and offers live entertainment acts, merchant stalls selling ornaments, wooden dolls and sweets typical of the Trentino-Alto Adige region such as Zelten, a dried fruit cake.

Palermo

Albero di Gubbio

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our customers, family and friends

For those in Sicily, make a point to be in Palermo for Il Festival delle Marionette, which takes place in December at the International Marionette Museum. A treat for those both young and old, the shows and exhibits feature puppets and marionettes from all over the world.

Festival delle Marionette, Palermo

Tra vel Turin

Turin Turin boasts one of the most ample light displays with over 20 kilometres of the city and the area surrounding the Po River literally covered with strings of multi-coloured bulbs. During December, the Borgo Dora area hosts live music and entertainment, a Christmas market, a towering Christmas tree and a large scale nativity scene.

45

Naples Irresistible come Christmas time, the streets in the historic city centre are filled with artworks and holidaythemed merchandise. Naples is the destination for nativity works where the narrow Via San Gregorio Armeno is not to be missed. Lined with the workshops of virtuoso artisans famous the world over for their intricate figure carving talents, tourists and locals alike flock to this small street come the holidays to pick up a keepsake, whether it be a traditional Nativity scene or a comical caricature statue – the Silvio Berlusconi and Duchess Kate figurines are a must-see! The Teatro San Carlo also begins its opera season in December.

Nativity scene, Via San Gregorio Armeno

Milan Rome Italy’s capital starts things off at the end of November with the annual Exhibit of 100 Nativity Scenes, which takes place in Piazza del Popolo. Aside from lights and decorations, Rome’s bestknown market is in Piazza Navona where a merry-go-round is erected alongside dozens of stalls selling the likes of toys, handmade gifts, sweets and roasted chestnuts. Santa can be found here before Christmas time, replaced afterwards by the Befana, the elderly folklore character that is known to leave children gifts in their stockings come the Epiphany. At Castel Sant’Angelo, you can skate outdoors by the Tiber River, while events kick off at Vatican City on December 13 with a parade to honour the Feast of St. Lucia. Festivities continue on Christmas Eve when the Pope recites Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and on Christmas Day when he addresses the public from his apartment balcony at noon. St. Peter’s Square plays host to one of Rome’s most impressive Christmas trees, while other towering examples can be found in Piazza Venezia and by the Colosseum. Since there is a large Jewish community in Rome, there are also public tributes to the Hannukah season such as the large Menorrah in Piazza Barberini.

Colosseum

One of the finest spots to get into the holiday spirit, Milan’s Piazza Duomo is a high wattage display of Christmas cheer.

The brightly lit Christmas tree, the lit up stained glass windows of the Cathedral, the extravagantly decorated Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping arcade, the mile-long Christmas market that stretches down towards Castello Sforzesco; there is no doubt that the city centre is at its best during this period. Just behind the Galleria is the legendary Teatro alla Scala, which marks the beginning of its opera season on December 7, the feast day of Milan’s patron, Saint Ambrose. The turnout for this highly anticipated event on the social calendar is brimming with the who’s who in Italian politics and society.

So whether you’re making it an Italian-style Christmas or planning one for the future, we hope this guide will help you keep up to date with what’s on when in this winter wonderland.

Lifestyle

46

VIVERE ALL’ITALIANA - Vivre à l’i

Antoine Joseph Zammit

Silvia Sorbelli Nickname: Toinze, Tony, Big boy, Teddy Bear Occupation: Customer Service Representative at Scotia Tower Age: 22 Generation: Third Nonni on mom’s side from: Casacalanda, Campobasso Speaks: English,French & Italian Raised in: St-Leonard Clothes: Ralph Lauren tie, Franco Negretti shirt, Lofranco pants Boutique: Club Uomo Designer: Armani Exchange Fashion idol: Ralph Lauren Passion: Business, music, writing, politics, reading and public speaking Goal in life: To meet Donald Trump and to be a world class businessman Thing about you that would surprise most people: I am actually a very shy and private person Pet peeve: When people leave the lights open, and when people are late Restaurant: Restaurant Lucca Favourite dish: Pasta alla gigi

Best caffè in Montreal: Ciocaro’s and Café International Best panino in Montreal: Milano’s and Ciocaro’s Favourite drink: Sambuca Best nightclub in Montreal: The W Describe your ideal night out in Montreal: With a bunch of friends going to the Orange Julep and then going to party on St-Laurent and finishing the night off with a nice caffé-latte Italian saying or quote: “Cane che abbaia non morde” You know you are Italian when: At 22 years old, you’re mother and nonna still call you while you’re working and ask you what you ate for lunch

Favourite Italian city: Campobasso Musical preference: Barry White, Eros Ramazotti, Lucianno Pavarotti, Julio Iglesias Best Italian song: L’italiano by Toto Cutugno Italian soccer team: Juventus Sexiest Italian: Monica Bellucci How long have you been reading Panoram?

4-5 years Most common name in your family: Giovanni (3) Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Those Sunday afternoons eating pasta like there was no tomorrow at my nonna’s house

Nickname: Siv Occupation: Senior Sales Representative, McCord Museum Boutique Age: 28 Generation: First Dad from: Santa Marinella, Roma Mom from: Roma Speaks: Italian, English & French Raised in: Reston, Virginia (USA), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Rome (Italy) Clothes: Lilo Boutique sweater, American Apparel riding pants, Boulot motorcycle boots Make up: Tarte and Benefit Boutique: Editorial Fashion idol: Leandra Medine, the original man repeller Passion: Food, food and more food Goal in life: Own a small café Thing about you that would surprise most people: I love NFL football Pet peeve: When people elbow their way through the metro doors before letting people exit... drives me nuts Restaurant: Garde Manger Favourite dish: Real-deal spaghetti alla carbonara

Best pizza in Montreal: Piatto Pieno Best caffè in Montreal: Myriade Café Best panino in Montreal: Cavallaro, panino con prosciutto e formaggio Favourite vino: Amarone Best nightclub in Montreal: I haven’t gone to a nightclub in almost 5 years but one of my favourite hang out spots is Dominion Square Tavern Italian saying or quote: “Quando il diavolo alliscia vuole l’anima;” It’s an Italian proverb my mom used on me when she knew I was being nice only to obtain something in return Italian soccer team: A.S. Roma

You know you are Italian when or if: When at least one person in your family has homemade prosciutto hanging in their cold room What you like most about Panoram: I enjoy the nostalgia I feel for Italy when I read it... reminds me of home Last time you went to Italy: 2008, sad to say Musical preference: Neil Young and Classic Rock in general Best Italian song: La Collina dei Ciliegi by Lucio Battisti Sexiest Italian: Asia Argento Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Grocery shopping at Milano’s on St. Laurent

Want to be our next Living Italian Style model? Send your profile with 2 pictures to info@panoramitalia and join us on Facebook.

Pour paticiper, envoyez-nous votre profil incluant 2 photos à info@panoramitalia.com et joignez-vous à notre page Facebook.

talienne - Living

Italian

Lifestyle

Style

47

Walter Cesta Alessia Di Geso

Nickname: Ally, Aless, Al Occupation: McGill University International Development and Management Student Age: 21 Generation: Third Nonni on dad’s side from: Sannicandro, Bari, Puglia Nonni on mom’s side from: Ripi, Frosinone, Lazio Speaks: English, French & Italian Raised in: Toronto Clothes: Makers jeans, Against Nudity top Make up: MAC Boutique: Boutique FLY, Zara, Vero Moda Designer: Michael Kors, Burberry and Tory Burch Fashion idol: Gwen Stefani and Victoria Beckham Goal in life: To be a successful lawyer and travel to all the places I haven’t yet been to Pet peeve: Having to wait in line Restaurant: Home. There’s nothing as good as what I, or my family can make in the kitchen Favourite dish: Definitely nonna’s lasagna

Watch the making of on

Best pizza in Montreal: My uncle’s kitchen. He knows how to make the dough super thin Best panino in Montreal: Friulano Bakery on Viau Favourite aperitivo or vino: Lemon drop martini Best nightclub in Montreal: New City Gas Italian saying or quote: "Del male non fare e paura non avere" You know you are Italian when: You seriously thought the pannino you ate for lunch was pronounced “sangwich” Last time you went to Italy: Summer 2006 Musical preference: The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Above & Beyond

Best Italian song: "Nel blu dipinto di blu" Italian soccer team: Juventus Sexiest Italian: Fabio Cannavaro Best Italian district in Montreal: St. Leonard!

Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Going anywhere in the city with nonno and nonna How long have you been reading Panoram? 4 years, since I moved to Montreal What you like most about Panoram: The way it targets second and third generation Italians so as to keep them connected with their culture and heritage while addressing issues still relevant to them today

Photos: Vincenzo D’Alto Make-up: Emmanuelle Blanchard Special thanks to Musée McCord

Nickname: Wally, Colossus, Titan Occupation: Accountant/Auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers Age: 25 Generation: Second Dad from: Collelongo, L’Aquila, Abruzzo Nonni on mom’s side from: Larino & Bonefro, Campobasso, Molise Speaks: English, French & Italian Raised in: Montreal Clothes: G-Star shirt, Energie jeans, shoes and jacket, Diesel belt Boutique: Energie Designer: NZ Argento Design Fashion idol: David Beckham Passion: Bodybuilding Goals: To obtain my Chartered Accountancy title next year Thing about you that would surprise most people: I am absolutely mortified of heights Pet peeve: Slow drivers Restaurant: The Keg Steakhouse and Bar Favourite dish: A great big medium-rare 16 oz prime rib steak with a side of sweet

potatoe fries, concluded by a piece of cheese cake for dessert Best caffè in Montreal: Olimpico Best panino in Montreal: Cafe Milano Favourite vino: Liano Italian saying or quote: “Solidarietà e speranza” You know you are Italian when or if: You get chills up your spine singing along the Italian national anthem before international soccer games Last time you went to Italy: June, 2006 Musical preference: Trance and House Italian soccer team: S.S. Lazio

Favourite Italian city: Roma Sexiest Italian: Anna Falchi Best Italian district in Montreal: St. Leonard!

Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Italian weekend in Little Italy during the summer strolling down St. Laurent from booth to booth What you like most about Panoram: The exposure it gives to Italian culture here in Montreal and how Italian-Canadians embrace their roots Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: July 9, 2006, in my father’s hometown of Collelongo in Italy, celebrating Italy’s World Cup victory with family and friends from Canada and Italy together as one

See all past profiles panoramitalia.com/lifestyle

Lifestyle

48

1.

Pieces

2.

Brisk temperatures and a return to the past have brought fur back in style

By Alessia Sara Domanico

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Elegant or cruel? The debate surrounding fur in fashion has drawn a dividing line between designer camps that are either for it or fervently against it.

When we think of fur’s more popular moments, images of its style heyday come to mind such as that of Elizabeth Taylor collapsing into the snow in a fit of laughter, wearing only her silk nightgown and a chocolate brown mink coat, or a young Shirley MacLaine decked out in an all-pink fox ensemble with a pink hairdo to match in What a Way to Go! 8.

Lifestyle 9.

11.

12.

13.

10.

hile the times have indeed changed, what we continuously see in fashion is that vintage is ‘in’ and, after all, what’s more old-school than a rabbit’s stole for the evening or a big fur coat like Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City) rocked on many a cool New York afternoon?

This season, many leading designer brands used fur as an accent piece, rather than the main attraction. Whether real or faux, our tip is to embrace the trend for the coming season and use it to enhance an outfit as we’ve seen on the runway. Start by looking at the storied Italian house of Fendi, which has long championed an expertise in fur. For the winter collection, Creative Directors Silvia Venturini Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld chose to showcase this knowhow with furry sleeves that popped out from wool coats – a definite shift from your classic black duster. Aside from the obvious winter coat staple, look for ensemble pieces that incorporate a fur trim to be seasonally appropriate. Missoni added fur to the bottoms of skirts and dresses, Burberry put it on shirt and jacket collars, Longchamp added it onto the top flaps of their new handbags and the sleeves of their leather gloves, and Roberto Cavalli and Stuart Weitzman put it on shoes and boots.

The addition of a fur wrap or scarf atop an evening outfit is a classic finishing touch, as is a fur beret or headpiece to keep warm during a chilly post-dinner stroll. The contrast between fur and a soft, formal fabric is an alluring combination which we saw best at Michael Kors with his cabin-meet-glam themed collection. The Project Runway judge paired transparent Chantilly lace dresses with sleeveless silver fox peacoats to great effect. “The industry is doing things with fur that you could never have imagined 15 years ago,” attests Philippe Deborceau, Chairman of the British Fur Trade Association.

It is indeed an exciting time for this luxe entity as it enters a new and more sober era of style. Whether you’re in camp ‘yes’ or camp ‘no,’ there are plenty of real and faux options to go around and in the end, you’ve got to love how it makes you look and feel!

W

16.

17.

LEGEND 1. Escada 2. Tod's 3. Nina Ricci 4. Burberry 5. Brunello Cucinelli 6. Alexander Mcqueen 7. Louis Vuitton 8. Gucci 9. Hermès 10. Michael Kors 1 1. Fendi 12. Maxmara 13. Versace 14. Longchamp 15. Agnona 16. Ports 1961 17. Cruciani 18. Stuart Weitzman

14.

15.

18.

49

50

A rts

& Cu l tu re

Franciscan Friar

Major label signs record deal with

By Elvira Truglia

Alessandro Brustenghi became the first friar in the history of music to land a major record deal earlier this year. The friar was signed by Universal Music and discovered by Mike Hedges, music producer for The Cure and U2. Brustenghi’s fairy tale ending comes after years of struggling between two callings – following the seminary or his music. “Of course you need to sacrifice the wrong things not the good things, but I didn`t know that then,” professes the friar.

rustenghi has loved music ever since he was a young boy. He played the organ and sang in a choir, but he was told he had a “tiny voice” and little vocal talent.

He continued to sing and study music through his teenage years (a troubling time for Brustenghi) until he received his ‘calling’ at 16. For three years, he was a standstill about which voice to listen to – the one that would take him to the seminary or the one that would give him a family and music.

Brustenghi took a leap of faith and decided to join the seminary at 19 only to find out that he needed to pass a singing exam in order to be accepted. So he began training, passed the exam with flying colours, and began to love opera. He had accepted both of his callings and found a balance.

Yet this was not the end of his personal struggle. In 2001, he faced a crisis of faith, left the seminary and went into self-imposed solitude for three years. “I had a big crisis of faith. I didn’t believe in my vocation. It’s a mystery to me why... but I didn’t want to have a girlfriend; it wasn’t that kind of temptation,” admits the friar in his biography.

Torn between whether to continue his studies to become a friar or continue singing, Brustenghi lived like a hermit. “I would sing every day and weep every day,” says the friar.

He spent his days singing, woodworking and restoring musical instruments.

B

Brustenghi finally decided to go back to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. In 2009, he took his “final vows”. Two years later, he was “discovered” by British music executives as the “next Italian Tenor”. Flying into London was the first time Alessandro had ever been on a plane. At the legendary Abbey Road Studios, the friar recorded a collection of traditional and contemporary sacred music, including Schubert’s Ave Maria. Having taken his personal vows of poverty, Friar Alessandro doesn’t accept any money from album sales, opting to give proceeds directly to the Order of Friars Minor for its charity work.

The friar’s powerful voice is a counterpoint to his understated persona.

Audiences can see for themselves, since the one-time hermit is now socially connected with a website, Facebook page, Twitter handle and YouTube channel.

His site features video messages direct from the Basilica where he welcomes visitors to Assisi every day. In his spare time, he works as a carpenter, restoring furniture. Brustenghi has seemingly made peace with his struggle to find himself, and he is sharing it with the world.

Musica Italiana: Panoram Italia’s Picks A rts

& Cu l tu re

51

By Sonia Benedetto

Andrea Bocelli Album: My Christmas Label: 2009 Sugar Srl Genre: Classical Crossover From his heart-warming interpretation of “White Christmas” to the joyful rhythms of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and a festive “Jingle Bells” featuring The Muppets, Andrea Bocelli’s My Christmas counts 15 all-time favourite holiday classics in English, Italian, French, German and Latin. Arranged and produced by multi-Grammy winner “Hitman” David Foster, it features special musical guests such as Natalie Cole, Mary J. Blige, Reba McEntire and Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins.

Rondò Veneziano Album: The Magic of Christmas Label: 2001 BMG Genre: Orchestral Music Rondò Veneziano is a group of musicians specialized in Baroque music. Playing with original instruments, costumes and wigs from the eighteenth century, the group is also famous for its unique and successful way of incorporating contemporary melodies in its repertoire. The album Magic of Christmas features 16 orchestral pieces including “Ave Maria,” “Sinfonia di Natale,” “Nonna Favola” and “Petit papa Noël.” Rondò Veneziano sold millions of albums and continues to perform in prestigious concert halls.

Irene Grandi Album: Canzoni per Natale Label: 2008 Warner Music Italia Genre: Pop With Canzoni per Natale, Irene Grandi became the first Italian female artist to release a Christmas album.

Showcasing classics such as “Happy Christmas” and “Silent Night,” it also features a series of non-traditional tracks like “Qualche Stupido Ti Amo” (“Something Stupid” by Frank Sinatra), performed in a duet with actor Alessandro Gassman, the gospel choir song Oh Happy Day, featuring Jazz pianist Stefano Bollani, and Jovanotti’s “O è Natale Tutti i Giorni.” The album received a platinum certification after selling more than 100,000 copies shortly after it was released.

Al Bano Carrisi Album: Buon Natale Label: 2004 Edel Records Genre: Pop Known to fans simply as Al Bano, the native of Cellino San Marco (Puglia), is one of the biggest and most-loved Italian voices to have emerged in the sixties. Al Bano Carrisi’s beautiful collection of Christmas songs entitled Buon Natale contains 11 pop holiday tracks mainly performed in Italian.

Songs such as “Astro del Ciel,” “Il Piccolo Tamburino” (“The Little Drummer Boy”), and “In Lui Vivrò,” the Italian version of “Amazing Grace,” will help you live a Christmas filled with “Felicità” !

Dean Martin ( 1917-1995) Album : My Kind of Christmas Label: 2011 Universal Music Genre: Jazz/Swing From the sensual, laid-back crooner voice of That’s Amore, My Kind of Christmas revisits some swing, jazz, pop and big band favourites from Dean Martin’s holiday repertoire. Not to be missed among the fourteen tracks: a swingin’ version of “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll be Home for Chrtistmas” (with actress-singer Scarlett Johansson) and “Baby it’s Cold Outside.” This record is a real blast from the past.

Ensemble del Doppio Bordone Album: La Notte di Natale Label: 1996 FolkClub Ethnosuoni Genre: Folk Ensemble del Doppio Bordone is an acoustic quintet from northern Italy famous for its interpretations of Christmas folk tunes and carols. La Notte di Natale, their second Christmas album to date, highlights traditional northern Italian Christmas songs such as “Verso Betlemme-Gesù bambino è nato,” and “Fuga in Egitto” using instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, the fiddle, the cello, and the harmonium combined with beautiful voices and bagpipe sonorities.

52

Advice

Until debt, not death, do us part Marriage vows generally echo the idea that spouses are to stay together in good financial times and in bad. However, what happens when one spouse makes certain lifestyle choices or is a victim of addictions that put the family’s financial situation in jeopardy? Is the other spouse responsible for the debts created by their spouse? How will the debts or waste of the family’s assets by one spouse affect the other spouse in the eventuality of a divorce?

Many clients have sought counsel from our firm in these types of difficult situations. The state of the law in Quebec is as follows.

Me Pasquale Artuso 397 and 398 of the Civil Code of Québec state the general rules as to debt responsibility between spouses.

Articles Article 397: A spouse who enters into a contract for the current needs of the family also binds the other spouse for the whole, if they are not separated from bed and board.

However, the non-contracting spouse is not liable for the debt if he or she has previously informed the other contracting party of his or her unwillingness to be bound.

Article 398: Either spouse may give the other a mandate in order to be represented in acts relating to the moral and material direction of the family.

This mandate is presumed if one spouse is unable to express his or her will for any reason or if he or she is unable to do so in due time.

However, the general rules of articles 397 and 398 of the Civil Code of Québec do not apply if one of the more specific rules described here below pertaining to the family patrimony, the partnership of acquests or the separation of assets find application.

Debts Contracted on or Affecting Property Included in the Family Patrimony All married couples are bound by the rules of the family patrimony except for those who opted out pursuant to law.

As stated in article 415 of the Civil Code of Québec, the family patrimony is composed of the following property owned by one or the other of the spouses: the residences of the family or the rights which confer use of them, the movable property with which they are furnished or decorated and which serves for the use of the household, the motor vehicles used for family travel and the benefits accrued during the marriage under a retirement plan.

This patrimony also includes the registered earnings, during the marriage, of each spouse pursuant to the Act Respecting the Québec Pension Plan or to similar plans.

If a debt is contracted for the acquisition, maintenance or preservation of the property, the value of the debt on the date of the institution of the divorce action (or by decision of the Court, the

6873, Plaza St-Hubert Montréal, Québec 514.276.1360

PA S Q U A L E A RT U S O & ASSOCIÉS

Complexe Le Baron, 6020, rue Jean-Talon est Bureau 630 Montréal (Québec) Canada H1S 3B1

T.: 514.259.7090

F.: 514.256.6907

artmars@securenet.net

Pasquale Artuso Avvocato di Fiducia Consolato Generale d’Italia

Elena Milioto Avvocatessa

Steven Campese Avvocato

Julie Therrien Avvocatessa

Pierre Fugère Avvocato - diritto criminale e penale

Caroline Francoeur Avvocatessa Valérie Carrier Avvocatessa

Joseph W. Allen Avvocato dal 1976 diritto dell’immigrazione

date the spouses ceased living together) shall be deducted from the value of the property on the date of the institution of the divorce action (or by decision of the Court, the date the spouses ceased living together) in order to determine the net value to be divided amongst the spouses.

The general rule is that the value of the family patrimony is divided equally between the spouses, however, an exception exists at article 422 of the Civil Code of Québec which foresees that: “The court, may, on an application, make an exception to the rule of partition into equal shares, and decide that there will be no partition of earnings registered pursuant to the Act respecting Québec’s Pension Plan or similar plans where it would result in an injustice considering, in particular, the brevity of the marriage, the waste of certain property by one of the spouses, or the bad faith of one of them.”

For property that is not included in the family patrimony, the rules vary whether the couple is married under a partnership of acquests or in separation of assets.

Debts Contracted by a Spouse Married under a Partnership of Acquests Article 464 of the Civil Code of Québec states: “The spouses, individually, are liable on both their private property and their acquests for all debts incurred by them before or during the marriage.

While the regime lasts, neither spouse is liable for debts incurred by the other, subject to articles 397 and 398.”

However, after the dissolution of the marriage, each spouse may decide to accept his or her share of the other spouse’s acquests. If a spouse accepts his or her share of the other spouse’s acquests, he or she will be impacted by the debts related to those acquests.

Debts Contracted by a Spouse Married in Separation of Assets Each spouse is responsible for the debts personally contracted with the exception of the debts contracted on assets that are part of the family patrimony and the application of articles 397 and 398 of the Civil Code of Québec.

This article provides general legal information and does not substitute consulting an attorney who can advise you on the particularities of your case.

Noi tutti profittiamo dell’occasione per augurare ai lettori e all’intera comunità un Santo Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.

Desjardins Caisse Populaire Canadienne Italienne Cassa Popolare Canadese Italiana

Avanti... insieme!

6999, boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec H2S 3E1

514 270-4124 www.desjardins.com/caissecanadienneitalienne

Siège social 6999, boul. Saint-Laurent Tel.: 514-270-4124 Mariano A. De Carolis, Directeur général

Service de gestion patrinomiale Tél.: 514-273-6869 ext. 236

7390, avenue Papineau Tél.: 514-725-5268

4570, rue Jarry Est Tél.: 514-729-2989

5680, rue Jean-Talon Est Tél.: 514-253-9986

Centre de service 6995, boul. Saint-Laurent Tél.: 514-270-4121

8275, boul. Maurice-Duplessis Tél.: 514-643-3482

5620, boul. Henri-Bourassa Est Tél.: 514-321-8177

170, rue Saint-Zotique Est Tél.: 514-273-4431

2401, rue Fleury Est Tél.: 514-385-3603

1590, rue Dollard Tél.: 514-364-1252

www.desjardins.com/caissecanadienneitalienne

•

Accès-D: 1-800-CAISSES (224-7737)

54

Advertorial

Un posto nel settore

L’evoluzione della BL Valve Process Solutions utto ebbe inizio da un evento: “Se mio figlio non è in grado di lavorare qui, non lo sono nemmeno io” – racconta Cesare, spiegando come suo padre, Bruno, abbia lasciato il posto di lavoro, presso un negozio di riparazione di valvole, per difendere suo figlio. Due settimane dopo, il responsabile del negozio disse a Bruno che per loro non c’erano più possibilità di lavoro per assumere però, al posto di suo figlio, suo nipote. Il fatto di non avere il pieno controllo sulle decisioni relative al suo lavoro motivò Bruno a mettersi in proprio e a dimostrare che “sarebbe potuto essere qualcuno”.

Idraulico di professione, tentò in passato di aprire una propria attività, ma non arrivò mai a farlo veramente.

Stavolta sapeva che sarebbe stato diverso.

Tuttavia, non fu facile. Cesare spiega, infatti, che quando l’azienda fu registrata per la prima volta, nel 1982, con il nome BL Valve Accessories, erano tempi duri per la sua famiglia: “Mio padre non aveva alcuna entrata e stava cercando di farsi strada, mia madre era l’unica della famiglia a portare a casa uno stipendio e in grado, quindi, di dare una mano”. Non è certo un particolare di poco conto, se si considera che la signora Levita fu informata della decisione di suo marito di lasciare il lavoro solo dopo aver saputo dell’apertura dell’attività.

Cesare e Bruno ricordano che ci vollero sette anni per affermarsi. Procurarsi i prodotti non fu certo facile, dal momento che i fornitori erano restii a vendere a un’azienda da poco sul mercato, ma i Levita, determinati e intraprendenti, trovarono un fornitore italiano.

La loro grande occasione arrivò nel 1988, quando l’azienda si assicurò un importante contratto per il Biodome di Montréal. “Vincere questo progetto è stata l’occasione della vita” – commenta Cesare, che aggiunge: “Ha rappresentato la grande opportunità per inserirmi nel settore”.

Alcuni anni dopo le cose iniziarono a cambiare. Il North American Free Trade agreement, accordo per il libero scambio siglato nel 1994, ebbe un forte impatto sul settore manifatturiero canadese. L’industria tessile costituiva uno dei più grandi mercati di interesse dell’azienda.

La libera concorrenza determinava la scelta estera per i produttori tessili e ciò portò la BL Valve sulla strada della precarietà. “I miei clienti del settore tessile iniziarono a

T “Perché non creiamo un’azienda tutta nostra” – azzardò Cesare che, all’epoca, era un ragazzo più interessato al lavoro che alla scuola. Bruno, suo padre, accettò la sfida e trent’anni dopo la BL Valve Process Solutions rimane un’azienda fiorente dedita alla vendita di valvole e prodotti per il controllo industriale. Padre e figlio hanno dimostrato una notevole capacità di adattarsi ai tempi.

“Ci sono stati momenti difficili, ma ho sempre creduto in me stesso” – sostiene l’imprenditore settantenne di Pescara, i cui studi non vanno oltre la quarta elementare. Quando si chiudeva loro una porta, i Levita erano pronti a cambiare direzione e hanno sempre guardato avanti. “Quando penso a cosa sono stato capace di fare, stento quasi a crederci” – dice Bruno, che aggiunge: “Il segreto per lavorare insieme consiste nel mantenere una mentalità rivolta agli affari, seppur collaborando come una famiglia”.

dichiarare la propria bancarotta e a cadere come tessere del domino” – sostiene Cesare.

Dopo 15 anni di attività, i Levita si trovarono di fronte a un bivio. Cesare Levita, incapace di allontanare il tragico presentimento che lo attanagliava, pensò alla sua prossima mossa.

Fu in quel periodo che ricevette la chiamata che rappresentò, per lui, un radicale cambiamento. Si trattava di un ordine telefonico per un indicatore di livello bypass. Levita effettuò personalmente la consegna. Finì per ritrovarsi in un laboratorio farmaceutico, rimanendone affascinato. “Questo è il mio posto” pensò Cesare, una volta scoperto questo nuovo mercato. Trascorsi 15 anni, i Levita continuano ad avere tra i loro clienti diverse aziende, sia a livello nazionale che internazionale. La BL Valve Process Solutions rifornisce il settore farmaceutico, quello delle biotecnologie e quello cosmetico, oltre all’industria alimentare e delle bevande.

Bruno fu sempre alla guida dell’azienda, mentre il figlio Cesare lo coadiuvò nella gestione degli affari quotidiani. Così fino al 2000, quando la famiglia ricevette una terribile notizia: Bruno Levita si sarebbe dovuto sottoporre a un intervento chirurgico a cuore aperto. “Che doccia fredda”, commenta Cesare, che dovette farsi interamente carico dell’azienda, conservando ciò che suo padre aveva realizzato, consolidandolo e sviluppandolo ulteriormente.

Bruno, ora settantenne, è fiero dei risultati raggiunti dal figlio: un ufficio aziendale con 9 dipendenti e clienti in tutto il Nord America e all’estero. Si può dire che Bruno abbia raggiunto il suo obiettivo, sia come padre sia come guida per suo figlio. In cambio, Cesare ha portato innovazione e nuove motivazioni all’azienda paterna. “Il più grande regalo che ho fatto a mio figlio è stato la cultura e l’azienda” – sostiene Bruno, riferendosi alla sua eredità. Più motivato che mai, Cesare vuole, per la BL Valve.com, uno sviluppo tale da consentirle di essere leader sul mercato online del Nord America.

Advertorial

55

A place in the industry The making of BL Valve Process Solutions

By Antonella Petrelli

“Why don’t we start our own company?” – coaxed Cesare, a teenager more interested in work than in school at the time.

His dad Bruno took the challenge and thirty years later, BL Valve Process Solutions remains a thriving business selling valve and process control accessories to the industrial sector. Father and son have shown a remarkable capacity to adapt with the times. “There have been difficult moments but I was always so sure of myself,” says the 70-year-old entrepreneur from Pescara, Abruzzo, with fourth grade elementary schooling.

When one door closed, the Levita’s changed direction and always looked forward. “When I think about what I’ve achieved, I don’t even believe it,” says Bruno adding that “the secret of working together is keeping a business mind set, while working together as a family”. t all began with an incident: “If my son isn’t good enough to work here, neither am I,” recounts Cesare as he explains how his father Bruno left his job at a valve repair shop out of loyalty to his son. Two weeks after the foreman told Bruno there were no more job opportunities for him, the foreman hired his own nephew instead of Bruno’s son. The lack of control over his environment motivated Bruno to start his own business and prove that “he could be somebody.” A plumber by trade, Bruno had tried to open his own business in the past but had never quite made it. This time, he knew it would be different.

But it wasn’t easy. When the company first registered in 1982 as BL Valve Accessories, Cesare explains how these were hard times for his family: “My father had no money coming in and was trying to make a name for himself; mom was the only one with a salary helping out the cause.” This is no small detail considering that Mrs. Levita found out about her husband’s decision to quit his job only after she found that he had incorporated a business.

Cesare and Bruno remember that it took seven years to get established. It wasn’t easy to source products as suppliers were reluctant to sell to a new company. Determined and resourceful, the Levita’s found a supplier in Italy.

Their big break came in 1988 when their company landed a major contract for the Biodome of Montreal.

“Winning this project was the experience of a lifetime,” says Cesare, adding, “this is when I found my place in the industry.”

A few years later, the tides started to turn. The 1994 North American Free Trade agreement had a major impact on Canada’s manufacturing sector. With the textile industry as one of the company’s biggest markets, free trade was pushing textile manufacturers offshore and BL Valve on a precarious road. “My customers in the textile industry started going bankrupt and were falling like dominos,” says Cesare.

After 15 years in business, the Levita’s were at a crossroad. Not able to shake the feeling of impending doom, Cesare Levita contemplated his next move. It was around that time that he received the call that would change every-

I

thing. It was a phone order for a Bypass Level Indicator.

Levita delivered the order of goods personally. Not knowing where the delivery address would take him, he ended up in a pharmaceutical lab and was captivated.

“This is where I belong,” thought Cesare as he discovered his new market. Fifteen years later, the Levita’s are still serving multiple industries both nationally and locally. BL Valve Process Solutions caters to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetics, and the food and beverage industry.

Bruno had always been the one in charge, while his son Cesare, responsible for the day to day operations.

That was the case until the year 2000 when the family received an unexpected blow – Bruno Levita had to have open heart surgery. “What a wakeup call,” says Cesare, who had to take charge of the company, maintain what his dad had worked for, and bring it to the next level.

Now 70, Bruno is proud of what his son has accomplished: a corporate office facility with 9 employees and clients throughout North America and abroad.

Bruno’s mission has been accomplished both as a father and mentor for his son. In return, Cesare brought innovation and incentive to his father’s company. “The biggest gift I gave my son is a culture and a company,” says Bruno, referring to the legacy he has left to his son. Driven more than ever, Cesare has plans in the works for BL Valve.com: an expansion that will realize his dream of creating North America’s largest on-line marketplace.

Community & Events SONIA BENEDETTO

56

S H A R E Y O U R E V E NT S PARTAGEZ VOS ÉVÉNEMENT S

C O ND I V ID E T E

NEWS & EVENTS

I VOS TR I E VEN TI

sonia@panoramitalia.com

MR.TONY LOFFREDA AND MR.LUCIANO D’IGNAZIO AWARDED THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL

From left: Senator Noël A. Kinsella-President of the Senate, Tony Loffreda-Executive V.P. RBC Bank and Jubilee Medal recipient, Senator Leo Housakos and Senator Larry Smith.

“

THE 28TH ANNUAL GOVERNORS’ BALL: “EX-LIBRIS” RAISES $205,000

n behalf of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I am pleased to award you the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal created to mark the 60 anniverO sary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. In granting you this honour, I thank th

On this occasion, the FCCI presented 5 New Governors: Mr. Joe Carusella, Mr. Gino Cordi, Mr. Cesidio Golini, Mr. Tony Nardi, Mr.Angelo Rindone; two successors: Mr. Riccardo Di Tommaso and Mrs. Rosa Trunzo.

he Italian-Canadian Community Foundation’s T 28 Annual Governors’ Ball took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Laval and was an incredible success. th

Organized under the presidency of Mr. Tony Loffreda (Head National Client Group/Québec- RBC Royal Bank) and the honorary presidency of Rita Lc De Santis (Representative of Bourassa-Sauvé at the National Assembly of Québec), this year’s edition of the ball raised $205,000 for the Foundation and its mission. Under the Filomena Rotiroti with Honorary theme “Ex-Libris”, the night was dedicated to the wonPresident Rita Lc de Santis and ders of learning. Guests entered a ballroom reminiscent husband Jean-Marcel de Magistris of a striking old-fashioned library where great thinkers such as Da Vinci may have studied and where some of the world’s greatest inventions may have been conceived. Amongst distinguished guests at the head table: the Consul General of Italy, Mr. Enrico Padula and his wife Mrs. Milena Padula, FCCI President Mr. Carmine D’Argenio and his wife Mrs. Rosine D’Argenio, Founder of the Saputo & Borsellino Famillies Governors’ Ball Mr. Giuseppe Borsellino and his spouse Mrs. Elina Borsellino and FCCI Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Giampà and her husband Mr. Matteo Fiorilli. The masters of ceremonies were Mrs. Silvana Di Flavio and Mr. Nick De Vincenzo.

you for your dedicated services to your peers, to your community and to Canada.

The contributions you have made to our nation are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration.” With this mention in a letter from the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, Mr. Tony Loffreda and Mr. Luciano D’Ignazio proudly received their award presented by Senator Noël A. Kinsella during a ceremony on Parliament Hill.

Well-known for his remarkable philanthropic work in support of fundraising campaigns, Mr. Loffreda is very much involved with the Montreal Cancer Institute, the Montreal Jewish General Hospital, the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Fédération des Chambres de Commerce du Québec and the John Molson School of Business just to name a few.

Mr. D’Ignazio was awarded for his work with The Kidney Foundation of Canada; his involvement with the Québec branch of the Foundation began in 1993.

As Chairman of the Founder’s Award Campaign, Mr. D’Ignazio has helped raise millions of dollars during the last 19 years in the fight against kidney disease, through many activities such as the Founder’s Award Golf Classic and the Founder’s Award Gala.

Luciano D’Ignazio, CPA, CA at Schwartz Levitsky Feldman

5840 St Jacques, Montreal, Qc H4A 2E9

T: 514-481-5631

info@locationgamma.com www.locationgamma.com

Community & Events

57

ITALIAN-CANADIAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The mission of the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation is to raise funds for the aid and advancement of the Italian community and society at large. The Foundation’s activities include two ongoing streams of endeavor: the recruitment of Governors and Friends, which is the Foundation’s core and cornerstone; and the development and organization of fundraising events. In order to reach its goals, the Foundation remains open to new partnerships and proposals from its members and from other individuals and institutions.

Without the support of Governors and Friends of the Foundation, all of the good work we do for the community could not exist. We welcome new members with benevolent professional and personal qualities, qualities that we depend on for the continued growth and success of the Foundation.

Above all, your membership allows us to promote and preserve the Italian culture, language and identity within our community. We depend on the support of the community to ensure the survival of our traditions and values. Your involvement is a symbol of the sacrifices that generations before us have made in building a better future.

We are pleased to share with you the activities and achievements of the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation. In 2012: The Foundation granted more than $675 000 to not-for-profit and community organizations in the following 4 domains: • Health We support the purchase of important equipment, construction of new medical facilities and research of diseases. To donate to the Health sector is to facilitate the giving and receiving of health care services to maintain a healthy community.

• Italian Language & Culture The Italian language, la lingua nostra, and culture are what unite us. Regardless of dialect or proficiency or how many generations removed, the Italian culture has a rich history that includes art, classic architecture, popular traditions and customs. Through the sponsorship of cultural events, publications and exhibitions, we are ensuring a strong and vibrant community for years to come.

The Foundation raised over $795 000 through membership contributions and various fundraising events: • 6th Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament • 2nd annual Sugar Shack Evening - Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon • 25th annual Golf Tournament • 3rd Cento Miglia Car Rally • 1st Target Shooting Tournament – New event!

• 28th annual Governors’ Ball

At the Texas Hold’em Poker event Governors and friends try their luck at winning for the cause. This year’s Wild, Wild West themed evening raised over $110 000 for the Foundation.

• Social Causes Seniors, youth at risk, social adjustment – we are all touched by these issues.

Contributing to the groups that provide the support services, we endeavor to improve the world we live in.

• Education We believe that education is one of the key elements in building a strong community. We support Education by providing funding to the Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association’s Bursary Program as well as to organizations that promote youth causes and educational institutions.

2012 Donations Italian Language & Culture $181 800

Social Causes $178 250

At the annual Golf Tournament, participants vie for a hole-in-one while “leaving the green” to the event’s beneficiaries. On the occasion of this year’s 25th edition, the organizing committee raised in excess of $237 000 for the Foundation.

Education $55 450

Health $259 500

Following a few years’ hiatus, the relaunch of the Cento Miglia Car Rally was met with much excitement and enthousiasm.

Participants hit the streets for a 100-mile ride throughout Montreal and surrounding areas leading to a secret destination!

We are extremely pleased to announce that a major donation was granted to the English Montreal School Board. Our 2-year commitment of $110 000 per year for the financing of Italian-language instruction in four EMSB schools ensures that Italian language courses offered within the Programme d’Enseignement de la Langue d’Origine can continue to be available to interested students - allowing our youth to embrace their culture.

The Foundation’s philanthropic goals are to: • continue supporting organizations working within our 4 pillars • increase our donations to them year after year • actively find new organizations that need our help • increase our fundraising efforts and raise more money to support worthy causes

Once again this year, the FCCI team and Board of Fiduciaries worked tirelessly and passionately to ensure the success of the Foundation and the well being of the community.

Mille grazie to volunteer Board members: Carmine D’Argenio – President Enzo Reda – 1st Vice President Joey Saputo – Vice-president Peter Pomponio - Treasurer

Roberto T. De Minico - Secretary Peter Comito Sr. – Director Tony Loffreda - Director Mario Galella – Ex-Officio

Each year, giving and glamour come together at The Governors’ Ball. Under the theme Ex-Libris, the 28th edition was a night dedicated to the wonders of learning.

Seven new members of the Foundation were introduced at this evening of fine dining and dancing.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Governors, Friends, Partners, Sponsors and Collaborators for making 2012 a spectacular year!

We hope to see you at our next event - the Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament to be held on Friday, February 22, 2013.

Please visit our website

www.fcciq.com for more information.

58

Community & Events

THE 48-HOUR RIDE FOR WISHES: 6TH EDITION

IL CLUB JUVENTUS: 25 ANNI COMPIUTI Da sinistra: Tony Calderone (consigliere), Vincenzo Lamberti (consigliere), Leonardo Moramarco (presidente), Vincenzo Papalia (vicepresidente), Nicoletta Bucchianico (consigliere), Vincenzo Orsini (presidente supervisore), Norma Orsini (segretaria e tesoriere) e Andrea Dell’Orefice (presidente onorario).

Team VentvsRomanvs,from left: Edward Tam, Steve Donini, Martin Robillard-Beaulac, John De Rosa, Antonio Musano and Serafino Pendenza.

he 48-Hour Ride for Wishes is a fundraising event created to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. For six consecutive years, teams of cyclists have been raising money and promising their sponsors to ride for their donations, which benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of Québec. Made up mostly of ItalianCanadians, three teams called “VentvsRomanvs” (Roman winds) are an excellent example. The team members were among the 900+ cyclists who rode around the GillesVilleneuve Circuit for 48 hours. Their motivation contributed in raising $1,046,000, making the 2012 edition of this event a huge success. Throughout the years, Mr. John De Rosa and dedicated team members have donated approximately $83,000 and granted four wishes. A call goes out to all Italians to create teams, raise funds and ride like the Roman winds! For more information visit: www.makeawish.ca

T

ORDINE FIGLI D’ITALIA IN CANADA: 93 ANNI COMPIUTI

resso la sala ricevimenti Prima Luna si è festeggiato il venticinquesimo anniversario del Club Juventus Gaetano Scirea, fondato nel 1987. Il banchetto si è svolto P alla presenza di circa centocinquanta persone che hanno partecipato con allegria a questa ricorrenza. La festa è stata animata dal DJ M.N. Karaoke. Durante l’evento il presidente, Leonardo Moramarco, ha consegnato una foto della Juventus a Norma e Vincenzo Orsini, come segno di riconoscimento per il loro grande impegno nelle attività del Club.

PRANZO INTERCULTURALE AL CENTRO DONNE ITALIANE el calendario delle attività del Centro Donne N Italiane di Montréal è presente anche il Lunch Interculturale e Chiacchiere. Ogni martedì del mese, il Centro invita le donne a pranzare insieme e a scoprire nuovi sapori. Questo caloroso incontro, all’insegna dell’amicizia e della diversità, riunisce donne di diversi Paesi, tra cui: lo Sri Lanka e la Croazia. Mediante assaggi di alcuni piatti tipici, si fanno conoscere le usanze e le tradizioni delle diverse terre d’origine. Il Centro offre zuppa e caffè a tutte le invitate. L’idea di questa iniziativa, che sta riscuotendo un grande successo, è nata in seguito alla pubblicazione del libro “Le migliori ricette del Centro donne italiane di Montréal”. Queste ricette, pubblicate in italiano e in francese, sono state suggerite dai partecipanti alle attività del Centro e mediante la vendita del libro si è organizzata una raccolta fondi. Per ulteriori informazioni: www.centrefim.org

IL BANCHETTO ANNUALE DEI GUGLIONESANI Il Consiglio esecutivo. Da sinistra: Mario Di Pesa (tesoriere), Alda Viero (vicepresidente), Giuseppe Stinziani (amministratore), Giuseppe Fratino (presidente) Mary Melfi (amministratrice), Josée Sardo (amministratrice), Sonia Faoro (segretaria di amministrazione), Dora Niro (amministratrice) e Santino Cordileone (amministratore).

er celebrare il 93° anniversario dalla sua fondazione e la 64ª edizione della Festa dell’Amicizia Etnica, l’Ordine Figli d’Italia ha organizzato una giornata di festa P presso lo Chalet du Ruisseau, a Saint-Benoît de Mirabel. Il programma è iniziato con la raccolta delle mele. Dopo aver dato il benvenuto ufficiale ai numerosi partecipanti, il presidente dell’OFI, Giuseppe Fratino, ha voluto ricordare l’importanza di dare continuità all’Associazione e di conservare il suo patrimonio culturale. Per pranzo non è mancato un ricco buffet. Nel pomeriggio si sono svolte diverse attività: ballo in linea, partite di bocce, gioco della pignata e numerosi sorteggi. La Banda Gentile ha allietato la giornata eseguendo musiche della tradizione italiana. L’assaggio delle pannocchie è stato il momento conclusivo del programma di festeggiamenti.

LA 31ma EDIZIONE DELLA FESTA DI SANT’ANNA

Il Comitato e i festeggiati del mese.

resso il Buffet Costa del Mare si è tenuto il banchetto annuale dell’Associazione Guglionesana del Québec, “USCONIUM”, che ha celebrato il suo trentunesimo P anniversario. Questo incontro aveva lo scopo di riunire i compaesani, gli amici e i numerosi simpatizzanti. Tra balli, canti, scherzi e tanti sorteggi, la parte musicale è stata curata dal fisarmonicista Franco Guido. Durante la manifestazione, sono stati ringraziati, per la loro dedizione, tutti i membri del nuovo Comitato: Nicolino Di Paolo (presidente), Carlo Vernacchia (vicepresidente), Guido Flocco (tesoriere), Isa Ciccarelli (segretaria), Costanza Di Paolo (pubbliche relazioni) e i Consiglieri, Rosa Lombardi, Eva Ciarciaglino, Maria Antonietta Vassetta, Rosanna Marzin e Lucia Salvatore. È stato anche pronunciato un discorso alla memoria della signora Angela Salvatore che, per tanti anni, ha fatto parte del Comitato.

DOMENICO IAFRANCESCO HA COMPIUTO 104 ANNI ell’ambito dell’iniziativa “Caffè-incontro”, svoltasi presso le Centre d’Hébergement Saint-Michel, è stato N festeggiato il compleanno del signor Domenico Processione con la statua di Sant’Anna

’Associazione Jelsese di Montréal, presieduta da Michele Passarelli, ha festeggiato L la trentunesima edizione della Festa di Sant’Anna e della Sagra del Grano. Con lo scopo di salvaguardare e di promuovere questa tradizione, sono state organizzate: la storica sfilata delle “traglie” (carri decorati con spighe di grano), un’esposizione dedicata ad artisti artigiani di origine Jelsese e tante altre attività. Più di mille persone hanno partecipato alla processione in onore di Sant’Anna che ha avuto luogo nei pressi del Parc SaintSimon Apôtre. Si è tenuto, inoltre, anche il concerto della “New Harlem Band”, venuta direttamente da Campobasso grazie al contributo della Regione Molise e all’impegno dell’Assessore per i Molisani nel mondo, Antonio Chieffo.

Iafrancesco che ha compiuto 104 anni. In un clima di festa, erano presenti i figli, i familiari, gli amici più cari e il personale del Centro. Ciascuno di loro ha contribuito a rendere speciale l’occasione. I festeggiamenti sono stati un successo anche grazie al sostegno dei Servizi Comunitari che operano, con grande professionalità, presso i vari centri e le residenze dove sono ospitati i tanti anziani di origine italiana. Nato a Sepino (Campobasso) il 16 settembre 1908, prima di trasferirsi in Canada, nel 1952, per lavorare presso la “Canadian Pacific Railway” come tanti altri suoi coetanei, il signor Domenico era contadino. Nonostante l’età avanzata, il signor Domenico è arzillo, in salute e con ancora tanta voglia di vivere.

Community & Events

59

OPERATION HUSKY 2013 “BRILLANTS EXPLOITS” EVENING

EAST FOUNDATION GALA 2012

he annual East Foundation fundraising gala was held November 10, 2012, at the Crown Plaza Volare with 600 guests in attendance, raising well over $140,000 to benT efit the Center of Dreams and Hope. The East Foundation was established in 1999 when parents came together to develop services for their children diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The Center of Dreams and Hope was developed in 2006 and opened its first respite in 2009. It services individuals with physical and or intellectual disabilities and has developed partnerships with the CRDITED de Montreal and the EMSB, and is a recognized community center by the Agence de Montreal. The Center offers such services as speech and occupational therapies, social skills early intervention, adult education, summer camp and a 15-bed respite program where parents can bring their children for the weekend and be cared for by qualified personnel.

THE MULTIPLE MYELOMA MARCH

nown as “Operation Husky”, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, counted K 25,000 Canadian soldiers. Their participation in this major campaign which started the liberation of Europe, marked the first independent role for Canadian soldiers in the Second World War. Its success led to the creation of a second major front which resulted in the victory of Allied forces in Europe. To celebrate and honour the men and women who have served and the ones who continue to serve our country, Canada Company organized a highly important benefit event entitled “Brilliants Exploits” Evening, held on November 7, 2012, at the magnificent Côte-des-Neiges Armoury. On this occasion, guests joined Honourary Chairman Thomas Dyck (Executive Vice-President of TD Canada Trust, TD Bank Group) and Stephen Gregory, Executive Committee Member of Canada Company and Founder of Operation Husky 2013. Proceeds from the event will be invested in continuous funding of Canada Company initiatives, and in particular, towards a very special project to commemorate the 70 anniversary of Operation Husky in Sicily, in July 2013. Next year, two large scale ceremonies will be conducted on key battlefield sites on July 10th and July 30, to pay tribute to the soldiers that fought and to those 562 soldiers who fell during the Sicilian campaign in 1943.

For more information: www.operationhusky2013.ca Stephanie Mechanic 514-931-5858 ext.233 - stephanie.mechanic@isaix.com

76º BANCHETTO DELLA CASA D’ITALIA lla sala ricevimenti “Le Madison” si è tenuto l’annuale Gala della Casa A d’Italia. “Non ti Scordar di Me” è stato

Team Antonio Panzera

naugurated in 2009, the Multiple Myeloma March is a yearly event organized

by Myeloma Canada, together with numerous dedicated volunteers who coordinate Imarching teams in their respective communities. This year, citizens from thirteen locations across seven provinces marched together to make myeloma matter. In Montreal, the “Antonio Panzera Team”, which was made up of his grandchildren Veronica and Cristina Carbonaro and Eric and Diandra Panzera, as well as other family and friends, took the challenge to raise $3,000. As a result, their team ended up raising $5,640. Overall, the Montreal chapter of the march raised more than $130,700 and all thirteen locations collectively raised almost $500,000. Although this event was created to raise funds to support Myeloma Canada’s patient programs and further Canadian myeloma research, it also brings people together to spread awareness about this rare form of cancer. As a matter of fact, seven Canadians are diagnosed with multiple myeloma every day.

il tema della serata. Tra i più di seicento invitati c’erano anche alcuni rappresentanti politici e dei principali organismi comunitari: il presidente della Casa d’Italia, Angela Minicucci, il console generale d’Italia a Montréal, Enrico Padula, e il sindaco di Villeray-SaintMichel-Parc-Extension, Anie Samson.

L’inizio ufficiale del Gala è stato dato con il suono della tromba di una nave, Nick Di Tempora, Angela Minicucci and Frank Pavan in ricordo di tutti gli emigrati italiani che arrivarono ad Halifax a bordo dell’Olimpia, della Saturnia e dell’Antonia.

Durante l’evento, il musicista e direttore d’orchestra Frank Pavan è stato insignito di un’onoreficenza. Domenico Vani, invece, ha vinto una Vespa. Era anche presente Michele Lanese, che quest’anno ha compiuto centocinque anni. Questa serata ha permesso di raccogliere $135,000.

Tame Mother Nature with Kubota’s Factory Cabs

Tame Mother Nature with Kubota’s Factory Cabs

Financing or Cash Discount*

If you want to work at your best, you need to operate the best. Kubota offers factory cabs that are designed to maximize your comfort and your productivity in any weather. They are available on Kubota’s Compact B Series, and on its larger Utility Grand L Series and M Series tractors. Features include a powerful heater and A/C, increased insulation, high ceiling, ample leg room and easy access to operational and hydraulic controls. No matter what your task, or the weather outside, Kubota is here to help you with a wide range of quality equipment. Do more with Kubota.

*Limited time offer.

See your dealer for details.

Kubota.ca Like us on Facebook.com/KubotaCanada

M8540-7040M40 Narrow

B3000

One m

Community & Events

60

Antonio Spidalieri

ven though you’re no longer with us, we’d like to commemorate the fact that 2012 would have been such a wonderful milestone year in your life; you would have celebrated your 50th Birthday (July 6).

Even though you made Toronto your home away from home, at heart you were always a true Montrealer, a die-hard Expos and Canadiens fan.

In only 3 short years, you got married (October 1991), had a son (February 1993), and passed away (October 1994) at the very young age of 32. Emptiness filled my heart when you were taken away from us, an emptiness felt by your entire family and close friends.

If I had one more day, I would introduce you to my 2 grandsons. Then, we’d spend the day together, have lunch at Schwartz’ (one of your favorite restaurants) and then go to a Canadiens game. Afterwards, we’d grab a coffee, reminisce and laugh about all the silly things we used to do as kids.

I would do anything to hear your beautiful voice and see your wonderful smile just one more time. I’m sure that with mom and dad, you’re watching over all of us, especially your son Michael C. Miss you a lot, Tony!

With love, Your sister Ida

E

Teresa Pittello Rullo

n this special day our plans wouldn’t be out of the ordinary, it would just be to spend the day together like we have so many times before.

Out of all the things I could ask for in the world, all I would really want is to spend one last day with my nonna. We would start the day off by sitting at the kitchen table talking over ‘nu café’ cu sambuca. Once that was done, I would love nothing more than to spend the majority of our day together watching her bake.

We would start with her taralli, continue with biscotti, pizzelle, zippuli, crispei, and eventually end with the trademark pizzas that she made.

Once we’d spend our wonderful day baking and learning all the tricks to her secret recipes, we would enjoy a nice evening together with the entire family. Nonna was always about getting the family together and enjoying the quality time spent with one another. We would all laugh, cry, and reminisce on the old times over ‘nu bicchiere di vinu. Un giorno cosi potrei solo sognarlo, ti amo con tutto il mio cuore nonna.

Nadia

O

Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo / Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année

more day

Community & Events

Antonio Panzera

uesti ultimi giorni sono stati molto difficili per me. Nonno Antonio se n’è andato. E con lui ho perso anche un secondo papà e un amico. Sono triste, e molto. Avrei voluto averlo qui per altri cento anni. D’altra parte, sono contenta di averlo avuto nella mia vita. Lui mi ha riempito di amore, e questo resterà con me per sempre.

Io e il nonno avevamo un rapporto molto speciale. Quello che tutti sognano di avere.

Scrivendo queste poche righe, seduta nel posto che lui amava, sotto la sua vigna, tanti bei ricordi mi vengono in mente.

Il primo è di quando ero piccola. Nonno poggiava i miei piedi sui suoi e insieme camminavamo nel corridoio. Un altro, quando mi portava al parco nel pomeriggio mentre io stavo sull’altalena lui, insieme ai suoi amici, giocava una partita di carte. E non posso neanche dimenticare tutte le volte in cui è venuto a prendermi a scuola. Mi portava sempre a fare la spesa e spesso mi comprava biscotti al cioccolato. Se la mamma lo avesse saputo...

Quando era tempo di fare la salsa, poi, andavo con lui e la nonna a raccogliere i pomodori. Facevamo la stessa cosa con l’uva nel periodo della vendemmia, e con il latte quando dovevamo fare il formaggio.

Nonno ci teneva molto a insegnarmi cose nuove. Ad esempio, come curare l’orto. Un giorno in campagna mi ha mostrato come utilizzare la motozappa. Ho provato subito a usarla ma, invece di togliere l’erbaccia, ho tagliato le piante di pomodoro. Ha riso tantissimo. Sì, perché lui non si arrabbiava mai. Ogni volta che lo vedevo, era sempre sorridente.

Q

Per me far ridere il nonno era facile.

La ricetta segreta era parlare ielsese, o come diciamo noi u jevezerole. Lui era fiero di poter dire a tutti che io lo parlavo e rideva sempre quando pronunciavo parole come scine (si), maddemane (stamattina), messere (stasera) e, ultimamente, quando all’ospedale gli ripetevo “Nonno, iaveze a cococce” (Nonno, alza la testa).

Negli ultimi mesi non sorrideva più a causa del dolore. Ma due settimane fa, mentre mangiavamo, mi ha fatto un ultimo sorriso. Scherzando, gli ho detto: “Nonno, io sono Veronica De Vosete”. Per quelli che non lo sanno “De Vosete“ è il soprannome dei Panzera a Jelsi, il paese natale del nonno. Anche se il mio nome di famiglia è Carbonaro, volevo essere come lui persino nel cognome.

Perché, per me, è il migliore del mondo.

Ultimamente, piangendo mi ha detto che non stava bene e che non poteva fare molto per curare il suo male. Gli ho risposto che lui, per noi, aveva fatto molto e che adesso toccava a noi fare qualcosa per lui.

Mi chiamava la nurse, perché ero una delle tre infermiere, insieme alla nonna e alla mamma. All’ospedale mi piaceva restare con lui la sera insieme a papà e zio Michele. Gli mettevo sempre la crema sulle gambe, facevamo le nostre solite chiacchierate e una sera abbiamo anche ballato.

Vorrei concludere sottolineando quanto bene gli ho voluto. Ha portato tanta gioia nella mia vita come nessun altro ha fatto. Anche se mi manca terribilmente, so che adesso è accanto ai suoi genitori, a bisnonna Antonietta, a zio Pasquale e a Michele, che insieme ci proteggono. Ora, oltre a essere il mio amato nonno, un secondo papà e un amico, posso dire che... è anche il mio angelo.

Veronica Carbonaro

61

Si vous n'avez pas encore choisi de site pour votre réception des fêtes, nous avons 7 idées pour vous...

If you have not yet chosen a site for your holiday receptions, we have 7 ideas for you ...

Réunions • Galas • Lancements de produit • Fêtes de Noël Meetings • Galas • Product launch • Christmas parties

w w w. p l a z a p m g . c o m Vous pouvez réserver jusqu'a 1 an à l'avance.

You can book up to 1 year in advance.

Newlyweds

63

Félicitations aux Nouveaux Mariés Congratulations to the Newlyweds Auguri agli Sposi Novelli

2011-2012

Camelia Niea & John Caruso June 16, 2012

Sabrina Frascarella & Armando Persichino June 16, 2012

Christina Arciero & Jarred Knecht May 20, 2012

Amelie Campanelli & Jaimy Melançon September 8, 2012

Joanna Rosval & Robert Sabelli January 7, 2012

Pina Fundaro & Johnny Graniero June 18, 2011

Maria Lucia Vicenzo & Jason Picarella September 15, 2012

Stephanie Polacco & Rafael F. Romero October 6, 2012

Elysia Pietracupa & Alessandro Della Neve August 18, 2012

Alba Libertucci & Michael Venditti April 7, 2012

Laura Saviano & Carmine Mambro May 26, 2012

Sabrina Musacchio & Steve Rodrigues September 22, 2012

Meagan Peters & Scott D’Amico September 22, 2012

Nadia Colasurdo & Mike D’Addario October 15, 2011

Assunta Passarelli & Constantino Deros June 23, 2012

Laura Guglielmino & Stefano Cantelmi August 11, 2012

Elisa Maria Pace & Michael Izzo July 21, 2012

Valeria Varano & Michele Perillo June 2, 2012

Newlyweds

65

Christina Capobianco rocks the wedding scene

By Stephanie La Leggia

Do not let her young age and gleeful personality fool you. At 24, singer Christina Capobianco has a firm grip on her spotlight and a level-headed approach. While the pressure of an elaborate wedding weighs more than ever on the shoulders of wedding couples, for Capobianco, it has become an opportunity to truly showcase her talent. t the age of nine, Capobianco grabbed her first microphone at a singing competition and hasn’t put it down since. Winning with her favourite song Io Che Non A Vivo Senza Te, Capobianco says the song triggered her career and now sings it at every wedding she performs.

Growing up listening to her father sing classic Italian songs, it comes as no surprise that Capobianco would be inspired to follow in her father’s footsteps. With just a few vocal lessons, singing competitions, and an unforgettable closing performance for a Laura Pausini show, her father, wedding singer Johnny Capobianco, saw that his daughter had the talent and the right onstage presence to attract the crowds. Four years ago, father and daughter ventured off and started the Grand Show Band. From the moment she performed at her first wedding, Capobianco knew she belonged on stage.

“I was in my element. It was as if I was more comfortable there than sitting at the table watching,” says Capobianco. “Seeing the dance floor packed is the best thing ever, and people drowning the stage is even better.”

The young wedding singer is as stunning as she is effervescent, with an energy that is easily contagious. As confident as she is when performing, offstage, Capobianco is humble and kindhearted.

Since graduating from Université de Montréal, Capobianco “has never had a typical day.” When she’s not spending time with family and friends, she is meeting with couples, signing contracts, choosing songs, performing, and organizing events.

“It’s overwhelming at times, but I appreciate it so much and I am so thankful,” says Capobianco. “When it gets too much, that’s when you go up to your room, sleep

Fleuriste

6285, rue Jarry est / St-Léonard 514.324.6222 - ww.carmineflorist.ca

it off and tell yourself that everything is going to be okay!”

As if juggling singing, work, and her social life wasn’t enough for the ambitious Capobianco, she also organizes a fundraiser with her father to raise money for the Generations Foundation, which is dedicated to feeding underprivileged children in Montreal.

From sponsors to décor, Capobianco is investing much of her time coordinating the Grand Saint Valentine Gala at the Renaissance on February 16, 2013, aiming to raise more than last year’s $10,000 donation.

“It’s about giving back,” says Capobianco. “To have everyone together, and at the same time, raise money for a good cause.”

Understanding the importance of keeping in touch with her Italian roots and culture, Capobianco is actively involved in the community. Organizing events and meeting new people is what she loves best about her job, a career path she wishes to pursue.

“You never know what the future holds, but I know it’ll definitely be in the event scene,” she says. “When you walk into that (reception) hall, you’re making these people’s night, and that’s the number one priority. By seeing them happy, that’s how I’m happy.”

With such a passionate attitude, killer voice, and a zest for life, it’s no wonder brides and grooms are falling in love with this young artist.

Newlyweds

66

Patrizia Ramundo & Fabrizio Sandonato August 4, 2012

Ana Josie Grilli & Anthony Mastracchio August 25, 2012

Zaira Delli Quadri & Danny Zako July 21, 2012

Carla De Fazio & Sergio Fusco October 15, 2011

Marie-Josée Mouri & Danio Di Serio May 12, 2012

Adriana Pace & Jonathan Montuori May 19, 2012

Silvana Reyes & Carlo Giove October 13, 2012

Maria Cerone & Giovanni Pigafetta July 14, 2012

Amanda Trentadue & Jonathan Sanzone September 22, 2012

Jessica Fuda & Giulio Iaconi July 14, 2012

Jessica Asselin & Joey Campione October 20, 2012

Romina Perrotti & Davide Di Perna June 30, 2012

Stephanie Pino & Giancarlo Zingaro June 30, 2012

Jasmine Pollice & Johnny Russo September 10, 2011

Sonia Galasso & Domenico Matina May 19, 2012

Claudia Rapa & J.B. Allevato September 8, 2012

Rosalie Sciascia & Anthony Bentivegna May 5, 2012

Linda Calandrino & Carmine Lillo August 11, 2012

Michela Valiante Fracassi & Alfredo Fracassi September 10, 2011

Rosalia Calandrino & Ulisse Macri June 16, 2012

Diana Gervasi & Todd Higgins July 9, 2011

Jennifer Chilelli & Alfredo Caltagirone August 25, 2012

Stephanie Gullaci & Dario Venditti June 2, 2012

Venessa Renee D’Elia & James Courey July 14, 2012

Stephanie Lanza & Matthew Picciuto August 18, 2012

Adriana Borsellino & Michel Maatouk July 21, 2012

Veronica Lento & Ernest Alberico June 30, 2012

Katherine Melard & Antonio Ruvo September 24, 2011

Natalie & Joey Cassella June 9, 2012

Nadia Stellato & Vincent Galasso September 1, 2012

Cécile Nachar & Carlo Di Guglielmo June 29, 2012

Jessica Panzera & Anthony Frezza September 22, 2012

Stefania Colaneri & Stephen Bertone June 2, 2012

Amanda Siggia & Marco Delle Donne July 14, 2012

Elena Amicarelli & Gregory Nolan June 16, 2012

Newlyweds

Fiori d’arancio allo Stadio Saputo

l 27 ottobre 2012, in occasione dell’ultima partita stagionale dell’Impact di Montréal, ho deciso di fare la fatidica domanda alla mia ragazza, Pina. L’ho fatto in una maniera singolare, per non dire unica, allo Stadio Saputo. Ho preparato uno striscione 10x3 e con l’aiuto di Tony e Annie, rispettivamente il cugino della mia ragazza e la sua fidanzata, intorno al 25˚ minuto del primo tempo ho chiesto a Pina di guardare in direzione dello striscione. Nella manciata di secondi in cui ha realizzato che lo striscione era per lei, io ero già in ginocchio con l’anello tra le mani.

Ovviamente ha detto sì, commossa e felice, con la cornice di pubblico dietro di noi che applaudiva e ci faceva gli auguri. Per una ragazza speciale che mi ha cambiato la vita, ci voleva qualcosa di altrettanto speciale e unico. Le nozze si terranno il 30 agosto 2014 (Giancarlo Ramellini).

I

Buon natale a tutti

68

Sports

Jay Leno’s Fabulous Garage The Italian Kid and His Amazing Toy Room Story and photography by: Alain Raymond

You call this a garage? Totaling three football fields, with enough room for about 200 cars and a superb array of motorcycles, this is not a traditional “garage.” It’s an industrial-size complex, a huge depository for one of the world’s largest automobile collections.

Yet, Jay Leno calls it his garage. When Panoram Italia visited, we could not resist calling it automotive paradise. ames (Jay) Douglas Muir Leno was born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1950. His mother, Catherine Muir, was born in Scotland and came to the United States at age 11. Leno's father, Angelo, born in New York to Italian immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, worked as an insurance salesman. As a child in elementary school, Jay Leno exhibited a funny streak, which prompted his fifth-grade teacher to write: "If Jay spent as much time studying as he does trying to be a comedian, he'd be a big star."

No one could have said it better!

J

The beloved Buick Leno's love for cars began with his first job in a Ford dealership in 1967 where he did auto detailing and odometer “recalibrations”. But Leno had other plans than “recalibrating odometers,” and in 1970, he went to California to seek a career in Hollywood. Although practically penniless, Leno bought an old 1955 Buick Roadmaster in which he lived for six months. “I met my wife in the Buick,” recalls Leno.

Jay Leno goes back to his roots with his Italian “famiglia”, the famed 1936 Fiat Cinquecento nicknamed Topolino.

Jay Leno’s faithful 1955 Buick Roadmaster, his “house” when he first arrived in California, now beautifully restored and powered by an awesome modern V8.

Sports In 1992, the legendary Johnny Carson surprised everyone when he picked Jay Leno to replace him as host of The Tonight Show. After years as a night club performer, and within a short time span, Leno became the most popular comedian on American TV – and one of the highest paid.

Garage and Art Gallery If comedy made him rich and famous, the automobile remains his one true passion, starting with his 1955 restored Buick, which is powered by a huge 600-horsepower Corvette V8 engine. “This is the one car that Jay will never sell,” explained the guide during our visit to Leno’s garage. The collection now holds cars, motorcycles and even steam machines covering the entire history of the automobile from the early 1900s till today.

One would need an entire book to describe every vehicle in this amazing private collection. Fortunately a great number of Leno’s magnificent machines can be viewed online at www.jaylenosgarage.com. The site will impress visitors with Leno’s vast knowledge of all things automotive and his passion for unusual machinery. Each showroom boasts countless period posters, paintings and billboards decorating the walls and ceilings – a true testament to the automobile’s influence on society and its place in history.

The “Bugatti Room”… wouldn’t you call it an “art gallery” rather than a “garage”?

1938 Tatra T87 designed by visionary Tchek engineer Hans Ledwinka.

The Immortal Topolino Among the many outstanding cars featured, we were particularly impressed by the 1909 electric-driven Baker, the humongous Tank Car powered by a 30-litre twin-turbocharged M47 Patton tank motor producing about 1,600 horsepower. And at the other end of the scale was the ever-so tiny and immortal Fiat Topolino.

Leno, a true automobile connoisseur, expressed his satisfaction about the Fiat-Chrysler merger. “Fiat is returning to America, and I’m glad,” he said. “The merger of Fiat and Chrysler will elevate the Italian brand in this country and create some great cars...” His classic Fiats include a 1937 Topolino coupé, with a tiny 569-cc 13.5-hp four-cylinder. Fiat introduced the Topolino (little mouse) in 1936, and ultimately sold half a million of them. “It was really the first ‘people’s car,” reveals Leno, adding, “The Volkswagen Beetle didn’t come out until after the war. The car has brilliant packaging. It’s tiny, yet there’s so much headroom that someone 6 feet tall wearing a top hat could sit inside.

It’s one of the few cars in which the generator is bigger than the engine...” In fact, the Topolino was not powerful. Its top speed was only 53 miles per hour, but it could carry a small family, and could get close to 50 miles per gallon. “Here’s the best part,” Leno says jokingly, “How many car engines can you remove, bring inside the house, put in your kitchen sink and clean? The Topolino is like a big toy, and it has a sense of style that the VW Beetle never had.”

Like a big toy, indeed. As for Leno, who is always seen wearing his signature jeans and a big smile, wouldn’t you say he’s just like a kid in a huge toy room?

This 1918 Stutz Bearcat was discovered as a basket case in a barn in 1996. The talented craftsmen working in Jay Leno’s Garage brought it back to life.

The “crown jewels” of the Leno Collection, two automotive treasures from the golden age of the French automobile: the 1937 Bugatti 57 SC Atlantique and the 1935 Delahaye 135 S Grand Prix racer.

69