RO on the GO! : BBQs and Other Delectable Moments!

I cover a large number of events for both my blog as well as for my events feature in Panoram Italia Magazine. What I've realized is that often it's food that brings us all together.

Vaughan Chamber of Commerce BBQ

July 16

Work?? Who wants to be at work on a gorgeous day?! Thanks to the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce for organizing a fun BBQ luncheon.

Rita Borges(Peter&Pauls), Nadia Cerelli (Plan B Promotions), Alessandra Piccolo (Vaughan Film Festival), Sandra Begenisic (Snapd Newspapers)

Woodbridge Ribfest

August 9

Very proud to be a part of the VERY FIRST all-female judging panel at Woodbridge Ribfest. Girl Power (and stretchy pants) all the way!!!
Elvira Caria, Officer Toni Passarelli, Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Master Chef finalist Jules Miguel and emcee Andrea Trentadue of CHIN Television.

All-female Ribfest judging panel

Only an all-female judging panel would eat ribs with a fork and knife AND ask for wetnaps!!!! A heartfelt thanks to Laura Tonelli for asking me to be a judge at the 9th Annual Woodbridge Ribfest and to emcee Andrea Trentadue for tolerating our requests....women can be such high maintenance...LOL! Congratulations to winning ribbers, Louisiana Bar-B-Que (Judge's Choice) and Boss Hog's (People's Choice). You guys ROCK!!!

winners!

Frank Mazzucca, Elvira Caria, Councillor Rosanna De Francesca, Laura Tonelli

British Invasion

Ribfest Winner Boss Hog's

Elvira, Patrizia, Rosanna

Christian Bruno and little Valentina

Steven Del Duca Inaugural BBQ
August 23

Even though I had a bridal shower that day there was no way I was going to miss Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca's inaugural barbeque. Steven is a fantastic individual. He also serves as the province's Transportation Minister and is, in my opinion, "the real deal" and a public servant in the truest sense of the word. Too bad he doesn't flip burgers hahaa!

Minister Steven Del Duca

Team Del Duca

Movie in the Park

July 16

The Vaughan Film Festival team was happy to participate in Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco's "Movie in the Park" last week. A free event for local residents the evening included food, beverages and the feature film "Annie"

Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco

Anthony Macri, Councillor Racco, Tony Monaco

Sotto Una Buona Stella

November 5

I LOVE MY JOB! My Panoram editor had to twist my rubber arm in order to have me cover the sensational "Sotto Una Buona Stella" event at Bucca Yorkville. Not only did I get to sample great Italian food but I also met TFC superstar Sebastian Giovinco who was also in the house. Hosted by the King Street Food Company, George Brown College, the Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute this culinary extravaganza celebrated Neapolitan cuisine and wines from Mount Etna. Awesome sitting and engaging in foodie talk with fellow writer Renee Suen of the Globe & Mail. I am still full ahhhhh!
* All funds raised at this event go toward bursaries at George Brown College's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

Renee Suen

TFC's Sebastian Giovinco

Rob Gentile

The Chocolate Ball

November 6

Imagine feasting on chocolate for charity? Yes, it's true! Only at The Chocolate Ball Vaughan could I indulge and NOT feel guilty about it. Held at Chateau Le Jardin, this annual community event supports prostate and breast cancer initiatives. Other than a full course dinner teeming with chocolate I also had a delectable time sampling treats from The Big Cannoli, Succulent Chocolates and Sweets Inc., Purdy's Chocolatier, Dolce Bouquets and many more. Some of my favourite dishes were gnocchi with white chocolate cream sauce (yup, this is true also) and grilled chicken and beef served with dark chocolate dipping sauce...,mmmmm... And of course, I can't forget the amazing NUTELLA.