The Campari Spagliatos were flowing, authentic carbonara canooded with guanciale, sounds of bel canto filled the air and liters of world-class wine were poured as hundreds of Italophiles filled the plaza surrounding the historic Pico House near Olvera Street for A Taste of Italy on Saturday.

Chef Giacomino Drago welcomed guests with samples from his legendary Beverly Hills restaurant  Il Pastaio to the courtyard, demonstrating spaghetti history on his ancient Il Torchio pasta extruder. And a special treat for Sopranos fans, FBI agent turned gourmet food distributor Louis Lombardi was slinging garlicky pizza slices from his Avalou’s pizza company.