Last week was very gratifying. My endeavors for the greater Duesiciliano (southern Italian) community were recognized by three different associations! Even though I’m not concerned with personal laurels, I am pleased to see that my hard work does not go unnoticed. The awards I received from the Associazione Amici di Totò and the Comitati Due Sicilie USA were for promoting Neapolitan culture and Compra Sud initiatives, but the honor I received Friday evening from the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata for spreading the faith made me especially proud. 

Held at St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, partygoers packed into the festively decorated auditorium for an evening of fellowship, music, dancing, and, of course, feasting. Impressively, trays of delicious homemade southern Italian fare, including Giovanna DiDonna’s merluzzo fritto, Lucrezia Nardulli’s polpo e piselli, and Vito Marinelli’s phenomenal scalcione spanned the length of the hall.