It was a celebration of “all things Italian” to benefit The Friends of the Italian Cultural Center of Boston (FICCB) at italianissimo! 2016 on November 19, 2016. Several hundred attendees were treated to a sneak peek at the new Eataly Boston on Boylston Street, before it opens to the public on November 29th.
The annual FICCB italianissimo! event honors the accomplishments of Italian-Americans of distinction and showcases the innovative ways in which FICCB has established their intellectual foundation. The evening highlight was the presentation of the 2016 Thomas M. Menino awards to Federico Cortese, Music Director for the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and Silvio Micali, MIT Ford Professor of Engineering.
The pre-opening event at Eataly featured regional Italian dishes and desserts from a variety of Eataly restaurants, counters and cafes with live music performed by Quartetto d’archi musica barocca Italiana.
A special performance was headlined by legendary jazz pianist Alan Pasqua and jazz saxophonist Marco Pignataro. Other notable attendees include Nicola Farinetti, Eataly’s Chief Executive Officer; Ettore Santucci, FICCB President and board member; Anthony Pangaro, Chairman of the FICCB board, Alessandro Rollo, FICCB board member and Mass. State Senator Joseph Boncore.
FICCB seeks to create a 21st-century cultural institution which celebrates all of the contributions Italians have made and will make in science, academia, enterprise, art and culture, innovation, philanthropy and community service in the Boston and New England area. FICCB’s mission ranges from supporting the teaching of the Italian language to sponsoring public lectures, concerts and art exhibits; from showcasing Italian entrepreneurship, innovation, design and technology to celebrating Italian food and folklore.
Shown below are photos from the italianissmo! 2016 event in Boston. Photos by Matt Conti.
Been waiting patiently Eataly to open here in Boston. Can’t wait to go try it now. Best of luck to the owners of this new business.
Visited Eataly in Manhattan and absolutely loved it! Was so excited to have one open up here in Boston. Will be visiting it soon.
Good Luck.
Eataly in Boston at last! With Mario at the helm it will be great (if not greater) than NYC which we have really enjoyed!