A Renaissance in Ottawa’s Little Italy
Preston Street is alive with this year’s celebration of Wine, Food & Art
OTTAWA (Wednesday September 7, 2011) - A Renaissance is sweeping through Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood. Several languages are now overheard at the various international restaurants. Artwork and statues line the new streetscape, each week local farmers bring the bounty of their harvest and music of all kinds fills the air. Your host, the Preston Street BIA, invites you to celebrate this vibrant spirit of renewal at this year’s La Vendemmia harvest celebration.
From Thursday September 22 to Sunday September 25, La Vendemmia offers a fun filled itinerary of free and ticketed events as well as charity activities – something for everyone to enjoy.
“The Renaissance in Europe fostered a very prolific period for artists. The BIA was looking to create more events that would appeal to the whole family, and it seemed only natural that art should be an important component of our village’s rebirth” says Mario Giannetti, Chairman of the Preston Street BIA. “The Plein Air Art Show and Sale makes space in our pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, where artists will be able to create and present their work. This open air art gallery fosters the connection between our visitors and our local artists”.
The festival kicks off on Thursday with the ever-popular Moveable Feast, a gourmet meal where diners visit various Preston Street restaurants for each course. On Friday night, a unique charity wine auction at Trattoria Caffe Italia complete with a Sommelier led wine tasting will benefit the Music and Beyond Festival. Over the weekend, up and down the street, there will be cultural seminars and activities including Preston Hardware with winemaking demonstrations, and at Divino Wine Studio there is an Olive Oil tasting and Italian language lessons. Learn about the importance of art in the neighbourhood with guided walking tours “Postcards from the Piazzas” led by artist, cj fleury, as well as tours of Little Italy’s landmarks led by entertaining local historian Luciano Pradal. C’est Bon Cooking will lead a delicious discovery in English and French sampling signature ingredients at various food shops. The Little Italy Farmers’ Market will bring local produce to the festival with demonstrations of how to make the most of the bounty, while the streets will be lined with an outdoor Plein Aire Art Paint-out and Sale. The festival’s grand finale event - Taste of Preston Street Food and Wine Show - will showcase the breadth of the talent in Little Italy featuring both Italian as well as international food and wine.
Lori Mellor
Debbie Trenholm
Accredited Sommelier & President
Savvy Companydebbie@savvycompany.ca
613-SAVVYCO (728-8926)
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TASTE OF PRESTON STREET FOOD & WINE SHOW was a great event! my sister, Linda, and I thoroughly enjoyed every savoury morsel, decadent dessert, wine, beer & coffee ... all with violins playing softly in the background. the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. here are my pics ...
we are already looking forward to next year's event.
sit. sip. savour.
bottoms up! Éva
