Italian Day Festival 2013: Event Highlights

A flavour of the sights and sounds Italian Day offers to the community of Vancouver–check out this video which highlights memorable moments from Italian Day on the Drive 2012!

There are many activities lined up for Italian Day on the Drive 2013, both new and returning attractions. Here are some of much-anticipated highlights to come to our festival:

Cucina Italiana (Graveley St) – New

Outdoor cooking demonstrations will be hosted by award-winning Chef/Instructor Romy Prasad. Cooking demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon and are conducted by 4 different Vancouver Chefs showcasing some yummy Italian favourites! The audience even has an opportunity to sample some of these delightful treats. Ingredients have been generously sponsored by Renzullo Food Market and San Remo Food Importer.

Demonstrations Hosted by:

Romy Prasad

Demonstrations Conducted by:

Nick Grant – Fritole (Carnival donuts) - 1:30 p.m.
Peppe Gioe – Fusilli Carbonara – 3:00 p.m.
Nevada Cope – Fritelle di Riso (Carnival Rice Fritters) – 4:30 p.m.
Romy Prasad – hand made Gnocchi Pomodoro – 6 p.m.

Chef/Instructor romy prasad

Growing up in Guyana, Executive Chef Romy Prasad’s early appreciation of fine food was nurtured by his mother’s passion for grinding spices by hand and preparing the family meals on a wood-fired stove.

His early years included an extensive working tour of Europe which took him to the stoves of several Michelin-starred kitchens in France, Spain, and Italy. At Il Naturlista in Venice, Prasad studied the serious intricacies of vegetarian fine dining.

Chef Romy Prasad is a well-decorated Executive Chef, winning the AAA/CAA Four Diamond award, a two-time Silver Spoon recipient and winner of the Food Critics Choice and Dine Out Vancouver awards. Through out his career, his contributions as Executive Chef helped earn the success of several top Vancouver restaurants including: the Umberto Menghi group of restaurants, Cin Cin Ristorante and Federico’s Supper Club.

chef nevada cope

The current Executive Chef of Il Centro (Italian Cultural Centre), Chef Nevada Cope was raised in Abbotsford and later moved to Vancouver to attend Dubrulle Culinary School. After graduating, she worked at numerous restaurants in Vancouver including Refuel, Bridges, The Apron and Joe Fortes. In addition, she has an extensive hotel catering background which includes: The Executive Inn Downtown, Coast Coal Harbor, Pacific Palisades, Sheraton Wall Centre and Westin Wall Centre in Richmond. In 2011 and at age 23 she accepted the position of Executive Chef at Il Centro.

Nevada is trained in both culinary and pastry and is an avid bread baker and pastry enthusiast.

chef nick grant

Chef Nick Grant began his restaurant career at the age of fourteen, washing dishes and scrubbing pots at the once popular Cat’s Meow Lounge and Eatery. It wasn’t long before management recognized his affinity for food and put him on the line. Once given the opportunity he rose to the rank of Sous Chef. Shortly before Nick was set to celebrate his nineteenth birthday, he received news that he had been recommended to one of Vancouver’s premier restaurants, Villa del Lupo. During this time, he spent four years studying the boundaries of intricate plating and cooking techniques while also completing his apprenticeship.

Having worked under Chef Julio Gonzales Perini for several years including the Beach House and the now Lupo Restaurant, Nick began to work with the notion of making his own mark and in 2012 at the age of 28, Nick assumed the Executive Chef position at Federico’s Supper Club on Commercial Drive.

chef peppe gioe the “singing chef”

Born in Sicily, Chef Peppe immigrated to Vancouver in 1963. In the early years he approached cooking as an amateur hobby, while also working at pasta shops and delis. In 2000, he took a cooking course and began offering Italian cooking classes all over the lower mainland including Douglas College and for 10 yrs at the Cook Shop at Vancouver City Square. The Italian authenticity he brings to the table is not only in his cooking, but also in the entertainment he offers while conducting his classes, which has branded him ‘the singing chef’.

He is currently semi-retired but still providing cooking classes upon request, including private home parties.

Entertainment - More

Performers from last year return to the stage for 2013, as well as a handful of new ones!

Showman Federico Fuoco from Federico’s Supper Club

italian59

Children and adult choirs sing folkloric repertoire.

International singer/songwriter Carmelina Cupo.

These ukelele performers were a hit in 2011, and they’re back for 2013!

Also keep your eyes peeled for a special performance by Darcelle’s Dancers.

Raffle – Returning

Raffle tickets will be available on Sunday, June 9th at the BIA Information booth and at raffle booths next to each each stage at the event (2nd Avenue and Grant St). Other locations along the Drive will also be selling raffle tickets before, during, and after the event. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets ($5/ticket) for an opportunity to win the grand prize of a trip for two to Italy! The raffle draw date is August 15, 2013.

1st Prize:

Trip for Two to Venice (Italy), Courtesy of Columbus World Travel and the Italian Day Festival Society, Valued at $3200

Tickets (Economy Class) must be booked within 6 months of August 15th, 2013 draw date, otherwise voucher becomes null and void. Subject to availability at the time of booking, restrictions and blackout dates apply. Local taxes may also apply.