Italian National Holiday: Celebrating the Republic of Italy with ...

Photo compliments of Connections Prep

The Exotic Car Examiner would like to convey warmest congratulations to the president, government and people of the Republic of Italy on the occasion of Republic Day [June 2, 2009] from the Italian car owners and Italian culture enthusiasts residing in America today. The celebration actually began a few days early here in the United States, and no city celebrated in as grand a style as they did at a private party at the local factory authorized Maserati new car sales and service center and pre-owned exotic car dealership's Lutherville Timonium location in Baltimore County, Maryland.

For those who joined with Baltimore's Italian Consul Francesco Luigi Legaluppi and the Italian Ambassador to the United States at Maserati of Baltimore on Sunday, March 31st, 2009 from 3-10 pm to celebrate, it is easy to understand why Italian culture is so treasured here in the USA. [Especially by car lovers.]

 

Click HERE and HERE after the holiday passes

to see photos of cars present at the annual event.

 

EXOTIC CAR DEALERSHIP SPECIAL EVENT NEWS

The venue, Maserati of Baltimore, is located at 1630 York Road in Lutherville Timonium. Located in the county North of Baltimore City, it is easily accessible (located at exit 26 North of I-695). The facility showcases premium exotic and car inventory including but not limited to Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Lamborghini; other brands that have excited local residents include primarily European Import cars like Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, and Bentley. Sports cars (BMW, Audi), luxury cars (Mercedes), exotic cars (Ford GT, Lotus), and race cars are all serviced in the race shop, and Maserati of Baltimore is a certified Maryland Inspection station for all makes and models of cars, including American and Foreign brands (Lexus).

Obviously, anyone with a love of cars would consider visiting a space such as this as both honor and privilege; with an overwhelming response and show of support for the dealership continuing so successfully in business in the Mid-Atlantic region during such a rough period for so many dealers in the country, friends of Italy and the exotics RSVP'd yes, they would love to attend when they received the calligraphy invitation by postal mail or through private Consul word of mouth invitation.

 

 

 

63rd Anniversary Celebration of the Republic of Italy [Baltimore, MD]

The party began with a gracious Dr. Legaluppi, Italian Consul in Baltimore and member of the Italianizzato Club (an organization devoted to the promotion of the love of exotic cars and all things Italian), and family personally greeting all 450+ guests, invited by formal invitations registered through the Consulate of Italy's office, as they made their way from the valet through the dealership's foyer.

Red carpet was redefined with a special entry exhibit: upon entering the room, guests were treated to a special private viewing of a Ferrari Enzo coordinated by General Manager Jack H. Davis.

Passing through into the main gallery showroom, a lovely concert grand piano was provided on loan by Jordan Kitt's Music, a Baltimore music facility in establishment in Baltimore county since 1912.

A small stage allowed an intimate exchange of speech thanks and announcements by representatives of the Italian Cultural Association and the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC. Adding a charm to the dealership ambiance, the Italian and American flags graced the showroom, and prayers of thanks were said in English and Italian language for the cause of the event.

At 4:00 pm, guest joined together to sing the Italian National Anthem, followed by greetings from Dr. Legaluppi. The song, also known as the "Song of the Italians" was written by Goffredo Mameli in the autumn of 1847, and became the Italian National Anthem in 1946.

Exotic cars known to make music with their engine tones were surrounded by a regalia of Italian song. The early musical program included world class performances of works by Fanco Mannino, Antonio Vivaldi, Niccolo Paganini, and Fritz Kreisler by Simeone Tartaglione (piano) and Alessandra Cuffaro (violin).

Guests such as handsomely dressed members of the Italian Navy, restaurateurs from the Little Italy Restaurant Association of Baltimore, and North American consultant to Pinninfarina Ron Spangler and lovely wife Svetlana of Prancing Horse Farms were in attendance. Gathering between the red Enzo (privately owned) and a Black Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (for sale), they gazed through cathedral ceiling glass out across a stunning array of Maserati Quattroporte and Granturismo modern classics. One was not sure quite what appreciate more -- the view of the cars or the beautiful attire and character of all the extraordinary guests.

Local Italian American business owners and long time family friends of the Legaluppi's were also present to join in honoring their Italian homeland or genealogical roots. Foreign dignitaries, diplomats, local and state political officials, and Italian residents of the US enjoyed feeling at home throughout the event.

Many guests were Italian-by-affection, including Baltimore's Dining Examiner Dara Bunjon and myself (Kae Davis). Event co-hostess Luciana Picchi Chong of the Italian Cultural Center made all English speaking guests feel warm and welcome by providing the most gracious of Language translation services between guests and staff throughout the event.

New friends and fellow Italian car owners met over the years at various exotic car club functions from around the region like Dennis Gilligan and Ron Johnston of the Ferrari Club of America's Mid-Atlantic region chapter [FCA-MAR], Alan Gephardt, Ron Johnson of RJ Investments, Drew Davis, and Amy Branum Huggins.

Buffet service was provided by Sardinian Chef Daniela Useli, Italian home cooking culinary expert known for her special cooking classes and guest chef appearances at local Sotto Sopra, and private chef and Chef Simone Martini. Warm Italian regional dishes were prepared (like spinach asparagus, tasty orange rice balls, rolled chicken, and asparagus pasta); seasonal fruits were served as compliment. However, the fine assortment of Italian pastry took the cake, so to speak -- with the Italian anniversary cake cut and served ceremoniously being the biggest hit with party patrons.

 

 

Guests mingled in the center gallery bar area, where a draped converted parts department group of bartenders served guests wine and assorted sparkling water Italian refreshments. Enjoying a special view of the new Maserati Granturismo S (black on black finished with ebony piano wood detailing, carbon fiber enhancements, and red stitching breathing fire and igniting passion for Maserati in a way only Italian car designers can do it), guests enjoyed the opportunity to get up close and have their pictures taken in the delicious automobile. [All took a moment to marvel the auto treasure could be purchased under $150k.]

Following mealtime, guests were treated to more vocal and instrumental performances. Performers selections included works by Giancamo Puccini, Rodolfo Falvo, Cesare Bixio, Edorado di Capua, Francesco Sartori, and selected piano compositions by Chungwon Chung. Artists included Mary Grace Mazzulli (soprano), and Elio Scaccio (tenor).

As indoor main showroom and gallery live performances ended, guests divided between indoor seating alternatives provided in the Maserati of Baltimore race shop and an outdoor lounge and bar complete with music, Grappa, and the finest Italian import cigars. Jack Davis, enthused and having fun mingling with so many well acquainted friends in the crowd, took turns tending bar outside with Vincenzo of local gourmet Italian favorite restaurant Pasta Blitz and Enrique of world famous Aldos in Baltimore's historic downtown Little Italy in Baltimore's Inner Harbor area.

The large tent, comfort seating lounge, Grappa, wine, and cigar bar set alongside the Ferrari race trailer was provided by Maserati of Baltimore's staff and the Italian Cultural Association (a Maryland group providing Italian language classes and translation services for the large population of Italian Americans and foreign residents). The sunshine and breeze was provided by nature, obviously showing support for the festivities and the Italian exotic cars on site that day.

Outside, parking services for the private event were provided compliments of Brandon Greene of www.park4uvalet.com, a regular valet friend of the dealership who donates his time to philanthropic and charity benefit causes when they have special events. Always [ladies and] gentleman, the valet staff took great car to ensure all cars were parked safely and that guests were shown the utmost respect.

Guest cars of note brought by party-goers and displayed in the VIP gold level trophy circle included a large assortment of Maserati, Lamborghini, and Ferrari cars (of course); a yellow Ferrari Barchetta took the vote for favorite high end exotic driven and a blue Alfa Romeo took crowd favorite nomination for funnest classic.

All in all, the event was a spectacular success for the Mid-Atlantic region (showing support for the Italian Republic), because of the incredible turnout of exotic cars thanks to the glorious driving weather, and because of a very special announcement made by the Italian Ambassador at the private Maserati party event.

For Immediate Release:

On May 31, 2009 on the occasion of the Italian National Holiday Celebration hosted by the Italian Consul in Baltimore at Maserati of Baltimore,  H.E. Giovanni Castellaneta, Ambassador of Italy to the United States announced that the Italian Government has decided to elevate the current Italian Consulate in Baltimore to Consulate General to be effective pursuant to formal acceptance by the United States Government. His Excellency further announced that the current Consul in Baltimore, The Honorable [Hon.] Francesco Luigi Legaluppi has been designated to head the new office as its Consul General.

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Special thanks and congratulations to Dr. Legaluppi for choosing to share his passion for Italy and their fine exotic automobiles with everyone by hosting such a spectacular and honored tradition special event at a car dealership--and more so, for being such a friend to all and for the Maserati brand, as he is a proud Quattroporte owner residing in the Baltimore region.

 

 

 

 

For more information about special events in the Mid-Atlantic region -OR- the Italian National Holiday celebrations (event, guests, or to see additional photos and video), visit the following link(s): 

 

 

 

Summer Host of Annual Little Italy Open Air Film Festival in Baltimore, MD.
Every Friday in July and August on the Da Mimmo Parking Lot (www.damimmo.com) located at the corners of High and Stiles Streets, live entertainment begins at 7:00 p.m. and the film at 9:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chair early to get a good spot and then dine in Da Mimmo or get carry out. Click here to view the outdoor movie listings.

 

 

What the Italian Cultural Center Offers: 

•

Culinary Arts

      • Demonstrations of Regional Cooking
• Special Regional Dinners in cooperation with local Italian restaurants
• Food and Wine Tasting
• Cooking Classes   • Customs and Traditions   • Natale all’Italiana (Christmas)
• La Befana (Epiphany)
• Carnevale (Mardi Gras)
• Pasqua (Easter)
• Family Values and Traditions   • Tourism   • Books
• Magazines
• Brochures
• Videos
• Maps   • History   • Family Genealogy
• Lectures and Readings on Government and Politics   • Art, Music and Entertainment   • First Thursday Night at the Movies
• Concerts and Recitals
• Rosa Ponselle Memorial Mass and Reception
• Italcultura Night at the Baltimore Opera Company
• Art and Photography Exhibits
• Italian Fashion Show
• Artisan Exhibits and Demonstrations   • Italian Language   • Classes at the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Level
• Special Topics

 

Italian Cultural Center, Inc.
The Equitable Building, Suite 944
Ten North Calvert Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202-1806
Tel : 410-547-9934
Fax : 410-727-6563
Email : italcultura@palazzoitalia.org

 

Board of Directors

Dr. Francesco Luigi Legaluppi
Chairman
Consul of Italy - Baltimore

Robert G. Baldassari
Director
Matthews, Carter and Boyce, P.C.

Jay Irwin Block
Director
Jay I. Block, Esquire

 

Trustees

Capt. E. Lorenzo Di Casagrande
Mediteranean Shipping Company, (USA) Inc.

Emilio Bramati
Bramati Marble & Granite, Inc.

 

Officers

Dr. Francesco Luigi Legaluppi
Chairman of the Board & President

Susan Hihn Tifft
Chief Administrative Officer

John R. Karlsen
Secretary

Robert G. Baldassari
Treasurer

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN BALTIMORE'S LITTLE ITALY -- AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DINING AT IT'S FINEST

  Aldo's     306 South High Street   Reservations: 410/727.0700   Fax: 410/625.3700   Website       Amicci's     231 South High St.   Reservations: 410-528-1096   Website       Boccaccio     925 Eastern Ave.   Reservations: 410-234-1322           Caesar's Den     223 S. High St.   Reservations: 410-547-0820   Website       Cafe di Roma     Cafe di Roma   413 High St.   Reservations: (410) 685-1151       Chiapparelli's     237 S. High Street   Tel: 410-837-0309   Fax: 410-783-7985   Website       Ciao Bella     236 S. High St.   Reservations: 410-685-7733   Website    "Ask for Sucre Rosa-- the Lamborghini favorite!"   Da Mimmo     217 South High Street   Reservations: (410) 727-6876   Website       La Tavola     248 Albemarle Street   Reservations: 410.685.1859   FAX 410.685.1891   Website       Sabatino's     901 Fawn St.   Reservations: 410-727-9414   Website       Vaccaro's     222 Albemarle St.   Reservations: 410-685-4905   Website    "BEST DESSERT WINNER!"   Velleggia     829 E. Pratt St.   Reservations: 410-685-2620   Website    

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