The hills were alive with the sound of music. I refer to the hills around the Addamo Estate Vineyards on Clark Road and the music of Chef Anthony LoRusso, known as the “singing chef.”
Chef LoRusso entertained about 130 guests, who paid $100 a ticket for a fundraiser, on July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests went home with a copy of LoRusso’s paperback cookbook, Sing & Cook Italian, and a CD, That’s Amore.
“Amore and familia, that’s what life is all about,” the very approachable LoRusso told his audience in introductory remarks.
The chef, who loves singing and cooking, was able to combine these two passions in an entertainment career. Now a resident of Santa Barbara, LoRusso grew up in a New Jersey household of cooks who listened to Italian opera while making simmering sauces. “Sing and stir” is surely his mantra.
On this particular evening, Chef LoRusso demonstrated cooking techniques under a huge white tent adjacent to the Addamos’ Tuscan villa-style home. Vineyards lush with gorgeous green leaves abutted two sides of the tent.
Chef LoRusso’s demo table was flanked by two video screens, which flashed scenes of Italy and lyrics to songs like “Santa Lucia.” A sing-along preceded a dinner of salad, chicken scaloppini, garlic mashed potatoes, and julienne vegetables.
The chef relied on his Sicilian grandmother’s recipe for dessert: ricotta cheesecake garnished with berries. Then the amiable cook roamed around the tent, autographing his book.
This event was hosted by the nonprofit People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY), which is affiliated with the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks. PLAY’s brochure says that it is “committed to making new and improved recreation programs and services available throughout the Santa Maria Valley.”
This was a very pleasant party where Santa Marians could schmooze their hearts out over a glass of the Addamos’ excellent wines in a beautiful setting. Pinot Grigio, Dolchetta, Riesling, and Chardonnay were poured by staffers circling the green turf.
It was simply a case of eat, drink, talk, sing, and be merry. No silent auction. No live auction. No 50-50 raffle. No bidding for centerpieces.
Having Italian ancestry, Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino (with wife Donna) would not miss this dinner. Likewise with the Brunellos, Jackie and Bruno, and Rich Martini (with wife Dee) of D. Martini Investments.
Ken and Susie Martin of Stardust Limousine Services were early arrivals. City Councilman Bob Orach and Mary Ellen (herself a cook of some repute) came to sip and sup. John and Sharon Henning were among the guests, as were Judy and Charlie Markline and the United Way’s Raynette Cornejo.
Director of the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, Alex Posada, there with wife GDJulie (another cook worthy of praise), snapped pictures. Lompoc’s Kathleen Ivory and I shared a table with three out-of-towners: Laura Kath, president of Mariah Marketing in Los Alamos; Mary Harris, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association; and Terry Remick, who sells advertising for the Santa Ynez Journal. In between Chef LoRusso’s musical numbers and oohs-and-ahs over the wines and food, we five enjoyed a spirited conversation about East Coast and Midwest origins.
For more information about PLAY, call 925-0951.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 6, 2009.