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Gorgeous Food and Brilliant Fashion

Kicking things off with the most delightful specialty cocktails - "Caribbean Sea Breeze" (Monday) and "Pachino" (Tuesday) - served up by bartenders Mario and Sheldon, we were most certainly looking forward to Garibaldi's 1st ever Italian Festival theme "Italy At Its Best".

Owners, Milanese Vittorio Bottagisio and his Trinidadian wife Renée, created two nights of delectable Italian dishes with wine, music and fabulous fashion. Both evenings included a three course authentic Italian dinner with a full Fashion show with beautiful women modeling stylish, sensuous and glamourous apparel from both Via Solferino and Ilda's Boutique.

With culinary sampling from the various regions of Italy.. from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the fashion capital of Milan.. down to the spicy flavours of Sicily, their food might actually be the best tasting Italian we've eaten yet (and we've eaten Italian food from the top fine dining Italian restaurants in the US to the streets of Barcelona). When asked if the spicy flavours were influenced by Trinidadian culture, Bottagisio explained that these exact dishes can actually all be found in various parts of Italy.

On the menu, Antipasti (Appetisers) included Fish cakes on a bed of green with a red bell pepper sauce, Marinated Mediterranean Octopus Salad and Timballo of Mozzarella. The Main Course was Penne Arrabiata (penne in spicy tomato sauce) with a Chicken Involtino wrapped in spinach, vegetables and mozzarella cheese and Tilapia alla Mugnaia (pan seared Tilapia in a lemon sauce). Dolci (Dessert) was Mango Panna cotta (made of fresh julie mangoes) and the original Italian Tiramisu with lady fingers and mascarpone cheese, which rounded off the meal quite exquisitely.

While guests (including local celebrities such as Fashion Designer Meiling, Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe 2008 Anya Ayoung-Chee and ISLANDpeople founder Derrick Lewis), enjoyed their food, the beautiful models (including Attorney Toni Smart, Artist/Model Yashmin Campagne & Chartered Accountant Charlene Fifi Patty) showcased the trendy, fashion forward collections of fashion guru's Ambra Schettini (born and bred in Milan) of Via Solferino (located at 13 Mucurapo Rd. Santa Maria Plaza - Level 2, St. James) and Chantal Maundy (Italian/Trinidadian) of Ilda's Boutique (located in Long Circular Mall, Level 3). Why Food and Fashion? Well that's an easy one! Bottagisio explained that in Italy these are the two things that are most highly revered.

"It's a new year", says Bottagisio, "and it's time for change!" With that they will also be introducing their New Menu at Garibaldi's which includes from Fine Dining, with classics such as Ossobucco, Risotto, Fresh Pasta and Tiramisu to Casual Dining with truly affordable Luncheon Special Combos which are quick, light and healthy including their amazing thin crust "to die for" Pizzas. Ristorante Garibaldi offers not only Fine Dining but also Bar Garibaldi for "Fine Limin".

For reservations please call 772-2942 or 744-0240. Ristorante Garibaldi, 32 Fitt Street Woodbrook.