Italy holds a special place in my heart. I spent six months there in college, and those six months I still consider the best in my life. Maybe because it was the first time I’d gone abroad alone and thus, quickly learning to fend for myself; maybe it was learning a new language, then surprising myself when I actually spoke it; maybe it was all that wine and delicious foods I discovered. I’m sure it was all those things and more. I know it was the friendships I formed (both American and Italian), friendships that I still maintain today (thank you, Facebook!).

Italy became one of those places I consider home. Even though I’ve not been there in twenty years I still think of #10 Via Patricio as home. So when I heard about the April 6 earthquake in Abruzzo, I shuddered. Fortunately none of my friends were affected by the devastation, but many cannot say the same. Hundreds of lives were lost, thousands were hospitalized, and tens of thousands more have been displaced.

Here in the Northwest (Seattle and Portland) restaurants are rallying together in an effort to support the victims of the quake in Abruzzo. On June 24, restaurants participating in the “Big Night for Abruzzo” will donate a portion of their sales to the victims of the L’Aquila earthquake.

Participating Seattle Area Restaurants Include: Barolo, Bella Italia, Bella Napoli, Branzino, Cafe Lago, Caffe Fiore, Caffe Umbria, Caffe Vita, Calabria Ristorante, Cantinetta, Ciao Vito, Europa Bistro, Firenze, Gaspare, Hunt Club @ The Sorrento Hotel, Il Bistro, Il Terrazzo “Carmine”, La Rustica, La Spiga, La Vita é Bella, Mamma Melina, Marcello, Mio Posto, Mondello, Paradiso, Piccolino, Pizzeria Guido, Pizzutos, Procopio, Pulcinella, Restaurant Zoe, Ristorante Luciano, Salumi, Salvatore, Sorrentino, Tavoláta, The Mark, The Pink Door, Trinacria, Troiani, Tulio, Tutta, Bella, Via Tribunali, Vince’s

Participating Portland, Oregon Area Restaurants: Ciao Vito, Nostrana, Salute

Major Sponsors Include: Caffe Vita, Dinerware, Ferrari of Seattle, Gravity Payment, Peroni, Rosella Produce, Stoneway Concrete, Vi Wines, Vio Vi Juice of Blood Orange

Date: Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
Location: Please See List Above
Time: Varies Depending on Location
More Info Please Email: yuasa@caffevita.com

For more information about the L’Aquila earthquake click here.

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