Blog: Chef Michelangelo Heats up the South Bay

Bridges to Italy and the Academy of Foreign Languages host a series of mixers throughout the South Bay intended to bring together members of the local Italian community and Italophiles to share the many wonderful aspects of Italian culture such as language, food, fashion and design.

These monthly mixers are open to the general public but once in a rare while, they will host a limited, invitation-only event at a private home.

On April 30, the group assembled in Redondo Beach for an Evening of Traditional Italian Cuisine prepared by Chef Michelangelo Glionna of Parma, Italy.

Chef Michelangelo is from the Emilia Romagna region, situated in the heart of northern Italy. The production of classical foodstuff and rich traditional cuisine are very prominent in this region. Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, Lasagna al Forno and Bolognese Sauce all have their origins there, among many other Italian classics.

Chef Michelangelo has lived and worked in Florence, Milan, Treviso, Rome, Parma and traveled throughout Italy, savoring and discovering the many different regional cuisines.

The 25 lucky guests savored a five-course meal prepared on site.

The menu featured:

Tortino di Zucca, Caprino e Aceta Balsamico DOP di Modena
(Pumpkin puree with goat cheese with a balsamic reduction)

Crostini di Polenta e Funghi
(Polenta cake with minced mushrooms)

Crema di Ceci con Gamberi
(Garbanzo puree with shrimp)

Linguini al Pesto con Patate e Fagiolini
(Pesto linguini with potato and green beans)

Torta della Nonna
(Grandmother’s cake: secret recipe!)

Chef Michelangelo believes food is not only nourishment for the body, but a pure experience for the senses.

His style of cooking is strictly Italian and 100% authentic. He uses the freshest quality ingredients, preferably organic, and does modern and contemporary dishes, combining flavors with savory creativity. He prefers simple cooking with balanced menus using local ingredients. For this reason, he periodically prepares dishes according to the season. He happily adapts his cooking in accordance to tastes, preferences and dietary necessities.

Chef Michelangelo divides his time between Italy and the United States. He is based out of Beverly Hills and travels to locations all over the country to cook, teach, share and demonstrate his passion for extraordinary Italian cuisine.

For additional information on Chef Michelangelo, visit his website at michelangeloepicureangourmet.com.

For more information on South Bay Italian Mixer events, contact Bianca at bianca.d@bridgestoitaly.org or Daiana at dbaldanzi@earthlink.net.