Michelle Kaplan

Littly Italy in the Palm Beaches - FORGEDDABOUDIT!

Mama Mia, for a few special days, Abacoa Town Center will be transformed from the trendy little Mediterranean-style, upscale shopping center to what resembles a corner of New York City’s Little Italy complete with an outdoor market, strolling according players and opera sung from the balconies above, all in preparation for the three-day event known as the Feast of Little Italy from November 7-9.
The Feast allows participants the opportunity to immerse themselves, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling Italian neighborhood.

Walk through open-air markets while the sizzle of street vendors searing sausage competes for your attention as you catch a waft of the warm aroma of baking bread. Neighbors gather to chat on the walkway as conversation melds with laughter and the tinkling of wine glasses with the encouraging sporadic yell of “Mangia,” thrown in for good measure.

The annual event started in 2003, as a way for the community to steep themselves in Italian culture, food, art and music. It is free and open to the public. This year, the event is literally bigger than ever with a physical expansion.

One-hundred vendors will be on hand as the expanded area extends down University Drive and turns into an outdoor block party billed as the hottest party in town, the “Comcast Triple Play Street Party,” features a live DJ spinning music with dancing in the streets, late into the night.

A special kid’s zone hosted by the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals baseball teams will feature interactive games and an opportunity to meet their mascots.

Of course one has to acknowledge the quintessential piece of Italian culture - the cuisine!

“The food IS the main highlight of the whole event,” said Jennifer Sardone public relations representative.

“Sausage and peppers, a fine glass of wine and cooking demonstrations - so it’s not just to eat, but see how it’s made…and learn the history of the wine itself.”

Is that amore in the air, or are you under the influence from visiting the wine tasting booth where participants can try offerings from Francis Ford Coppola’s winery and a new attraction, Danny Di Vito’s Limoncello Bar.

Each night a special headliner will entertain the crowd including Lena Prima on Friday night, Deanna Martin on Saturday night and the a cappella group, Tre Bella. The Legends of Doo Wop on Sunday night.

“Don’t miss Deanna Martin, Dean Martin’s daughter, a very talented singer who’s traveled the world.” Sardone points out other ‘must see’ attractions.

“Joseph’s Classic Market will host an actual food market, they’re known for sausage and will have other delicacies that can be found in the actual store… Opera has always played a big part in the Italian heritage, it’s never been a part of the event, and this year a tenor will be singing opera over the crowd.”
With the impending holiday season, the festival will offer the community the opportunity to give a little something back.

“Bank Atlantic will be conducting a food drive for St. Vincent’s De Paul with a drop off center for food donations. Patrons can make a $20 donation at the festival to provide a family of five a complete holiday meal, including all side dishes and 15lb turkey. Beginning October first, the bank will accept food donations at any of their county branch locations.”

For more information on the Feast of Little Italy, please visit www.feastoflittle
italy.com or call (561) 427-0500.

SIDEBAR:

Among the local talent performing is local dancing duo Camilo Navarrete, 19, of Palm Beach Gardens and Donny Farina, 20 of Jupiter. The two have wowed crowds with their moves at local talent shows and area clubs.

Navarrete was discovered in a Cinderella story when he posted his dance routines on YouTube. It wasn’t long before an MTV producer came-a-calling.

“I thought it was a joke, why are they talking to me, they usually have a casting call,” said Navarrete.

The producer had him Google her, so he would know she was legit.

“She said to learn this dance, the Aunt Jackie and record it on video and submit it to her. I entered into a contest where people voted at home by texting on their phones - I won by two thousand votes.”

The contest led to appearances on MTV’s Total Request Live where he appeared with Eva Mendez and Kid Rock. He also hosted three episodes of Dances from the Hood where he instructs the audience on the latest dances that are popular
in the trendy clubs in LA and New York such as the “Sponge Bob” and the “Freak Nasty.”