NewsFeed 10/22/2009 | 10:21 PM
Hello Friends,
On April 11, Garcia Boxing hosted its second annual “Celebrity Boxing for Charity” at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, benefiting the Kinship Center of Salinas.
Famed boxing trainer Max Garcia asked if I would jump into the ring and be one of the celebrity boxers at his fundraiser. Before I had time to think I had said yes, and then wondered what I just got my self into! But Max agreed to train me at his gym in Salinas and I’m happy to report I am actually beginning to get into shape and learn a little about boxing. To be honest, it is the hardest sport that I’ve ever attempted.
The Kinship Center is a non-profit adoptive care agency that helps place abused or abandoned children into permanent families.
A highlight of the event will be a bout between former NFL star Dana Stubblefield vs. former two-time world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, while I will be fighting against Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez (19-3).
Please consider joining us to help raise funds for the Kinship Center and come watch me get beat up for charity!
Please enjoy my newsletter and best regards to all.
Ci vediamo a presto (I hope to see you soon),
Rich Pèpe
NewsFeed 10/22/2009 | 9:50 PM
Q. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy and ate and drank like a KING. Amazingly, I lost some weight over there and look and feel great. Did I just experience the so-called “Mediterranean Diet”?
Doug McCall
Newport Beach, California
ANSWER:
A. Over the years I have accompanied hundreds of Americans on [...]
NewsFeed 09/28/2008 | 11:49 AM
Question: I am a big fan of your “Little Napoli” Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea and love to spend hours there while staying at the Highlands Inn several times per year. It was at your restaurant that I was introduced to what has now become my favorite wine, Antinori’s Chianti Classico called Pèppoli.
My friend and I mentioned to your manager, Jean Hubert, that six of our friends will be traveling throughout Italy in late September and would love to have your suggestions on your favorite places to visit at that time of year. We are thinking of going to Tuscany as we understand this is the harvest time. If possible, can you help arrange a tour of the Antinori Winery and also suggest some places to stay and restaurants to visit? We are looking for places that are fun, off the beaten track, relaxing, and beautiful (aren’t they all beautiful?!!). We will definitely go into to Firenze for at a few days also before we come home. Thank you for any help you can offer.
- Stephenie W.
NewsFeed 09/11/2008 | 2:38 PM
In this months column I have been asked a number of basic, yet interesting questions about visiting Italy. In a certain way, when we travel abroad we all would like to blend in with the locals and not be viewed as a tourist. I hope that some of my comments [...]
NewsFeed 09/28/2007 | 10:38 AM
Q. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy and ate and drank like a KING. Amazingly, I lost some weight over there and look and feel great. Did I just experience the so-called “Mediterranean Diet”?
Doug McCall
Newport Beach, California
ANSWER:
A. Over the years I have accompanied hundreds of Americans on my group tours to Italy. One of the first things visitors notice is that Italy seems to be a food and wine lover’s paradise – where bold flavors and freshness abound, and where expectations are rarely disappointed. However, it is ironic that given the quality and quantity of incredible food and drink, one rarely sees a “fat Italian.”
NewsFeed 03/28/2007 | 11:28 AM
Buying Gold on the Ponte Vecchio
QUESTION: Growing up as an Italian-American in the 50’ & 60’s, it always seemed that everyone of my family and friends had some sort of gold chain with a cross or medal around their neck. Often the gold was given to you by your godparents or sponsor at your confirmation, and you were certainly obliged to wear it forever. I’d like to continue this tradition for the next generation in our family. My wife and I are traveling to Florence this year and I understand that the Ponte Vecchio is the place that specializes in gold. Can you give me some tips on buying gold there?
Joey P.
New Haven, Conn.
NewsFeed 08/28/2006 | 11:51 AM
Q. Could you please tell me where spaghetti and meatballs came from? As far as I can tell, it doesn’t exist anywhere in Italy and none of the Italians I’ve met have even heard of it — at least in the north, I’ve heard Italian-Americans swear that it is a family recipe going back to Italy. Maybe it was a legitimate recipe in the south of Italy in the early 1900’s and got phased out of the popular cuisine between now and then in Italy while it continued here? I thought maybe you would have the answer.
Best regards,
Roger G.
NewsFeed 07/28/2006 | 11:53 AM
Q. The World Cup Soccer matches are so exciting to watch. While the game
is so loved around the world, it is especially ingrained into the fabric of daily life in
Italy. Can you tell me a bit about its origin and history?
NewsFeed 06/28/2006 | 12:17 PM
ASK MR. ITALY June 2006
* * * * * * * * * *
Q. My wife and I are traveling to the South of France for 6 days and then to Rome for 5 days this summer, staying near the Spanish Steps. We love good food and wine, but [...]
NewsFeed 06/28/2006 | 10:39 AM
QUESTION:
This year my wife and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary. I’d like to celebrate this special time with a trip to Italy, as we are both of Italian decent. Can you suggest a place that would be the utmost in relaxation and celebration?
R. De Blasio
Boston, Mass.
ANSWER:
Buon anniversario!!! Congratulations on your anniversary and I wish you many more years of happiness to follow.
The Italian peninsula offers are wide variety of romantic, relaxing destinations to celebrate such an occasion. Places like
NewsFeed 05/28/2006 | 12:19 PM
Q. Some friends and I are heading over to Italy soon on a “PizzaQuest”. I understand that your family is from Napoli (Naples) and that is where to find the best pizza? Also, are there any “do’s and don’ts in the pizzerias? Can you please give us a pizza tutorial?
NewsFeed 03/28/2006 | 12:27 PM
Q. I am going to visit Venice, Florence and Rome this summer and it will be my first time in Italy. Is it better to rent a car or take the train between these cities?
Q. On our last night in Rome, I would like to treat my wife to a wonderful farewell dinner. Can you suggest a very special restaurant for this occasion?
Q. I have always heard the lake region in Italy is very enjoyable. Do you have any suggestions?
NewsFeed 02/28/2006 | 1:46 PM
Q. The gondolas of Venice are such an amazingly lovely sight to see. But my 10year old child had an interesting question when he saw them on our trip last summer. Why are they all painted black?
A. The gondola is black for two reasons: a practical one, and a [...]
NewsFeed 01/28/2006 | 1:56 PM
Q. When flying into Italy, is there any way to avoid the large airports like Rome and Milan? We often find it so stressful to travel through the major hubs?
Q. If I only can get away for four or five days to Italy and this will be my first time there, which is the one city or region I should go and visit.
