Top Chefs Unite to Make a Difference - Chefs Who Care event to benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation

Chefs Who Care event to benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation 

 Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through La Riviera D'Italia, accompanied by the finest Italian wine and spirits, at the highly anticipated Chefs Who Care event. Taking place on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 5-9pm at The English Manor in Ocean Township, NJ, this premiere gathering of renowned chefs from New York City and New Jersey aims to raise funds and awareness for The Ashley Lauren Foundation and honoring Sir Gary Kong. The Foundation provides much-needed hope, help, and support for children with cancer and their families throughout the State of New Jersey. 

Prepare to indulge your senses as the Chefs Who Care event brings together the mastery of top culinary artists. These talented chefs will showcase the exquisite cuisine of La Riviera D'Italia, offering guests an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Paired with premium Italian wine and spirits, this celebration of flavors will transport attendees to the heart of Italy. 

"We are very excited for this year's roster of industry veterans and Michelin star chefs. Some of the participating chefs will include Chef Jacques Torres, Chef Cesare Cassella, Chef Silvia Barban, Chef Ariane Duarte, Chef Jesse Jones, Chef Angelo Competiello, Chef Surbhi Sahni, Chef Joe Murphy, Chef Joe Settepani and Chef Fabrizio Facchini with more chefs coming on board each day,” said Gennaro Pecchia, Co-Chair of the event, Co-host of The Good Food Fellas on Spotify. “Additionally, we have partnered with Calvisius Caviar, Urbani Truffles, San Pellegrino and other luxury brands for the evening," added Eric Vitale, Co-Chair of the event, Eric Vitale Photography. 

As renowned chefs generously donate their time and talent to support a worthy cause, Chefs Who Care is a testament to the generosity and compassion of the culinary community. With their culinary prowess, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of children battling cancer and their families. 

The Ashley Lauren Foundation, the beneficiary of this remarkable event, has been providing vital assistance to children with cancer and their families in New Jersey for almost two decades. “I founded this organization in 2005 based on my own experience when my daughter Ashley Lauren, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three,” shared Monica Vermeulen, Founder and Executive Director of The Ashley Lauren Foundation. Through various programs and initiatives, the Foundation offers financial, emotional and material support, ensuring that families have the resources they need to navigate the challenges of pediatric cancer. “This event will strengthen our ability to bring much-needed resources and assistance to children and their families who are facing the horrific disease of pediatric cancer,” continued Vermeulen. All proceeds from the Chefs Who Care event will directly benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation and its noble mission. 

“We are so honored to announce our Humanitarian Award Recipient for the event - Sir Gary Kong,” stated Vermeulen.  Sir Gary came to America at 16-years-old from China without family or a dollar to his name. He overcame adversity, learning the English language to pursue his lifelong passion - the American dream. 

With humble beginnings, he worked in the kitchens of 5-Star Restaurants, saving his money, buying a real estate property each year, and helping others. He ultimately became a Sous Chef. 

After his gratitude and experience that he acquired in the culinary industry, he pursued his lifelong goal of becoming a Chinese American entrepreneur. Today he is a self-made businessman & real estate developer, but his greatest passion is philanthropy. He believes in giving back through supporting his Flushing community & outside charity organizations fighting the good fight. His humanitarian efforts are beyond reproach & have been nationally recognized. “We would like to thank Sir Gary for the special donations from his winery and brewery, The 1 Wine and NY Classic Beer,” noted Vermeulen. 

"We are thrilled to host the Chefs Who Care event and bring together these incredible culinary talents for an evening of culinary delights," said Vitale. "By joining forces with The Ashley Lauren Foundation, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families. This event is not just about enjoying exceptional cuisine; it's about coming together as a community to provide hope and help to those who need it most."

 Guests attending the Chefs Who Care event can anticipate an exceptional evening filled with unforgettable flavors, live entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on unique culinary experiences and exclusive items in the silent auction. It is a night that promises to inspire, uplift, and create lasting memories. 

Tickets for the Chefs Who Care event are $175 per person and are available for purchase at AshleyLaurenFoundation.org. The proceeds will go directly towards supporting the programs and services provided by The Ashley Lauren Foundation. 

For more information about the Chefs Who Care event, including sponsorship opportunities and media inquiries, please contact: Monica Vermeulen, Executive Director, 732.414.1625.

About The Ashley Lauren Foundation:

The Ashley Lauren Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to children in New Jersey who are affected by cancer. The foundation offers direct financial assistance, emotional support, and various programs to improve the quality of life for children and their families as they undergo treatment. For more information, please visit AshleyLaurenFoundation.org.

 

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Exciting new Italian films opening up across the United States

Over the next few months, Italian films will dominate the US film world, here are a few spectacular films out in theaters now and this summer.

THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS

a film by Felix van Groeningen and

Charlotte Vandermeersch

L’IMMENSITA

a film by Emanuele Crialese

NOSTALGIA

a film by Mario Martone

For more on many Italian films, please visit  Cinema Made in Italy 

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I'm the daughter of Italian immigrants, first generation Italian American

 

I’m the daughter of Italian immigrants, first generation in 🇺🇸. I’d like to bring awareness to all the accomplishments made by the Italians who emigrated to America and ultimately became the backbone of this country along with other immigrants from around the world. Immigrants have always been the backbone and by now most Italians have assimilated into American society. We are Italian Americans. It’s important to preserve and celebrate our history, accomplishments, contributions, culture, traditions and love for the American dream. 

If you would like to be featured or have an event, book, food product, story, film, PR etc, and you would Iike to be featured on my blog, social media, podcast or be a guest writer for the IAG site please send me an email for consideration.

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Pasta e fagioli! Warm, delicious Italian dishes

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Italian minestrone gluten free, vegan recipe

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Italian minestrone gluten free, vegan recipe

• Sautee onion, celery, carrots in large pot with olive oil. 
• Add a few cups of water or vegetable broth depending on the size of your pot, don't put too much as this could water down the consistency.
• Add tomatoes, cannellini or red kidney beans - I like to drain the beans first before adding.
• Add your spices - oregano, salt to taste, garlic powder (you can put whatever you like)
• Add your pasta - I cook my pasta first and then add to my soup mix for final boil. I make gluten free usually and it tastes just as amazing as regular.
• I cook everything for about 30 minutes or till I feel all vegetables are soft, don't overcook if you've added pasta because then it can break apart. Just my suggestion.   Also I find with minestrone soup, I make it slightly different each time, because you can be creative with vegetables.   Happy soup season! 

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Italian Style: Vegan Gluten Free Dishes - Grilled Vegetables & Air Fried Sweet Potatoes

Here's another great couple of dishes I've perfected over the last year while we hunkered down during the pandemic.  I discovered that using an air fryer is actually very convenient and cooks so many meals in no time and in a healthier way.   Here's a great post about the benefits of using an air fryer: (Read here) 

This week I made a grilled vegetable  (zucchini and eggplant) for this I used my trusty old George Foreman grill, which I love.  I slice the vegetables on my cutting board usually in circle shape of the vegetable not long ways to get more onto the grill. I lay them onto the grill and drizzle a tad of olive oil, I only use extra virgin oil btw.  I also lay a few garlic slices across the layer of vegetables to give it an extra great taste, I love garlic. 

For the stuffed mushrooms, I combined my 4C Gluten Free bread crumbs with Kosher salt, garlic salt, dried basil, dried oregano, some slices of fresh garlic.  I then mix that and insert inside my cleaned mushrooms, I remove the stems and save those for an upcoming chicken dish or omelet contents.  I then drizzle olive oil onto the tops put into the air fryer at lower temp and for about 20 minutes.  You can add mozzarella cheese to the tops.  

My sweet potatoes are amazing! Let's just start there. I wash the potatoes first just to get any dirt off.  I think cut them into French fries shape, it took me a while to figure out to cut potatoes so they would be better in the air fryer.  

I then put them all cut into another dish and drizzle olive oil, garlic salt and dried basil.  I cover the dish and shake it making sure everything is coated.  I then put into the air fryer at a low temp for up to 25/ 30 minutes. I flip the potatoes often because I like them golden.   

Once all your dishes are done cooking I plate them and wow! Healthy, quick and very satisfying!  

 

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Italian Girls, Curly Hair! Part 3!

This topic is my most searched topic on my site, I believe our curly hair mystifies our cultural foundations.  Here's my story continued: my father had very tight curly hair and even as a man his hair even at 91 maintained its curly texture.  I definitely took after my father, and interestingly enough both my parents are direct from Reggio Calabria, Italy.  In my family, there a few of us with my type of hair and now with the newer generation, my niece has my hair, so its fascinating to understanding DNA and how it evolves over generations and lineage.   

Here's a link to the hair products I use and for me personally, its a full on task to take care of curly hair. Most days, I actually wear my hair up in a bun or braid.  I do get away with not washing hair for a few days because curly hair allows for it, just my preference.  You do have to comb out your hair though on wash days because any type of bun or braid seriously knots my hair.   The other element that I believe is the secret sauce for maintaining and getting my hair to look good is actually coloring my hair.  I get my hair highlighted and honestly when I do, it controls my hair even more.  

Let me know if you have more questions.  

 

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New Recipe! Vegan and Gluten Free Pasta with Cannelli Beans!

It's Spring time, so many amazing new and clean dishes are on the horizon. I love cooking clean, so anytime I can put together something easy and super healthy is a huge win for me!  What I ended up making recently was a very easy gluten free pasta dish with cannelli beans.

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Here's the recipe:  

• Gluten Free Pasta
• Cannelli Beans (I usually use Goya brand) 
• Garlic 
• Olive Oil 

Ok so sorry for those of you who need specific measurements, but like many Italians ( not all) we usually eye it.. (shrug) 

• I boil the water for my pasta first, I add a pinch of salt in my water and the only salt I use is Kosher and wait for the water to come to a boil.
• I open my can of beans and rinse them first. 
• I put a pan on with olive oil (extra virgin), once the oil is hot I add my garlic its important not to burn your garlic so adjust your heat accordingly. 
• I add my can of beans to the pan and start stirring the beans so they get entrenched with the garlic and oil  I leave this on for about 15 minutes, its important not to burn your beans literally because they will dry out and start to crack, you want it moist.  
• Ok, back to the pasta: the water is boiling and now I add my pasta.  I cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, every pasta is different on cook times and also depends if you want it al dente, which I do. 
• Then pasta is ready, I do the test with my wooden spoon scoop one out and eat it, if its good I then drain the pasta. 
• I now marry the pasta with the beans and mix them up nicely. 
• I like to garnish the final dish with basil and some red hot pepper flakes, and finito.! Enjoy. 

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There is only one Papa.

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 Over the years on my site I’ve always talked about my father because he’s a huge influence in my life and sharing all the beautiful, amazing and loving stories about my father was always a great way to share what makes me an ‘Italian American Girl.’. I haven’t shared this here yet because I haven’t had the strength to talk about it more other than my personal profiles. My father passed away this October ironically on Columbus Day, the same day he arrived in America over 50 years ago. I’m heart broken and I miss him deeply, there is nothing more amazing than a father who loves you, supports you and makes you laugh. A true man always took care of everything, worked three to four jobs, always provided and still had time for his family and always made you feel special no matter what. Although I miss him terribly he somehow continues to inspire and motivate me. 

There is only one Papa. ❤️

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Favorite Hair Products for Naturally Curly Hair - Italian American Girl Edition

 

Its' May! Time is flying and I feel like we've been locked up in the house forever, oh wait... we actually have.. how did all of this happen? ..So crazy.  

Well with the newer positive changes happening, we're starting to get out and back to some sort of normalcy. 

 For me, this means going back to the salon and taking care of my hair and actually doing my hair to go somewhere. Who else has gotten to used to buns and scrunchy looks just because you weren't or had to do or go anywhere? ugh.. Well enough with that. 

Today I'm going to share with you my top three styling products for naturally curly hair.  I started using an organic hair care line, which I absolutely love. If you have naturally curly hair you know that it can be coarse, unruly and sometimes can dry out faster due to 'cheaper' products.   I always get asked what I use on my hair because I manage to make my curls very separated, and not dry looking.  So, I'll tell you though one of the major secrets is actually having great hair color on your hair, that is ..if you color your hair. My hair behaves so much better when its colored and high-lighted.. that is also an organic hair color line.  

So with out further delay here are my top picks: 

O&M MAINTAIN THE MANE SHAMPOO (12OZ)

O&M MAINTAIN THE MANE CONDITIONER (12OZ)

OWAY CURLY POTION (240ML)

Do you have a favorite brand that you use?  Drop a comment below and let me know. 

~Margaret 

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Top 3 Best Pasta Dishes!

 

Over the last year since we've all been home and figuring what to do with our home bound lives, I've found some more peace and fun in cooking and trying new dishes.  Since I was always at work for the last 100 years, I never had time really to cook or spend more on time on experimenting unless it was a weekend.  So based on my Instagram statistics, I pulled the top three pasta dishes that you and the Italian American Girl audience interacted with most!  

• Linguini with sauteed brocolli -which consists of some olive oil and a dash of red pepper which is my personal favorite. 

• Believe it or not a simple dish yet so amazing is peas with pasta.  I usually cook with gluten free pasta by the way. The peas were sauteed with onions and then incorporated with the pasta.  This also has the flavor of the olive oil while it sauteed.

• Lastly, I love grilled zucchini with garlic and olive oil over a dish of pasta.  I also add fresh sauce at times, just depending on how I want that dish.   

So many varieties and flavors to making pasta.   Tell me your favorite pasta dish or make a recommendation for any pasta brand or products you love most. 

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Best Italian American Christmas Food Scenes

Happy New Year! Buon Anno everyone!  Here are a few Italian American food scenes I captured over the last week, check out my Instagram account too for some daily food pics of dinners, food and scenes.   What did you make this past holiday, what traditional dishes are you still making and keeping alive for your family traditions? 

Baileys Irish Cream Cordial - My favorite cordial is a great Irish creme, we spread the love of our international Irish friends. 

Arugula Pizza with Truffle Oil from Porta Pizza in Asbury Park, N.J. 

Pesto (basil leaves with garlic, olive oil blended in my mini) then sautéed over a low flame with #glutenfree pasta and stuffed #mushrooms with #glutenfree bread crumbs, garlic, and salt with olive oil drizzled and then cooked in the air fryer till crispy. 🍄 🍝 🌿 

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Italian Christmas Short Bread Cookies Recipe!

 The Italian Shortbread Cookie Recipe is back by demand.  

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It's Time for the Best Italian Cookie Recipes!

It's that time of year when I share and re-share the best traditional Italian cookie recipes from years past to now. These are all family recipes, we may film new cookie recipes this year as the kids have gotten older and there are always new requests and variations. 

Here's the second variation, this is my sister's recipe: 

http://www.italianamericangirl.com/2019/01/italian-shortbread-cookies-official.html

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Interview with On Air Expert & Entrepreneur Dawn Del Russo

NEW! Margaret Fontana Media presents: Interview with Dawn Del Russo; On Air Expert and Entrepreneur

Dawn Del Russo is an author and on-air TV style expert seen on Access Hollywood Live, Meredith Vieira, Extra TV, E News!, Glamour Mag Show Dress To Kill and in print Vogue Italia, InStyle, Cosmo, Real Simple, Life & Style and US Weekly. She is NY’s 95.5 PLJ resident “What to Wear Weather” girl in the mornings.

Dawn is a social media sweetheart and can be found chatting about fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle her Youtube channel,Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

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Interview: Taylor Taglianetti Founder of The National Organization of Italian Americans in Film & Television

Margaret Fontana Media Presents: An Interview with Taylor Taglianetti founder of the The National Organization of Italian Americans in Film & Television (NOIAFT). 

Taylor Taglianetti 

Taylor is a producer and celebrity interviewer. She is currently producing a short documentary, Heirloom, featuring Isabella Rossellini, about the significance of gardens in the Italian American community. It is set to release in October 2020.

A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Taylor has worked at Paradigm Talent Agency, NBCUniversal, Silver Pictures, and Maven Pictures. In addition to developing various feature length projects, Taylor has experience producing and directing short films. Her debut short film, Generation Hollow, was produced by the leading non-profit, Reel Works, and was an Official Selection at the 2014 Girls Film Festival and the Juror’s Choice for Outstanding Filmmaking at the 2014 Women of African Descent Film Festival.

Check out our interview here: 

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