Italy Day in Dallas

After the long weekend, our Chilean sisters returned to UA energized and excited about the cultural week ahead. Our first day, today, was focused on "Italy" and so we visited several people and places around Dallas with an Italian heritage and flavor. First, we visited Raviolisimo Ravioli factory which is owned by brother and sister, Phil and Chena Civello. Chena is a graduate of Ursuline Dallas and Phil attended Jesuit Dallas in the 1970s. The Civellos and their employees gave us a warm welcome which included a hands-on ravioli making demonstration. The students loved every minute and they learned a lot about how skilled one must be to create the perfect ravioli!  

Hello Raviolisimo!

Chena Civello at work

Phil explains the variety of products offered at Civello's

Time to try it ourselves! It's harder than it looks!  

Heart shaped ravioli for Valentines Day!

A little souvenir

Thank you to our friends at Civello's Raviolisimo!

After Civello's, we visited Jimmy's Italian grocery store where the students enjoyed Muffaletta sandwiches (a sandwich which originated in Sicily and was made popular in the USA by Italian immigrants in New Orleans) and cannoli. The DiCarlo family has operated an Italian market in Dallas since the 1950's so this store is an important and historical venue for the entire Dallas Italian community.

Tony welcomes our group - Grazie!

Delicioso!!

Buying a few tasty treats

All smiles!
 

Last, but certainly not least, we stopped at Campisi's Italian restaurant for lunch. We were greeted by owner and fellow Ursuline alum, Regina Campisi. Campisi's restaurant also has a long and special history in Dallas. Our lunch was delicious and we even got to eat some of the fantastic ravioli which is supplied by Civello's.

Pizza lovers!

Italian Cream cake - our favorite!!

Ms. Campisi and Mrs. Pezzimenti

Italy Day was a huge success!! The food was amazing!! We'd like to give a very special thanks to Mrs. Pezzimenti for helping to organize the day and to Ms. Smith for accompanying us. And a very special Grazie mille to Civello's, Jimmy's and Campisi's!