26th edition of GALA ITALIA,
 the great Italian promotional event that  held on
 February 10, 2011
under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador in Washington, Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata.

GALA ITALIA continues to be the most important presentation of “Made in Italy” that has been promoting the best of Italy in the United States for more than a quarter of a century. To observe examples of the Gala’s past exhibitions of wine, gastronomy, art, fashion, music, and design, After the great success of the past edition of the event where the best quality Italian wines, specialty foods and gastronomy of the leading Italian restaurants were combined with the a high fashion garments of Atelier Aimee, the sport fashion of StarChic by Simona Ventura, a musical performance by Elena Bonelli, and the  fashion presentation If You Speak Fashion, You Speak Italian, the 2011 edition of the GALA ITALlA will have an even more exciting lineup of events, exhibitors, and participants.

In spite of the current economic crisis, leading Italian wineries from Antinori to Zonin, the most important food producers and the most prestigious Italian restaurants from SD26 to Serafina have already confirmed their participation at the event demonstrating their foresight regarding the economic recovery.

The star of GALA ITALIA will be the small, beautiful Fiat 500 car that is contributing to the revival of Chrysler. The Fiat 500 is being shown together with the Vespas by Piaggio, which have achieved one of the greatest Italian success stories in years, and a special new bicycle.

One of the highlights of the GALA ITALIA will be the Italian Fashion Show with apparel, jewelry and accessories for men and women from the spring-summer collection of a well known Italian designer. The presentation takes place on the large stage of the Broadway Ballroom and will be covered by television.

Other attractions of the GALA ITALIA include an art exhibition by two artists from Verona, a large photographic exhibition and the drawing of special prizes among the attendees.

The highlight of GALA ITALIA, will remain the traditional Grand Wine & Food Tasting to be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Broadway Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis (the largest hotel in New York). The GALA ITALIA expects the participation of the leading Italian producers, over 3,000 qualified and selected guests, restaurateurs and journalists of the Atlantic Coast of the United States.

The large number of Italian restaurants, producers and importers of Italian specialty foods present at the GALA ITALIA emphasize the importance of pairing Italian gastronomy and genuine Italian products with Italian wines. The Italian restaurants will occupy a large area called “VIA VENETO”.

During the Wine Tasting the wine producers participating in the GALA ITALIA will receive a certificate of merit attesting their inclusion in the “Special Selection of Top Italian Companies” in the wine world, and their information will be listed on the web page of the institute.

A special catalog is planned for GALA ITALIA, listing every participating company with the producer’s name and the station number, the name of the importers along with their addresses, telephone and fax numbers. Over 4,000 copies of the catalog will be printed and distributed to all the attendees and afterwards to all people of the wine and food trade.

The GALA ITALIA in New York will be followed by the Los Angeles Italian Wine Gala, on February 14 in the Valentino Restaurant of Piero Selvaggio to expand the promotional action on behalf of the “Made in Italy” in the great markets of California and the U.S. West Coast.

The GALA ITALIA is jointly organized by the Italian Wine & Food Institute and the Italian Foreign Trade Institute, under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador in Washington and the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Economical Development and of the Italian Foreign Trade Institute with the participation of the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Government Tourist Board.