Sonoma County’s ended up with pesto, rather than egg on its face thanks to Pasta King Art Ibleto and several other good samaritans pitching in to feed some visiting musicians from Italy who almost went hungry.
On Monday the much-loved pesto pioneer saved the day — or at least lunch — when plans fell through to host 49 members of the Bandistico di Monte Urano at Sonoma State due to budget cuts.
”I called Art and asked if he could help out,” said Brian Wilson, chair of the music department at Sonoma State University who’s hosted the performers from Monteurano, Italy since Sunday. He anticipated feting them at the long-standing SSU president’s BBQ at the university on Monday. When the picnic got axed, Wilson had to figure out how to feed the hungry crew.
“I’ll tell you, if Art hadn’t stepped up, I was gonna buy them all #2′s at In-N-Out Burger,” Wilson said.
But Art’s not one to let anyone go without a meal. “I got a call from them and I had to do some fast running and fast cooking,” says Ibleto. That morning he whipped up his pesto pasta, marinara pasta, polenta and tri-tip, along with some Bella Sonoma wine for the group, all delivered to their campground.
It was the least he could do for his countrymen, he said. The Monteurano group hosted Sonoma State musicians last year. “They got the royal treatment over there. They got over here and I don’t know what happened. But they cleaned up everything I made. I couldn’t even feed a bird with their leftovers. We had a good time,” Ibleto said. He will feed the group again tonight.
Also helping to feed the perfomers is North Bay Charter & Tours, the local bus company who’ve been driving around the musicians all week.
When their driver Joe Mollenkopf heard the shoe-string budgeted group were going to have to foot the bill for one of their own meals, he decided to chip in money from his own tips and ask company owner Guido Boccaleoni to help out as well. “It was really kind of embarrassing to us that they were having to buy their own meals,” says Boccaleoni.
Wilson said it was understood that the group would be on their own for several meals, but appreciates the big-hearted gesture.
Boccaleoni and Mollenkopf are treating the Italians to a lunch at Round Table Pizza on their dime. “When my family come from Italy they always want to go there,” he says. “They love that pizza there.” Round Table is also helping to defray the costs. The perfomers have also been hosted at Graziano’s in Petaluma, a breakfast at Sonoma State, a lunch from the Italian American Cultural Foundation and dinners at the home of Sonoma State University students.
Turns out it does take a village. So, hats off and a glass raised to Joe, Art, Guido and everyone who’s helped show our visitors some Sonoma County hospitality.
The Monteurano musicians will perform their last concert tonight (Tuesday, 8/25) at 7pm at Windsor High School followed by dinner from the Pasta King.
(ABOVE PHOTO: JEFF KAN LEE for the Press Democrat. Flutist Natalia Mecichorska grabs some pizza during lunch while on a California tour with Bandistico di Monte Urano.)
http://www.zimbio.com/furnished-aparments-for-rent/articles/sj2XBAaSmsE/Where+to+rent+in+buenos+aires
What a class act. If only more people would act this way, what a nicer world it would be.
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
I cannot believe the great information on this site
As a member of North Bay Italian Cultural foundation, I am happy to report that we hosted this fantastic group of musicians at our annual Scampagnata (Italian Picnic) which was held last Sunday at the Wild Oak Polo fields.It was a fabulous event with incredible food & wine and wonderful music by this talented group! A good time was had by all. Networking and community involvement are alive & well!
When is Sonoma County going to work together with other agencies. The North Bay Italian community and its members should have been involved from the beginning. This event of visitng International musicians should have been shared with the comminuty.
Way to go Good Neighbor! You’re the best. We do have quite a few “redeeming” individuals in this county….Thanks Guido, Joe. Art and the rest of the compassionate people of Sonoma County for “saving face.”
Thanks all. I’m sad the print side didn’t pick it up today. It’s so nice to have a little happy amidst all the bad news.
heather thanks for bringing this story to light…it always warms the heart to hear about our community coming together. I wish the PD would make this a daily or weekly event.
Mr. Ibleto and the others who gave so generously to fill in the gap left by SSU’s untimely lunch cancellation are to be commended as true Sonoma County ambassadors. Many thanks for the save, Art and all!
Art’s done things like this for so long but there are yet so many who don’t know who this man is, and how great he has been for the county.
Maybe a few more of them know, now.
Art, you’re the best!
What a wonderful story. You make every Italian proud. You are what Sonoma County is all about. Thankyou Mr Ibleto and thankyou to everyone that helped out with this. God Bless all of you and may you live to be 100 years old Art!!
Loved this story. You make every Italian proud. You are, “THE MAN” Art!! God Bless you and your family and may you live to be 100!
The Pasta King is an amazing GENTLEMAN and always supports our community in so many ways.
THANKS,
Sheana D
Thanks to all those who stepped up at the right moment. Its nice to see good old Sonoma County Hospitality (and compassion) reflect so well on all of us!
thanks to art, joe, guido and everyone else for stepping in to help the visitors.