Italian Consul General Liborio Stellino, center, was among the VIP dignitaries welcomed to the grand opening of Olivadi Restaurant & Bar in Norwood Center by Chef Daniele Baliani, left, and General Manager Bruno Marini, right. (Photo courtesy of CBH Communications)

Italian Consul General Liborio Stellino was among the dignitaries celebrating the recent opening of the Olivadi Restaurant & Bar in Norwood Center. Named for a small town in the Calabria region of Italy, owner Anthony Delapa's new dining destination offers contemporary Italian cuisine in an inviting setting and is attracting not only local neighborhood patrons but also Greater Boston area foodies.

General Manager Bruno Marini comes to Olivadi as one of the most well respected restaurateurs in the region. The former G.M. and Wine Director of the Federalist XV Beacon, now Moo, Marini has been in the industry for nearly twenty years. The Newton native has worked in some of the city's top restaurants including Ambrosia, Davio's and Lydia Shire's Biba and Pignoli.

Raised in Rome, Executive Chef Daniele Baliani "brings Italy to Norwood," recreating old family recipes with a modern flair. A formally trained chef and entrepreneur with a political science degree from Columbia University, Baliani has manned the kitchen in some of the country's top restaurants, including opening Lydia Shire's Pignoli Restaurant and then moving on to New York City's wildly successful Le Cirque.

Marini and Baliani have created lunch, dinner and brunch menus featuring the perfect blend of contemporary interpretations of the region's cuisine and old-world favorites. The innovative menu is complete with homemade breads and desserts. The wine list features more than 280 wines.

Designed and constructed by Delapa Properties and Annino Associates Inc., Olivadi's bar-and-lounge area seats approximately 25 guests, and the dining room seats 90. Olivadi is located at 32 Guild Street in Norwood. For reservations or more information, call 781-762-9090.

Fun Party with The Boston Celtics Held at Dick's Last Resort

Dick's Last Resort in Faneuil Hall recently hosted their "14th Annual Holiday Party with The Boston Celtics" for dozens of special children from Boston Medical Center's Pediatric Hematology Program.

Celtics players who helped Santa distribute presents included Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Brian Scalabrine, Patrick O'Bryant and Gabe Pruitt.

The children arrived at the party "in style" courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston, had their faces painted by big-hearted volunteer artists from WHERE Magazine, and enjoyed toys generously donated by Hasbro, Inc.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to all!

Political Leaders and Pundits to Participate in 2009 Boston Speaker Series

The 2009 Boston "Speaker Series: The Minds That Move The World," will provide attendees with a unique framework for understanding America's current political landscape and its place in world politics, through the insights of some of the most prominent political figures of our time.

Due to the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural "Speaker Series" that premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York, this unique political forum is expanding in 2009 to Boston, where the Citi Performing Arts Center/ Wang Theatre will host four engaging events over a three- month period.

In light of the new political environment that faces our nation, the "Speaker Series" will undoubtedly generate heated discussion.

Beginning on March 10 at 8 p.m., the Citi Performing Arts Center/ Wang Theatre will host four special evenings with top political leaders and pundits, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore; former Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove; high profile political strategist James Carville; comedic political commentator Bill Maher; political hosts and commentators Ann Coulter, Charlie Rose, Soledad O'Brien, Lisa Ling and John Quinones; and political activist Al Sharpton. High profile political experts will serve as event moderators for several of the evenings.

"The Citi Performing Arts Center has always wanted to bring a speaker series surrounding topics that shape the national dialog," said Joe Spaulding, President & CEO of the Citi Performing Arts Center, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Madison Square Garden Entertainment and bring this exciting series to Boston."

The series will be formatted to allow for each participant to present his/her thoughts on a wide range of important current events and national issues, followed by a moderated question-and-answer period during which the moderator can elicit additional information and insights into particularly pertinent topics of the day.

For a complete schedule, tickets and more information, visit www.speakerseries2009.com, or call 1-866-348-9738.

Enjoy!

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