by Lorie Lewis Ham
As Downtown Reedley prepares for its 14th annual Taste of the Town event on September 16, the Reedley Downtown Association (RDA) is excited about this year’s offering, which includes 20 vendors and music by Blues band Star Choice.
“Some people don’t understand how the evening works,” said Barbie Shakespeare, Executive Director of RDA. “You purchase your ticket, then the evening of the event you receive a wristband which allows you to sample foods and drink from each vendor while you’re listening to the beautiful sounds from blues band, Star Choice in Downtown Reedley. And you’ll be surprised to see Downtown all dressed up—trees are brought in and linen on all the tables. It’s a fun filled evening to share with family, friends, or co-workers.”
For one of the vendors, Reedley restaurant Valentino’s, this will be their ninth Taste of the Town. Owners Martin and Dawn Barcellos work in the restaurant daily but don’t always have the chance to speak with customers. This event allows them an opportunity to interact with the public and to support the community at the same time, stated Dawn.
Valentino’s Pizzeria was founded on November 18, l963 by Martin’s Uncle Joe Valentino and his wife Sylvia. After 30 years of building the business, nephew Martin and his wife Dawn purchased the well-established eatery, which is now known as Valentino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant. They continued operation at the original location for the first 10 years. A move was made to the beautiful downtown area several years ago and the restaurant is now located at 1043 G Street, nestled between 10th and 11th streets. Reedley’s Taste of The Town event has awarded Valentino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant the Peoples Choice Award and Tantalize My Taste Buds.
“Valentino’s allows Martin to further follow his desire to create dishes that are what his customer’s desire,” shared Dawn. “He enjoys making a special dish when a customer says ‘Just make me something you would eat’”.
This year Martin is making something new and special for Taste of the Town and he was willing to share his recipe with KRL. “This will be something quite unique for the event and afterward it will become the special feature at the restaurant in order to complement the completion of the Taste of the Town,” said Dawn.
Martin Sautéing Radicchio
Martin Making the Sauce
Radicchio Pomodori con Mostaccioli
RECIPE
3/4 pound Mostaccioli better known as Penne Pasta (This pasta is widely used in Italian Restaurants but not familiar to most by it’s name.)
1 head Radicchio
1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/6 cup Balsamic Vinegar
5 tbl spoons Parsley
2 Roma Tomatoes
2 cloves Garlic (crushed & chopped)
Salt & Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Cook pasta in boiling salted water (see pkg for cooking time)
Sauté thinly sliced radicchio in 1/2 of olive oil w/ salt/pepper to taste set aside
Martin Chopping Tomatoes
Chop roma tomatoes seeds removed
Add garlic, remaining amount of extra virgin olive oil & vinegar then toss well
Add warm pasta w/ remaining ingredients, toss well and serve
MANGI this is what the Italians say when they want you to eat!
Martin Stirring Radicchio Pomodori con Mostaccioli
To learn more about Valentino’s and see a copy of their menu, check out their
website
I and one of our teen writers, Jesus Ibarra, were able to taste this dish and agree that it’s delicious. Martin stated that it’s good both hot or cold and it’s very quick to make. If you want to try this wonderful dish along with what all the other vendors have to offer, check out this year’s Taste of the Town.
“We have a special this year. Purchase 8 tickets (table) for $175, get 1 ticket free,” said Barbie. Restaurants will also be offering gift cards for purchase on the night of the event.
Reedley Downtown Association’s
Taste of the Town featuring blues band, Star Choice
Thursday, September 16th
6:30 – 9:00pm
Tickets $25
(or Table of 8 for $175)
Purchase Downtown Reedley or online
“Gather your Friends, Family or Office Staff & Meet in Beautiful Downtown Reedley on Sept. 16th”
Participating Merchants:
Jon’s Bear Club
Valentino’s Italian Restaurant
Quick Fire Grill
Melinda’s Place/JJ Dukes
Costa Dorado
Uncle Harry’s
David’s Gourmet Gifts
Sansei Japanese Restaurant
World Handcrafts
Papa Murphy’s Pizza
El Monte
Jamba Juice
SaveMart Deli
The Quail’s Nest & Coffee Bar
Fresh Start Cafe
Cedar View Winery
Tivy Mountain Winery
Ramos Torres Winery
Brewbakers Brewing Company
Bari Olive Oil
Special thanks go to Lorie Ham and Jesus Ibarra for the personal interview they held at Valentino’s Italian Restaurant. This on line exposure was great ! The event was a success and we thank you for your contribution to this years event.
Thanks so much for the thanks! It was a fun article to write and the food was awesome! Glad the event went well.