October 2009

On Friday, April 25th, it is time for our 3rd Annual Run/Walk on Carmel Beach with Jeff Galloway. Runner, walker, trainer, author, motivational speaker, race director and former Olympian…there may not be a stronger voice in the world of running & fitness today than Jeff Galloway. Jeff has developed a Run/Walk Program, which is designed so everyone goes at their own pace and accomplishes their own goals. Jeff has completed over 120 marathons and competed in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Little Napoli, my restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a BRONZE LEVEL SPONSOR of the Big Sur Marathon, and this event coincides with

Inviting accommodations and genuine hospitality create an indulgent retreat after a day experiencing the incomparable Pebble Beach Resorts. Why not come a day early and stay for a game of golf? Most rooms feature a private patio or balcony with magnificent views of forest, fairways or ocean, along with a cozy fireplace too..

The Greatest Boxer Singer of them all! Frank Sinatra at the Hoboken YMCA My dad, Johnny Pepe, and Frank Sinatra grew up together in Hoboken, NJ.  Back in the 20's and  early 30's the best place to hang around (if you wanted to stay out of trouble) was the Hoboken YMCA.  My dad wrestled on the team there, and Frank on occasion would  put on the gloves.  Frank's father fought professionally under the name of Marty O'Brien, but Frank soon realized he'd make a better singer than a fighter,

Community role models don't come any better than Kathy and Max Garcia. Owners and operators of Salinas-based Garcia Boxing, the husband-and-wife team runs a successful business and uses their success to reach out to help young people in the community. Kathy and Max Garcia "Kids need to develop good character, good morals and healthy habits early," says Kathy. "Why wouldn't we want to provide that opportunity where we can?" Garcia Boxing has become one of the most respected boxing organizations in California and has generated a winning style in the ring and in the community. The training and national success

Italians have gained great notoriety and fame in the boxing ring. In fact, three of the most famous boxing movies were biographies of Italians: Rocky Graziano (Somebody Up There Likes Me), Jake LaMotta (Raging Bull), and Rocky Balboa (Rocky). OK, that last one was fiction, but here is a short list of famous paisanos who held world championships. Rocky Marciano Primo Carnera Tony Galento Rocky Graziano Jake LaMotta Carmen Basilio Nino  Benvenuti Jimmy "White" Amato Marty Servo Tony DeMarco Ray Mancini Arturo Gatti Willie Pep The Greatest

Hello Friends, On April 11, Garcia Boxing hosted its second annual "Celebrity Boxing for Charity" at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, benefiting the Kinship Center of Salinas. Famed boxing trainer Max Garcia asked if I would jump into the ring and be one of the celebrity boxers at his fundraiser. Before I had time to think I had said yes, and then wondered what I just got my self into! But Max agreed to train me at his gym in Salinas and I'm happy to report I am actually beginning to get into shape and learn a little about boxing. To be

At Pèppoli, chef Angela Tamura is passionate about the use of the highest quality ingredients available.  She shops as locally as possible, and often uses organically grown ingredients.  Also, the finest Italian imported products are used to create our own one of the finest representations of Italian food in America. To learn more about the Peppoli Vineyard and view the dinner menu at Peppoli at Pebble Beach, please click here.   Each year, I import exclusively for Pèppoli and Little Napoli in Carmel the wonderful olives oils from our partner Piero Antinori. The Antinori family does not send any of their olive oils

“ANTICA is a symbol for Antinori California and expresses in Italian our family's passion for winemaking passed along 26 generations. Napa Valley has a special place in my heart beginning with my first visit in 1966, having the free spirit coming from a new frontier, a wonderful history, and the potential to produce world-class wines. Our wine estate is located on a high plain in the eastern mountains of the celebrated Napa Valley. Its hilly terrain, rocky soils, high elevations and beautiful landscape create above all an estate ideal for winegrowing.”

Under the Tuscan Moon - 2009 With Antinori Visiting Chef Cinzia Ninci “We savored the cuisine and wines of Tuscany as chefs Cinzia Ninci and Arturo Moscoso each prepared two original dishes in the four-course prix-fixe dinner. Our wine servers were on hand to help in selecting the perfect Antinori wine to compliment each course. The chefs were in the dining room during the evening sharing their passion for Italian food and wine.”

Glenn Salva has been responsible for all winegrowing activities for ANTICA NAPA VALLEY, the Antinori Family’s Napa Valley, California wine estate since 2002. Antica Napa Valley, with a perfectly harmonious blend of Tuscan and Californian styles in its DNA. “Antica” is a symbol for Antinori California and represents the realization of a long-standing desire to produce great Antinori Family wines in the Napa Valley. The first wines, a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2006 Chardonnay, were released last year to rave reviews and high scores. In addition to his Napa Valley responsibilities, Glenn also provides assistance to other Antinori wine