Spiaggia Celebrates The Cheeses And The Humanitarian Work Of Angelo Frosio

CHICAGO - On Tuesday, October 11, from 6 to 9 p.m., The Private Dining Rooms of Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd level) will host a cheese extravaganza featuring the cheeses of renowned Italian cheese maker and humanitarian Angelo Frosio. This special evening will showcase the unveiling of a four and a half year-old signature Grana cheese dedicated to Spiaggia (the oldest cheese in the world known to date), and other extraordinary cheeses crafted by Mr. Frosio, all expertly paired with fine wines. Proceeds from the event will benefit Mr. Frosio's art school for the handicapped in Lodi, Italy - the "Scuola d' Arte Bergognone" - a place where both children and adults can find comfort and express themselves through the arts.

The evening will include a presentation by Mr. Frosio himself, wherein he will explain the art of cheese-making, provide background on the featured cheeses and discuss the epicenter of his work - his art school. Guests will also have the opportunity to mingle with Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano and Mr. Frosio as they taste 15 cheeses - as they are paired with equally interesting wines - in The Private Dining Rooms of Spiaggia's elegant setting. The highest bidders will also be able to take a piece of the rare, four and a half-year old Grana home, as a live auction selling this rare delicacy will be held during the event.

Featured cheeses include varieties that have never before been seen in the United States, imported by Wiscon Corporation (Melrose Park, Ill.): Spiaggia Grana, the oldest cheese in the world, made from the milk of the red cow and aged underground; Gran Spiaggia, a cheese similar to Grana Padana with a sweet, delicate flavor; Montecaputo, an aromatic cheese from the region of Puglia with a slightly spicy finish; Formaggella delle Prealpi Orobiche; Gorgonzola Malghese; Robiole Lombarde; Tilsiter; Cheese "Afrodisiaco" and others.

Spiaggia currently carries two of Mr. Frosio's cheeses, the Red Cow Asiago cheese and Spiaggia Signature Grana cheese.

The cost to attend this special benefit is $65 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. Proceeds will benefit Mr. Frosio's school in Italy. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (312) 280-3300.


About Angelo Frosio:
Angelo Frosio is a world-renowned cheese maker, artist and humanitarian. He is a man of many "firsts" who, in 2003 had the honor of presenting Pope John Paul II with a signature, engraved cheese. He is also the brainchild of the artistic, life-size cows that once lined the streets of Chicago. Additionally, some of Mr. Frosio's art pieces are on display in the Rokiskio museum in Lithuania (Rokiskio Krasto Muziejus).

These accomplishments, and many more, stem from the fact that Angelo has dedicated his life to helping others, both through his school and his work in developing countries throughout the world. He has established a number of artisanal dairy farms using Italian cheese-making methods in countries with emerging economies, such as Lithuania and Brazil. He is also the founder of a unique art school in Lodi, Italy called "Scuola d' Arte Bergognone." Established in 1975, the school was built to educate young people in the art of painting, sculpting, antique furniture restoration and photography. The school is open every day, and its programs have been developed exclusively for the handicapped and disabled. Frosio says that to paint is to be well, and that painting stimulates expressive and manual abilities at an emotional level. For these reasons, and also because "art is a true expression of the heart," he believes it unleashes the positive creativity and personality traits possessed by his students.

About the Private Dining Rooms of Spiaggia:
Chicago's premier venue for private functions, The Private Dining Rooms of Spiaggia feature spectacular views of Lake Michigan