9061 La Dolce Vita 2008 Feedback

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I arrived at La Dolce VIta today, Saturday, a little earlier than previous times, around 11am. I was surprised that it was so quiet. There were loads of empty seats in the bars and ristorante Piazza Italia. However towards lunchtime these seats did fill up and there was not only food and drink being savoured but a couple of live concerts to enjoy.

The first one was given by Puccini In Lucca company - Every day, apparently in Lucca they give a concert. Today three sopranos and a tenor sang both Puccini and Verdi arias. Breathtaking. [url=http://www.puccinielasualucca.com]Puccini e la sua Lucca - Presentation of The first Festival dedicated to Giacomo Puccini & his music in Lucca - Puccini Events Lucca - Puccini Concerts Lucca - Opera Concerts Puccini - 150TH ANNIVERSARY FROM THE BIRTH OF GIACOMO PUCCINI[/url]

The second by La Differenza who are currently enjoying success with "Domenica"

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVpreB3p2ew[/ame]

[url=http://www.myspace.com/differenza]MySpace.com - La Differenza - "Live in London (UK) 13.14.15 Marzo", IT - Pop / Rock - www.myspace.com/differenza[/url]

I thoroughly enjoyed both.

The Fashion Show featured designs from exhibiting designers but for me only some of the knitwear looked spectacular. Yet again the models appeared to be a mere pastiche of what models are supposed to look like (stunning). They were far from it alas. I noticed, they lift their feet up!!! So funny to watch and indeed to practise!!! lol

There was the Wine Academy, Italian Cookery School, Fiat Stand with very tall slim Italian girls dressed in white top to toe, jewelry stands,. I was disappointed that there wasn't a big stand selling a variety of Eastet goodies like Colomba Cake although in Piazza Italia at one of the bars you could buy one, but only one make.

Of course all that wonderful Italian food and wine to sample, lots and lots of it. I especially enjoyed what Puglia was offering.

I spoke with Pam Bates, Villia Sibillini, Jackie C, Remax and Sarah, Garda Homes and they seemed to think there were fewer people this year.

I left around 5pm. There's a limit to how many times one can circle a food stand!!!.

I was sorry though to have missed Ronald. Next year!!!

Over to you Tutti. I'd be interested to hear your comments if you also visited.

Category
General chat about Italy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 13:54

I went on the Sunday and there were too many people there to be able to see everything. I enjoyed especially trying all the different hams, cheeses. I did go home with an Olive tree which I hope that will grow in my garden in Surrey. Looking forward to next Year!:

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 14:05

"moved to italiauncovered.co.uk"

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/18/2008 - 15:42

I was at Dolce Vita as part of the Scuola di Cucina...it was a mixture of fun and farce.....expensive fun and farce too...the rest of the show looked pretty busy to me for the time that I was there though..although not as busy as last year on reflection..

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 04:38

I thought that the show was a triumph, and as you may know I was firmly in the viva italia camp before its demise.

The gala evening truly was a spectacle with the most stunning outfits, absolutely packed and an incredible atmosphere.

I don't agree that it was quiet, far from it. The show was much larger, with much more open space giving visitors more space to move around, and the atmosphere over the three days was amazing. I was fortunate enough to host the travel and tourism theatre with giambrone and law, and we certainly had full houses for the 'how to buy in italy and legal advice' sessions.

The piazza with all the restaurants was always busy, and the menus were stunning (I know, I tried all of them)!

I thought that Brand events got it just right - it was always a great food and wine show, but this year it looked classier and they certainly delivered the visitors. I beleive it can only get better and better from here, and whilst I agree about the fashion shows (I must confess that my background is fashion shows, and would dearly like to get my hands on the production), I believe you need something to improve on to keep the show fresh.

Well done to all concerned, and I look forward to next year.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 13:40

Good to hear all the feedback. We exhibited at year one and two, but have not been able to make it since (price and too much work in the vineyards!) - was there much representation from Piedmont?