[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7714]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           THE VILLA TRAGARA

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I was delighted to see that the 
Villa Tragara in Waterbury Center, Vermont has been awarded the 
``Emblem of Excellence'' in Italian Cuisine.
  I am not the least bit surprised. My wife and I enjoy going to this 
restaurant more than any other. The owners, Tony and Patricia DiRuocco 
are special friends of ours and have brought the highest of culinary 
excellence to our state of Vermont. I count among my most enjoyable 
experiences meals in their superb restaurant and I wanted the rest of 
the country to have notice of this great honor.
  I ask that the article from our local newspaper, The Times Argus, be 
printed in the Record.
  The article follows:

                    [The Times Argus, April 8, 1999]

          Villa Tragara Honored By Italian Academy, Government

       WATERBURY CENTER--The Villa Tragara Ristorante of Waterbury 
     Center has been awarded ``Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano'' 
     meaning ``The Emblem of Excellence'' in Italian Cuisine.
       The award has been presented by the prestigious Italian 
     Academy of Cuisine, located in Rome.
       Villa Tragara chef/owner Antonino DiRuocco, born in Capri, 
     Italy, and his partner and wife, Patricia, are scheduled to 
     fly to Rome for festivities that include presentation of the 
     award April 10-12.
       Festivities include a trip to the Vatican, the Italian 
     Senate and the ``Quirinale,'' home of the Italian president.
       DiRuocco will be presented his award April 12 by Signor 
     Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Italy's president.
       Restaurants throughout the world are judged on authenticity 
     of the culinary art, creativity and presentation. A separate 
     award is presented for wines and spirits.
       Villa Tragara will be one of 80 restaurants worldwide to 
     receive the award.

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