[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17458]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING LUIGI'S DELICATESSEN ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
leading small business in our community, Luigi's Delicatessen, which is 
celebrating 100 years of operation in Bakersfield, California on 
October 3, 2010.
  Originally founded in 1910 as Luigi's and Lemucchi's Grocery by Joe 
Lemucchi, Luigi's is one of Bakersfield's oldest family owned and 
operated businesses. The cafe and grocery store reflect the city's rich 
tradition and in its early days, one could always hear the constant 
chatter of the different languages that made up the original immigrant 
community. Joe's son, Louis, later inherited the family business and 
covered the walls with photos of local athletes that span more than 
seventy years. These photos have attracted multiple generations of Kern 
County patrons who return with friends and family to view favorite 
photos. The same recipes from the cafe, such as Emelia Lemucchi's 
Bolognese pasta sauce recipe that she brought from Italy, are being 
used by the current keepers of the legacy, Antonia Valpredo, daughters 
Monica and Lanette and son Gino--all of whom make up the third and 
fourth generations of the family.
  Luigi's is more than just a restaurant in Bakersfield. It is a staple 
in our community and exemplifies our town's culture. A culture of pride 
in one's craft is embodied in the pasta and meats prepared. From the 
receptionist to the wait staff, the friendly atmosphere makes even 
first time visitors feel like regulars. Luigi's has had a long standing 
reputation of hospitality, dating back to the early twentieth century, 
when Joe Lemucchi would rent out small cottages he constructed himself 
to bachelor Italian immigrants who had just moved into the area. 
Luigi's is one of Bakersfield's iconic locations, bringing together a 
community of different backgrounds and perspectives to enjoy delicious 
cuisine.
  I have been going to Luigi's my whole life. Growing up in 
Bakersfield, Luigi's is one of the best restaurants around. I always 
order a \1/2\ & \1/2\--it is a true taste of Bakersfield, as it is a 
humble combination of pasta and meat sauce with Luigi's Italian beans. 
My wife Judy loves Luigi's Monica's Salad. To top it off, everyone must 
have the Butterfinger Pie for dessert. It is an icy delight that 
perfectly blends candy bar, ice cream, and biscotti cookie crust to 
make one of my favorite desserts. Luigi's is a gathering place filled 
with friendly faces and great food.
  Luigi's is one of the bedrocks of our small business community that 
measures success in its loyalty from generations of local customers. It 
is a family run institution in the Kern County community and I thank 
Luigi's for its 100 years of service to the people of Bakersfield, and 
wish them the very best in the next 100 years.

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