Former Washington Gov. Al Rosellini, who celebrated his 100th birthday Thursday (Jan. 21st), will be the guest of honor at Burien’s Kennedy Catholic High School this Sunday, Jan. 24 at a 3pm Italian dinner to raise funds for a scholarship named after him.

The “Governor Albert D. Rosellini Scholarship” benefits deserving students at Kennedy Catholic, where two of his great-grandchildren are students, and which all four of his grandchildren attended, according to Joe Faccone of the school’s Advancement Department.

Sponsored by the school and Sons of Italy Lodge 1390, the event starts at 3 p.m. with a reception in the cafeteria of the school, which is located at 140 South 140th Street. A dinner featuring traditional Italian fare will be served at 4 p.m., with a program celebrating the former governor’s centennial at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $50, and can be purchased at the door.

An invocation will be given by Oratorian Father Clarence Jones, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Seattle, the Rosellini family’s native parish.

Gov. Rosellini, who served two terms from 1957 to 1965, noted in a 2008 letter to the Kennedy Catholic community that he has strong ties with the school in addition to the fact that his offspring went there. He met President John F. Kennedy, the school’s namesake, on several occasions and in 1962 was selected chair of the U.S. governors to represent their collective concerns to the president.

“Then in 1964, shortly after his tragic passing, I was pleased to learn that the first high school in the nation to bear his name was going to be the new Catholic high school in Seattle,” the governor wrote.

For more information, or to donate to the scholarship fund, call 206-246-0500.

Our friends at Advertiser Bistro Baffi Fine Italian Dining are now open for lunch, from Tuesdays through Fridays, from 11:30am to 2pm!

Talk about a great escape in the middle of your day – fresh, homemade Italian food right here in B-Town.

And recently, Bistro Baffi was voted the “Best Italian Restaurant in Seattle in 2009″ by the readers of City Search, as well as “The Best Place to Bring a Date” and “Best Restaurant $10 and Above” by the voters in the “Best of Highline” conducted by the Highline Times.

These back-to-back honors have been well earned by owners Dinka and Michael Vujovich. From a full bar, to Italian and local wines, to authentic and homemade pastas, fantastic steaks and seafood prepared the Italian way, there’s something to suit every discerning palate at Bistro Baffi. And according to Dinka, “we are going to feature fresh homemade pastas daily at very popular prices.”

Don’t believe us? Read our own Gina Bourdage’s review of Baffi here.

Bistro Baffi is located in what they like to call “a cozy little corner of Burien” at 15217 21st Ave SW, behind The Bean espresso stand and across from St. Francis, or online at www.bistrobaffi.com.

When you’re online, be sure and sign up for their newsletter to see the weekly specials. Reservations are recommended on weekends at 206-244-0737 or online by clicking here.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Advertiser Bistro Baffi Italian Fine Dining has been voted the “Best Italian Restaurant in Seattle in 2009″ by the readers of City Search!

That’s great news for us Burienites, as we don’t have to travel far to enjoy what thousands of voters already know….that Burien’s own Bistro Baffi is the best for SEATTLE Italian food. And a special note – there’s nearly 400 Italian Restaurants in the Seattle area…and Bistro Baffi is numero uno!

And the locals love it too. Bistro Baffi has just been awarded “The Best Place to Bring a Date” and “Best Restaurant $10 and Above” by the voters in the “Best of Highline” conducted by the Highline Times (or read our review here, conducted by Gina Bourdage).

These back-to-back honors have been well earned by owners Dinka and Michael Vujovich. From a full bar, to Italian and local wines, to authentic and homemade pastas, fantastic steaks and seafood prepared the Italian way, there’s something to suit every discerning palate at Bistro Baffi.

Don’t forget “Bring Your Own Wine Thursdays,” when, if you bring your own bottle of wine, there’s no corkage fee.

New to Baffi this fall is Chef Francesco Troiano (pictured, left). He’s a third generation chef from Napoli (Naples). He’s also a graduate of Paris’ Culinary Arts in BOTH Italian and French cuisine! He’s created what Chef Michael calls the “perfect marriage of blending sauces” (created by Chef Michael) “and pastas” (created by Chef Michael). Every night they’re preparing Italian specialties like cannelloni, ravioli, agnolotti, lasagna and strozzapreti for their patrons.  The fun thing is that Chef Francesco or Chef Michael will bring these pasta specials and their seafood and meat specials directly to your table for you to see before you make up your mind.

Bistro Baffi is located in what they like to call “a cozy little corner of Burien.” You can find them at 15217 21st Ave SW, behind The Bean espresso stand and across from St. Francis, or online at www.bistrobaffi.com. When you’re online, be sure and sign up for their newsletter to see the weekly specials. Reservations are recommended on weekends at 206-244-0737 or online by clicking here.

BTB congratulates Advertiser Bistro Baffi on their big wins. You can enjoy the #1 Italian cuisine in the Seattle area Monday-Saturday starting at 5pm.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, event listing and/or Ad like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 40,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Janet Grella

Everyone who knows me knows that I’m studying Italian and that I love all things Italian. So when I heard that native Italian artist Maria Grazia Repetto had moved to the area, I just had to meet her and hopefully talk a little Italiano with her.

My husband Michael joined us for dinner at Osteria da Primo, where Carlo and Lindsay made a fellow Italiana feel welcomed. Fortunately Michael was with us, as he served as translator part of the evening (my Italiano has barely made it past Buona Serra, Bongiorno Buona Notte and Ciao!).

Having just returned from two years of painting frescoes for homeowners and businesses in Arizona, Maria settled with a friend in Normandy Park. She joined us for dinner on a recent Tuesday night.

Her journey to our area began 12 years ago when she visited her college-aged son in Seattle. She loved the lushness, beauty and summer weather here.

“I could live here,” she thought.

So she went back to Milano, collected her 12-year old son, procured a visa and moved to Seattle. She spoke no English, and relied on connections with Italian speakers and her young sons to help her open a shop, begin a business and began working her art. Maria Grazia’s training is in the fine work of murals, frescoes, reliefs, stuccoes, oils on canvas, acrylics, watercolors, sketches and portraits. She quickly found herself accepting commissions in Seattle, and soon Boca Raton, and finally Arizona.

One of her fondest memories of a commissioned fresco was with Hedges Winery in Richland.

“I painted a beautiful view of the red mountains with vineyards and orchards and gold colored soft rounded hills of the desert,” she said. “It was painted in a private apartment above the chateau and can be seen by invitation only.”

She spent four months alone in the chateau, “creating, creating and creating.”

“It is sometimes very lonely when you paint frescoes,” Maria Grazia told BTB over prosciutto e melone and carcioffi fritti at Primo.

Another totally modern fresco (which she prefers over rennaisance style) was “The Tower” which includes partial view of Qwest Field in the background (see photo at left).

Here’s a video showing her in action, along with the progression of her work on “The Tower“:

“It looks completely weird, and I love it.”

She added that she was taught the art of fresco with a ‘modern’ take.

Maria Garcia proudly told us that every woman in her family is an artist, including her mother and sister who live in Italy, a sister in Brazil and another sister in France, plus two nieces. I guess you could call them the “Painting Repetto Women.”

Maria Grazia began the study of frescoes when she was 15.

“At the time I was studying, women were only expected to become secretaries, maids, shopworkers or wives and mothers” (can we infer, like many women of a certain age, Maria Grazia became a feminist?).

After our double espresso and sorbet de limone we did a passegiatta (walk about) of Burien and B/ IAS. Maria Grazia found our notorius ‘naked woman‘ sculpture “very beautiful and it looks like a real woman.” On the other hand, like many Burien-ites she is still trying to figure out ‘The Passage’ and the torn up grounds around it.

Her young sons are now grown into young men, aged 35 and 25 respectfully. Her oldest is with the FAA and his wife is a pilot for Horizon Airlines. Her youngest just graduated from the UW in Physics.

What’s next for our new resident italiana artist? She is shopping for a studio in the area.

“The medium I prefer is olio (oils). But I can’t do olio at home due to the smell.”

She’s currently working in acrylics in her Normandy Park home.

Here are some more videos that showcase her work:

To find out more about Maria Grazia Repetto and see her masterpieces click here.

BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi wants all Readers to know about their special upcoming Italian Wine Dinner on Monday, April 27th, which is co-sponsored by Vino Bello and will feature special guest, Italian Wine Importer Gianpietro Ottolini.

Here are the delicious details:

WHAT: Italian Wine Dinner at Bistro Baffi

WHEN: Monday, April 27th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

WHERE: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine, located at 15217 21st SW across from the Seahurst Post Office

COST: $100 per person, which includes a 4-course dinner, tax and free-flowing wine all night

RSVP: Reservations required. $100 per person, includes tax and 4-course dinner with free flowing wine. Space is limited, please call (206) 244-0737 to make your reservation today.

INFO: “Join us for a special Wine Dinner hosted by Bistro Baffi and Vino Bello Wine Bar with special guest, Italian Wine Importer, Gianpietro Ottolini. This is a once in a lifetime chance to experience these truly unique and magical wines.

Gianpietro was born in a small town in Alps of Lombardia, on the shore of lake Lugano. He first visited Seattle in 1991, fell in love and married. He spent the next 12 years in the wine trade in Seattle before setting up his import company featuring a carefully assembled portfolio of unusual Italian wines. His focus is indigenous Italian varietals that are very unique and rarely tasted. These wines display exceptional individuality, glorious aromatics and palate – stretching flavors. Meet Gianpietro and explore these unique wines paired with Chef Michael’s especially paired dishes.”

MENU:

Antipasti

Funghi Ripieni
Stuffed Mushrooms with prosciutto, roasted bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, asparagus and pecans, served with spicy pink sauce paired with Livio Pavese Prosecco-Made from 100% Prosecco grapes in an extra-dry style, this wine is vibrant and exuberant. Notes of spring blossoms and fresh apple.

Insalata
Chef Michael’s special Caesar Salad : Romaine lettuce with fresh made Caesar dressing, croutons and aged Parmesan cheese paired with Coffele Soave Classico made from100% Estate -grown Garganega grape variety. This wine has intense aromatics reminiscent of acacia and cherry blossoms, fresh apple with notes of sage, vanilla and mineral. Medium bodied and well built mouth feel.

Secondi Piatti (choose one)

a) Pollo Oscar
Grilled chicken with crab meat in Bearnaise sauce paired with Nera “Alisio” Sassella DOCG. 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) The vineyards of this Northern Italian viticultural region are planted on the south facing slopes of the Alps at an altitude ranging from 1300 to 2500 ft. This is truly elegant Nebbiolo, very structured and age -worthy with intense floral and explosive dark fruit and tobacco notes.

b) Branzino
Grilled sea bass served with roasted red bell pepper and cognac sauce , and sun dried tomatoes paired with Campodelsole San Maglorio di Romagna Superiore DOC. Campodelsole is a jaw-dropping renovation of an old farm, which was once part of the Franciscan Monks’ estate back in the 15Th C. Campodelsole wines have distinct character and purity. The San Maglorio is selected from lots of the Estate vineyards, all stainless steel fermented to preserve the complex and floral aromas, lots of juicy cherries and rich, long finish.

c) Bistecca Romana
Fillet Mignon wrapped with prosciutto , grilled and served with roasted garlic, and Chianti wine reduction paired with Terenzi Cesanese del Piglio Colle Forma DOC. 100% Cesanese from the Lazio region very close to Rome. Cesanese is the name of one of the indigenous grape varieties only grown here and was amongst the favorites on the tables of Roman Emperors and Popes.This wine has powerful elegance reminiscent of Pinot Noir but is much bigger in style. It shows a deep ruby color with violet hues; intense bouquet of black cherries and currants, with well-structured mouth feel.

Dolce
Livio Pavese Barolo Chianto paired with Chef Michael’s Tiramisu.
A pharmacist in the late 1800’s created this concoction by adding to the Barolo wine a cocktail of wine distilled with the Chincona tree bark, rhubarb root, cardamon seeds and other herbs and spices. It is divine with dark chocolate or even with a little seltzer as an aperitif.

If you’re not familiar with Bistro Baffi, here’s an original Video Ad we produced for them (if you’re interested in having an professional Video produced, Contact Us!):

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by Gina Bourdage

BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi gives Burien a refreshing twist on the expected Italian fare.

From the moment you enter the Bistro you feel like family. Fresh, not over seasoned flavors resonate though each dish. The originality and robust selections on the menu make an evening in the little corner Seahurst hideaway enchanting. I don’t know if it was the fireplace, the colorful artwork or the impressive wall of wine but the romantic atmosphere of Bistro Baffi cannot be denied despite its tucked-away location.

Former owners of The Beach House Italian Café on Alki, Michael Vujovich (chef) and his wife Dinka have brought Burien an inspiring variation to the expected Italian cuisine. Shopping daily for the freshest ingredients at Pike Place Market is how Michael determines what he will create for the daily specials. Offering flavors of his home in Montenegro, there are options for even the most discerning palate at very reasonable prices. He even makes it a point to visit each and every table to make sure you are enjoying your meal. You won’t be able to mistake Michael due to his signature handlebar or “baffi” moustache and charismatic personality.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the daily special of pork with grilled peppers and a creamy Gorgonzola which could have been easily overpowered by the strong flavors of the aged cheese, but was seasoned to perfection. I started off the meal with the signature stuffed mushroom caps with more than your traditional basics inside. They were accompanied by the famous spicy pink sauce which I expected a heavy bite from the description but was pleasantly surprised to find the spice was only a gentle kiss in the delicious blend. The freshness of each dish truly showed through by not being over spiced allowing the integrity of each ingredient shine. I wrapped up the meal with a tiramisu and an entertaining shot of flaming Sambuca. I have had my share of tiramisu in the past but Bistro Baffi has found a way to balance the sweet and savory for a wonderful end to the evening.

To find food this fresh and genuine you would expect to pay quite a bit more than the prices you will find on the menu.

I learned also that this February 14th, Valentines Day, Bistro Baffi is taking reservations for a romantic six-course dinner with a variety of options for the main course. Mentioning you heard about this event, which has limited space, on The B-Town Blog will allow you to receive $20 off for each person along with discounts on wines from around the world. Call (206) 244-0737 to book your special Valentine’s Day Dinner package before Feb. 10th (the secret password is “Scontare“)!

Insiders tip; ask for the daily specials on any visit. These items will not only be some of the freshest and most seasonal ideas straight from the creative chef, but something you may not be able to get on a daily basis.

I had driven by Bistro Baffi a number of times always telling myself, I have to check that place out some time, I can genuinely say I am glad I did. This place is a must visit for a night of exceptional flavors made by a family that takes pride in and loves to share with their guests cuisine of the home in Montenegro.

Bistro Baffi is located at 15217 21st Ave SW in Burien, across from the Seahurst Post Office and St. Francis of Assisi:

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[EDITOR'S NOTE: Gina Bourdage is The B-Town Blog's Directory Editor. She will be conducting additional restaurant reviews, so if you'd like yours reviewed, please email her.]

The B-Town Blog welcomes its latest Advertiser with molto amore’: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine!

Recently, we were at Michael Vujovich’s Bistro Baffi on business – instead of our usual gastronomical adventure – to get background on Burien/Seahurst’s newest white-tablecloth Italian Restaurant (opened in April 2007) for this very article.

At the appointed time (4:48pm), owner/chef Michael pulled up and brought in an enormous Neah Bay Salmon caught fresh that morning.

Michael and his wife Dinka emphasized to BTB that everything served at Bistro Baffi is fresh daily. You can’t get any fresher than that gorgeous pink fish! We had the privilege of watching him bone and filet this 30-pound fish in five minutes – a record that chef Michael is proud of.

“Not even the fishmongers at the Pike Place Market, where the daily freshest and best seafood is selected are that fast” he adds.

It was one of the nightly specials available that evening to those dining in Baffi’s two lovely dining rooms and to the 12-person party in the very private dining room. Other specials for that night included veal, steak, risotto and chicken (Baffi also has an extensive menu of appetizers, fish, meats, chicken, pastas, etc). If you like pasta and risotto, ask for Michael’s signature “Pink Sauce”. The ‘pink sauce’ is prepared individually for each entrée. If you are a meat lover, you are going to love dishes that are enhanced with fresh herbs, spices, roasted garlic and wine.

Michael starts his day quite early preparing sides, appetizers and baked goods. I saw the lobster ravioli, which was both an appetizer and entrée that he prepared in the morning, and the fresh cut herbs and condiments and the huge loaf of still warm baked herbed foccia bread. The restaurant was filled with the delicious aroma of Tiramisu and Chocolate Walnut Flowerless Cake baking in the oven.

And by the way, if you’re dining at Bistro Baffi for a special occassion, you’ll receive a complimentary dessert to celebrate.

And one more thing, so that we can all enjoy the best of Italian cooking during this economic downturn, Michael and his wife Dinka are offering a free appetizer with entrees on Mondays and Tuesdays!

A few years ago, internationally famous Chef/Owner Michael Vujovich sold his wildly popular (with West Seattleites and others) Alki Beach Italian Café, which he owned for 12 years to travel to his home country of Montenegro. There he opened Bistro Mare right on the Montenegran Bay of the Adriatic Sea (“mare” means “Ocean” in Italiano).

A yearly visit to Italy and Montenegro gives Michael never-ending inspiration, so you can always expect new dishes at Bistro Baffi. When you try the Spaghetti Pescatore, you will be taken away to the distant shores of Montenegro or Italy.

There are 108 wines on the rather extensive wine list, which was designed to be paired with the food. Many wines are imported directly from Italy and are rated 100 points on the wine spectators list. There are also French, German, Australian, Spanish, Californian and Northwest Wines.

Working with Washington Winery St. Hilaire Cellars, Michael has also developed Bistro Baffi wines: Villa Toscana, Sangiovese and Syrah, which are all very popular with their clientele. Baffi has a full service bar with a variety of specialty cocktails – can you say “Martini”?

Bistro Baffi is a very special place. When you enter you will see Michael busy cooking in the kitchen behind the bar, which still does not prevent him from coming around to greet all the tables. Michael wants your experience at his Bistro to be a memorable one! Once you come and try the food and experience the service you will be “addicted to it” as some customers and reviewers claim.

We have enjoyed many special events in our lives at Bistro Baffi. Last year we even selected it to hide from the trick-or-treaters on Halloween!

We may do it again this year, especially if he serves the pumpkin ravioli. Especially now that the BTB has learned that on October 31st, all customers will be welcome, but those who wear a costume will automatically be entered to win a costume contest. First prize is a $100 Bistro Baffi gift certificate, Second is a $50 Baffi gift certificate and Third Prize is a bottle of Bistro Baffi wine.

And why is it called Bistro Baffi? What is this mysterious Italian word? You only have to take one look at Chef Michael’s curly moustache (“Baffi” means “moustache” in Italian). His small handlebar moustache also serves as the logo.

You can find the ”moustached-one” and his wife Dinka at Bistro Baffi, which is located at 15217 21st Ave SW in Burien across from the Seahurst Post Office, about 10 minutes from the SeaTac Airport and 25 minutes from downtown Seattle, and just minutes from anywhere in the greater Highline area.

Hours are Monday-Saturday starting at 5pm. Call 206-244-0737 for reservations (recommended Thursday-Saturday).

So, raise a glass of fine wine, click on Bistro Baffi’s Ad on the upper right sidebar and get set for some amazing food!

The B-Town Blog is proud to welcome our latest Advertiser: Poggi Bonsi, which has two retail stores in Olde Burien at 929 SW 152nd Street and 907 SW 152nd Street.

In the summer of 2000, Keli Sim-DeRitis, a freelance graphic designer, went on an extended family vacation to Italy to visit her husband’s relatives. While there she fell in love with the vibrant colors and unique designs of the Italian pottery as well as the Italian culture.

After returning home she found a local Italian food importer and worked on developing a business idea, identity and packaging for a corporate gift line of artisan olive oil and hand-painted ceramic dipping bowls. The name “Poggi Bonsi” came from the Tuscan town of “Poggibonsi”…while on vacation Keli and her family got lost every day and kept running into signs directing them to “Poggibonsi,”  they had so much fun learning how to pronounce the name and repeating it again and again, that it stuck.

Keli recruited her friend and fellow entrepreneur, Michelle Codd—a floral and container garden designer–whom she had met through their children’s preschool to become a partner.

In August of 2003 a friend approached them with an offer of a small retail space in the Olde Burien Shopping District. Using Michelle’s strong background in floral design and visual merchandising and Keli’s background in graphic design along with a common work ethic and drive, they created a tiny gem of a store in only one-month’s time. This first store, at 929 SW 152nd St. opened in September of 2003 selling Italian ceramics, linens, olive wood and specialty foods.

The retail store soon gained a following and in September of 2004 they launched their online store www.poggibonsigifts.com and a larger retail outlet at 901 SW 152nd Street. In March 2006 they again expanded with Cucina, their kitchen store, located just down the block at 907 SW 152nd st.

Today Poggi Bonsi has 9 employees, imports products from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal and ships them from their Burien location to customers across the United States. The first time they shipped an order from Olde Burien to New York City was quite an event. Since then they’ve gained many loyal customers from Burien and beyond. Some special orders have been: a wedding present to Glenn Close—a Christmas gift to Mario Batali—and selling home décor items to Kelsey Grammer’s interior designer.

They are now in the midst of redesigning their online store and adding a blog with stories from their travels abroad.

We welcome Poggi Bonsi to the B-Town Blog family, thank them for not removing our little yard sign in front of their store, and ask all readers to please support them by clicking on their ad on the right sidebar and checking them out!