Restaurateur Gianfranco Sorrentino hosted a Members & Press Cocktail Reception for his non-profit organization Gruppo Italiano (GI) at Il Gattopardo. The New York based non-profit is an evolution from the original Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani (GRI), which was established in 1979 to increase the awareness and to promote the image of authentic Italian cuisine through member restaurants, culinary scholarships and events. The event featured guest speakers such as Maurizio Forte, John Mariani and Charles Scicolone, and offered attendees a chance to learn more GI while enjoying delectable Cocktails and Hors D’Oeuvres from the Il Gattopardo kitchen. GI provides a constant flow of information about Italian cuisine to member restaurants, US press, culinary schools, importers, distributors and general consumers with a serious interest in authentic Italian food. Throughout its history, Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani had made significant strides in enhancing the perception of and passion for Italian food and wine throughout the hospitality industry in the United States, and now, Gruppo Italiano begins a new era in developing a stronger presence of authentic Italian culinary products and services in the United States.
