[.ca] Spaghetti Western: How My Father Brought Italian Food to ... (ISBN 1897252021)

For anyone who loves a great story:
This story is more than the usual immigrant success story. Gene Cioni was a teenager, a barber, an orphan -- all before he turned 20 -- and then he turned himself into a celebrity chef before the word was coined. He lived life fast, died too young, left a 9 year old daughter to later research his restaurants and his life in Italy and to create a powerful and emotional love story. The book's packed with humour and tears and black and white photos from the 50's. It's a wonderful walk down the streets of the fabulous fifties, a beautiful gift for a loved one (father, daughter, memoir-reader, lover of all things Italian) and a chance to try your hand at making spaghetti sauce for 100. Read and enjoy. Maria Coletta McLean www.mariacolettamclean.com author of My Father Came From Italy

Trip Down Memory Lane:
In the 50's, Gene's La Villa was "the" destination spot for many Calgarians wishing to experience authentic Italian cuisine and fun filled evenings of dancing and socializing. Maria Cioni has captured the essence of it all in this sweeping, creative story of the lives of her family and the people they touched. Reading this book brings it all back to life, as if it happened just yesterday. The book is a rich tapestry of interwoven events, embracing the ambitions of an Italian immigrant family to make their place, the place, for life in all its fullness. Thank you Maria for a lovely story.

Spaghetti Western: A thoroughly enjoyable sentimental journey:
Spaghetti Western is a story of family told from the heart with love and passion. A delightful, entertaining read that makes one yearn for gatherings of family and friends centered around good food and hosted by larger than life personalities. Gene comes to life through his daughter's memories and research -- a strong, big hearted man who deserves to live on through this unique, captivating and well-deserved tribute.

Delicious and Delightful:
Maria Cioni's Spaghetti Western is a touching tribute to a remarkable man by the daughter who saw it all from her home above the restaurant that made her dad, Antodoco-born chef Gene Cioni famous and put Italian food on the map in bustling 1950s Calgary. A delightful look at how food made an Italian a Canadian and enriched Western Canada one plate of pasta at a time.

"Spaghetti Western" Connects With Readers.:
Maria Cioni's search and finding of her family's roots echoes the yearning of many first and second generation children to know their family history. It is a great read for all those engaged in their own genealogical search for family. "Spaghetti Western" is a true legacy, not only for those with roots in Calgary's early Italian community, but for all immigrant families who came to Canada in the early 1900's. I heartily recommend it to everyone interested in the contributions made by the many "New Canadians" who came to this great country to start a new life.