Nazareth, Andretti Family to be Featured on TV Show

Emmy-nominated producer and Nazareth native Karen Trionfo is busy putting the final touches on the next episode of "Neighborhood Chef," a show that incorporates "Your Neighborhood.  Your House.  Your Friends.  Our Chef."

The show follows Giuliano Libertore of Upper Nazareth Township as he explores a local town and cooks a meal in a host's home.

"We needed a concept that we could do over and over again," said Trionfo, the owner of Karen Trionfo Productions.  "People love exploring cool towns, people love to cook, and people love to look inside interesting homes."

The first episode of "Neighborhood Chef" premiered in May 2009 on WFMZ-TV and featured Bethlehem, "The Christmas City."

After seeing the show, a friend suggested Trionfo should submit the episode for an Emmy.  Trionfo filled out the forms and submitted "Neighborhood Chef," but didn't think too much else about it.

Much to her surprise, the show was nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy.

"I was really proud to be a part of the Emmys," Trionfo, a Northampton Community College graduate, humbly stated.

Eighteen months after the first episode hit television screens across the Lehigh Valley and Berks County, Trionfo is almost ready to premiere episode number two.

The next show will feature Nazareth and Villa Montona, also known as the Mario Andretti household.

In the episode, viewers will watch Libertore explore Nazareth before he heads to Villa Montona, which sits off Rose Inn Avenue in Upper Nazareth Township.

After Mario Andretti takes Libertore on a tour of his home, the men head to the kitchen where they share stories with each other and other members of the Andretti family, all while Libertore cooks up a shrimp appetizer and gnocchis, one of Mario's favorite dishes.

"The Andretti's are gracious, wonderful people," said Trionfo.  "They are great people to have in the community."

The show will air on January 18 at 9 a.m. on WFMZ-TV Channel 69.

A premiere party will be held at Starter's Riverport Restaurant in Bethlehem on January 15 beginning at 1 p.m.  The Andretti family will be on hand to watch the episode and the public is invited to attend.

"My goal was to make something fun and interesting," said Trionfo.  "Lets hope this next episode wins [the Emmy]!"

IF YOU WATCH:
Tuesday, January 18, at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, January 25, at 9 a.m.
Sunday, February 13, at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 20, at 1:30 p.m.
(All shows will air on WFMZ-TV Channel 69)
 

IF YOU GO:
What:  Starter's Riverport Restaurant Premiere
Where:  Starter's Riverport Restaurant, 17 W 2^nd Street, Bethlehem
When:  January 15 beginning at 1 p.m.  (plan to get there an hour early!)
What's Happening:  Andretti Wine Tasting, Door Prizes (gift certificates, wine baskets, and more!), Food and Drink Specials

For more information on Trionfo and "Neighborhood Chef," go to www.karentrionfoproductions.com.