"Neighborhood Chef" Premiered at Starters Riverport

With the final touches in place, Emmy-nominated producer and Nazareth native Karen Trionfo buzzed around Starters Riverport in Bethlehem preparing to premiere the next episode of “Neighborhood Chef,” a show she directed and produced.

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

The first episode premiered in May 2009 on WFMZ-TV Channel 69 and featured Bethlehem, "The Christmas City."

The second installment, which is set to air Jan. 18, 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.

Although members of his family were in attendance, Mario was not able to attend the premiere party because he was overseas.

“Mario is currently in Iraq serving our troops,” Trionfo told the crowd.  “I would like to send our love and our thoughts to him.”

Trionfo had nothing but good things to say about the Andretti family.

“I want to thank the Andretti family for being so gracious; for allowing us into their home and for hosting this show,” she said.  “I really want to thank them for their generosity.”

Libertore was equally grateful and gave a shout out to 18 residents of Moravian Hall Square in attendance, some of which were featured in a commercial running during the show.

“I promised to watch the show with them on Tuesday,” he said among claps from the residents.  “I told them to save me a seat.”

Although the show was the main attraction, some attendees didn’t go home empty handed.

A variety of businesses, including , Calandra’s Cheese, and others, raffled off door prizes ranging from gift certificates to yoga classes to gourmet coffee.

The lucky owner of raffle ticket “996007” went home with a DX175 Dreadnought Martin Guitar.

“I can’t say enough about ,” said Trionfo.  “Martin, to me, is what represents Nazareth.”

All proceeds, which totaled almost $1,500, will be split between the Nazareth Food Bank and the Nazareth Center for the Arts.

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

For more information on Trionfo and "Neighborhood Chef," go to www.karentrionfoproductions.com or read “” on Nazareth Patch.