The first California “Q” Seal of authenticity awards were presented on May 4 to 31 restaurateurs in the Los Angeles area and three in San Francisco. This is the first year that the “Q” has been awarded to restaurants outside of Italy.
The “Q” Seal of Authenticity certifies restaurants that preserve Italian history, culture, quality and authenticity. Restaurants are required to pass an extensive series of rigorous tests proving they follow the traditions of Italian agricultural and food products. They must emphasize and feature the Italian gastronomic culture, as well as the image of Italian restaurants abroad; guarantee the quality standards of Italian hospitality; include a certain percentage of denomination Italian wines; present a menu written in Italian; ensure at least one Italian-speaking person to engage with customers, and offer the highest quality of extra virgin olive oil.
The certification process was conducted by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West in Los Angeles.
The L.A.-area restaurants awareded include Ago, Amarone Kitchen and Wine, Angelini Osteria, Antica Pizzeria, Café Med, Caffe Pinguini, Caffe Roma, Canali Café, Da Pasquale Trattoria, Drago Centro, Drago Restaurant, Enoteca Drago, Il Buco, Il Grano, Il Moro, Il Pastaio, Il Piccolino, La Bottega Marino, Locanda del Lago, Marino Ristorante, Osteria Latini, Palmeri Restaurant, Pastina Trattoria, Pecorino, Piccolo Paradiso, Sapori, Sor Tino, Terroni, Toscanova, Valentino Ristorante and Via Alloro.
