On October 5th, 2004, Academia Barilla and Zagat Survey® presented the first ever guide to America's Top Italian Restaurants. In the beautiful setting of the Bel-Air Hotel, Academia Barilla hosted an award luncheon for media, opinion leaders and top Italian chefs and restaurateurs in the Los Angeles area. The accolade of "Top Italian Restaurant of Los Angeles" was awarded to Chef Gino Angelini of "Angelini Osteria" (the first photo on the right), an authentic eatery that reflects the very best of Italian traditions.

The award itself (second photo on the right) combines three elements that have been key to Academia Barilla's mission. First, it represents a plate, the central stage of gastronomic experiences. Second, it features the colors of the Italian flag to highlight the role of land and regional heritage in the Art of Italian Gastronomy. Finally, the body of the award is a globe which refers to the international appeal of Italian cooking.

The event was honoured by the presence of Tim and Nina Zagat who shared with the guests the latest ZagatSurvey findings regarding Italian cuisine in America. According to a recent poll conducted on Zagat.com, 36 percent of diners report they choose an Italian restaurant when interested in authentic, high-quality ingredients. A majority (58 percent) of poll participants also said that authenticity is "very important" when enjoying an Italian dish.

The menu for the luncheon was created by Giancarlo Perbellini of the Michelin-starred "Perbellini" restaurant in Verona (third photo on the right; on the right is Perbelini, on the left Nicola Bindini, Executive Chef of Academia Barilla). Perbellini shared with the luncheon guests his views on the importance of tradition, innovation and authenticity in Italian gastronomy.

Gianluca Bolla, CEO of Barilla, and Gianluigi Zenti, director of Academia Barilla, presented Academia Barilla's mission and its enthusiasm about the creation of this new guide.