Reading the daily newspaper or watching television news can be depressing with talk of war, an unsteady economy, crime, corruption and other unsavory stories vying for headlines. As a way to counter the bad news, restaurant owner Antonio Cagnolo, whose 3 South Coast Plaza eateries, Antonello Ristorante, Quattro Café and Nello Cucina, have helped define OC’s fine dining scene for decades, is launching the Community Spotlight Award. Each month he will recognize one person or group of persons who are in service to others or have done something positive for someone else with a plaque and lunch/dinner at one of his celebrated restaurants. To nominate yourself or someone else, send a brief description to CommunitySpotlight@frankgroffinc.com.
“There are so many wonderful people doing such marvelous things all around us, but their actions are rarely recognized and celebrated,” said Cagnolo. “I hope to find those who are in service to others and tell their story as a means of inspiring the rest of us.”
Cagnolo is an Italian immigrant who arrived in the U.S. 35 years ago barely able to speak English and with little money in his pocket. He has since emerged as one of OC’s most respected restaurateurs and generous humanitarians having raised millions of dollars for various nonprofits through the years.
Highly rated in the noted Zagat Guide for several years, Antonello Ristorante has earned a sterling reputation for having served luminaries the world over. Antonello Ristorante is located at 3800 Plaza Drive, at South Coast Plaza Village. Call (714) 751-7153 for reservations and visit www.antonello.com for more information.