Check out fashion icon’s chic boutique, then head to Florida

By Barbara Ann Zippi

Every season in Cape May, N.J., has its beauty, and Christmas Day was no exception. You can find delicious Italian food and service at Sapore Italiano on South Broadway all year long, seven days a week. This reasonably priced BYOB even has free parking and welcomes you into this Victorian home like family.

Just as this newspaper is committed to print media in today’s online world, Beth Buccini, fashion icon, is doing the same with brick and mortar in the retail fashion industry. Buccini’s international career credentials in France, Italy and New York led to opening Kirna Zabete (www.kirnazabete.com) in 1999 in Soho and recently East Hampton. She and husband Robert, of Buccini/Pollin Group, a commercial real estate developer with projects throughout the Philadelphia region, moved their family to Chadds Ford, and Beth is bringing world fashion to Bryn Mawr.

Philadelphia Inquirer Fashion Editor Elizabeth Wellington highlights this modern chic boutique located in a former SEPTA bus garage at 915 W. Lancaster Ave. The Buccini home is featured in the December/January issue of Harper’s Bazaar. Always on New York’s best-dressed list, this style icon’s clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson and Jessica Seinfeld. Wellington’s next stop: Palm Beach.

Speaking of Florida, long before Guy Fieri, of “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” we discovered The Whale’s Rib in Deerfield Beach Fla., and it’s always on our “must-visit” list. On our return to celebrating the New Year in Pompano Beach, Fla., on the Intercostal Waterway, we discovered another treasure. Accessible by boat or car to Florida snowbirds on the East Coast is a white sparkling wonderland perched above the Marina at Sands Harbor in Pompano Beach called the Sunset Catch. Created by seasoned partners in the Florida restaurant industry, husband/wife team from Italy Mario (Palermo) and Nadia (Milan) Spina celebrate his Sicilian roots growing up in the seaport. Immersed in the rich seafood tradition of “Palermitano” cuisine, he brings this gastronomically rich culture renowned for fresh fish and locally grown vegetables, herbs, and chops sold daily in local markets to Pompano Beach. They even package their own olive oil available as souvenirs of your visit. Mario tells me his life adventure from Sicily started in Philadelphia for four years before heading to Florida. Visit him and tell them Ciao Bella sent you. Discover more at www.SunsetCatch.com

News in the movie industry from artist/entrepreneur turned actor/writer Peter De Feo includes his pre-production on a society comedy, “Love Is,” based on a true story in today’s mixed culture world.

De Feo will be joined by Danny DeVito and Whoopie Goldberg bringing together Christian, Jewish, Italian and African-American cultures. Here’s hoping he films in his native Philadelphia. You might remember De Feo played Vince Papale’s dad in Disney’s “Invincible.”

Antique cars and their enthusiastic owners gather at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial.

News from the veteran community includes Delco Historical Society Executive Director Linda Mattia Houldin announcing Rockin’ with the Troops 2 on April 22 at Neumann University. Italian Americans are among those being recognized for outstanding service supporting veterans.

Monroe Energy LLC, Adam Gattuso, government affairs and communications leader; Delaware County Councilman Dave White; Rosalie Mirenda, president of Neumann University; and WIBG AM/FM “Welcome Home” radio show with host Joe Griffies. The event will be emceed by Fox 29’s Sue Serio and Lou Costello of Cruisin’ 92.1 WVLT. Entertainment includes The Du Prees, Brooklyn Bridge, The Tokens and First Ladies of Rock ’n’ Soul. Tickets are $65 and available at www.PaDelcoHistory.org.

True to family roots in Delaware County, Pam Mariani, formerly of family-owned Edgmont Country Club, is now concentrating her time as a children’s book author and juried artist. She hosted the annual Phil Hanna Charity Golf outing at Hershey Mills Golf Club to benefit Delaware County Community College. Joining her raising over $6,000 funding a woman in the field of nursing at DCCC are retired CBS anchor Pat Ciarrocchi, and Lisa, owner of Papone’s Pizza in Lima. The scholarship honors the memory of Mariani’s mother, Philomena, and birth mother Hanna. Her children’s book series is focused on adoption, animals and diversity. Save the date for next outing Oct. 2. Mariani is available for book signings and says exciting news is coming soon in honor of her father Nazz’s military service at the college. Stay tuned.

Proud moments for the Micozzie family of Upper Darby. An Italian political dynasty including sister/brother District Judge Kelly and Mayor Tom, mother June, World War II veteran, is recent DCVMA Freedom Medal honoree. Father Nick, former Pennsylvania state representative, was honored with the naming of Garrett Road Bridge over Darby Creek as the Honorable Nicholas A. Micozzie Bridge, sponsored by Rep. James Santora.

And from Upper Darby to a second location in West Chester, PICA’s Restaurant will soon open for Chester County residents. The restaurant is known to many as Tina Fey’s favorite and the longest-running sponsor of “Sunday with Sinatra” and Sid Mark.

A lot is happening in Chester County. Sabatino’s Grille has embraced the internet for working families that want a home-cooked meal to eat in or take out. Now with three locations, two on Boot Road in West Chester and one in Downingtown, check their web site (www.sabatinosgrillroute3.com) for convenience in feeding your children fresh homemade food.

Pat Ciarrocchi, Pam Mariani and Lisa Pappone attend a golf event to benefit Delaware County Community College.

A great day of family fun or corporate retreats at The Golf Zone on Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook includes 39 heated and covered driving range stalls, three paintball fields, speed zone go-kart racing, miniature golf and professional golf instruction and clinics for ages 4 to adult. Co-owner Steve De Marco of Penn Oaks credits managing partner of Golf Zone, PGA Master Professional George McNamara, with recent renovations and adding in-house food services through their new association with Brenda Mastrippolito.

This quiet secret will be in high demand soon, check it out at www.golfzoneproshop.com and mention this newspaper and Ciao Bella for a free bucket of balls this winter.

For auto enthusiasts, Antique Automobile Club of America magazine reports “Amore della Strada,” an Italian cars exhibit through April 22 at the AACA Museum in Hershey. AACA Museum brings a taste of Italy to you with a tempting array of over 30 exquisite Italian cars and motorcycles.

And the Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania President Al Bianchi is proud to announce the first car show at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in support of Remembering D Day, Saturday, June 3. Car clubs, military equipment and veterans service organization are welcome to be part of this first-time event. For details visit www.historicalcarclub.org.

Until next month, Ciao Bella!