Polenta power?
Toolbox
Published: November 20, 2008
BARRE – Never underestimate the power of polenta?
Don't take our word for it. Just ask Waitsfield resident Rick Rayfield, who provided us with an enthusiastic review of last weekend's first-ever Barre Polenta festival.
Here's a taste:
"A polenta festival to benefit the Aldrich Library in Barre provided sonic and culinary pleasure for a crowd of corn lovers last Saturday at the Barre Elks Club," writes Rayfield. "Arturo Zornini, resplendent in a red 'Polenta Power' cape and golden helmet, knighted each attendee into the polenta fellowship."
Sound fun?
It was, according to Rayfield:
"Good humor and raffles reigned, with prizes of Pinocchios, pots, and paddles. Book sales and dozens of helpers decked out in 'Polenta Power' T-shirts all functioned to benefit the Library," he writes. "Mention of polenta as corn mush was hushed as the platters of hors d'oeuvres with Italian cheeses and polenta treats kept appetite at bay through a demonstration of polenta cooking."
That's not all:
"A medley of Italian favorites, and hits from Broadway flops, sung by Piero Bonamico Jr. was received warmly," he notes. "The hot polenta, cut with string, and chicken and meatball dishes prepared by Piero Bonamico Sr. were roundly marveled.
"A few stories of polenta and love matched the cranberry polenta cake which finished this festival, which one would hope is the first of many to come."
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