A taste of Italy at Marco Polo

Marco Polo Ristorante in Carroll Gardens was full of excitement on Wednesday, June 25, as local residents and politicians gathered for a tasting dinner of foods from the Basilicata region of Italy. “There were a lot of pastas, wine, oils, and different sauces such as pistachio cream and cherry tomatoes with tuna,” said restaurant owner Joseph Chirico, who explained that the restaurant hosts dinners which will allow patrons to experience Italian cuisine from various regions of the country, usually twice a year. The dinner was prepared by Chirico’s son, Marco, the restaurant’s chef, along with two chefs who flew in from Basilicata for the occasion. The products used to prepare the meal were provided by seven companies including Masseria del Manzano, Lucania Fine Food, and others. “Many of the companies in Italy want to start promoting their products and building company warehouses here in the U.S.,” said Chirico.Ninety people, including Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Assemblymember Joan Millman, came to the event and according to Chirico, “had an amazing time and loved the taste and presentation of the food.”