By Amy Pigeon
There are evenings in Toronto when the city feels a little brighter, a little more connected—and the 2025 ICCO Unico Primo Pentola d’Oro Awards is one of them.
Hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario, the Pentola d’Oro has become one of the most cherished celebrations on Ontario’s culinary calendar—a night dedicated to honouring the entrepreneurs, artisans, chefs, and innovators who elevate the food and beverage landscape year after year. Thirteen editions in, the gala remains a testament to the power of passion and the pride behind Made in Italy excellence.
This year’s event unfolded beneath Bellvue Manor’s glowing chandeliers, where every corner felt infused with the spirit of Italy: lively conversation, heartfelt embraces, and the aroma of dishes rooted in tradition yet alive with innovation. The evening progressed in true Italian fashion—through flavour, hospitality, and the unmistakable joy of gathering around good food and great wine. Guests were welcomed with a generous spread that set the tone for the night: overflowing charcuterie courtesy of Casa Italia & Milano, freshly sliced prosciutto carved on site, elegant appetizers by Osteria Gente, and unforgettable bites prepared by the Chef Luciano Schipano Hospitality Group. Glasses clinked as Ruffino Prosecco bubbled through the room, while espresso martinis—shaken to perfection by Lavazza—quickly became the crowd favourite.
And then there was the wine. At the Liquid Portfolio table, Massolino poured beautifully structured Barolo and Langhe reds that felt like a love letter to Piemonte. For us at VeraVita, this moment carried a special weight—we had just visited the Massolino winery in Serralunga d’Alba the week prior. Standing there among the barrels, speaking with Franco Massolino, tasting his family’s wines in the very hills where they were born… and now seeing their bottles shared here in Ontario felt like an unexpected full-circle moment. A quiet reminder of how deeply interconnected Italian craftsmanship is with Canada.
Of course, no Italian celebration is complete without pizza—Pizza Nova, Canada’s most iconic name in authentic Italian delivery pizza, served up slices that disappeared faster than my espresso martini. The room buzzed with conversation, music, and movement, each detail contributing to an atmosphere that was vibrant, welcoming, and unmistakably Italian.
A Tribute to Italian Culinary Excellence
As described in the official program, the Pentola d’Oro Awards Gala is a “tribute to the excellence of Italian cuisine,” honouring timeless traditions, regional diversity, and the culinary heritage that defines Italy. Each year, the event recognizes remarkable individuals and businesses that elevate Ontario’s food and beverage industry through innovation, authenticity, and growth.
This year’s edition coincided with the 10th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, celebrating global appreciation for Italian cuisine and its role in cultural identity. The theme—“Italian Cuisine between Health, Culture, and Innovation”—highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainable eating, culinary creativity, and the potential candidacy of Italian cuisine for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
The Pentola d’Oro fosters a dynamic environment that brings together restaurateurs, producers, importers, distributors, media, and industry leaders—creating an ecosystem where the passion for Italian excellence continues to thrive.
Honouring This Year’s Exceptional Recipients
This year, the spotlight shone brightly on exceptional individuals whose contributions continue to nourish and inspire the industry:
Pentola d’Oro Award
Gino Dorico, Senior Vice President & Country Manager, Costco Wholesale Canada
Sponsored by Pizza Nova
A Montreal-born son of Italian immigrants, Gino’s career reflects decades of leadership rooted in hard work and a deep appreciation for Italian products in the Canadian marketplace. His impact spans from Price Club to overseeing major Costco locations across Ontario, championing quality and community connection. He has served as Country Manager since 2022.
Italy–Canada Award
Sal Galle, Vice President of Merchandising, Metro
Sponsored by Lavazza
With over 30 years in Canadian retail, Sal has played a pivotal role in shaping Metro’s food landscape. His leadership across multiple banners demonstrates his dedication to strengthening the connection between Italian and Canadian food culture while supporting charitable initiatives across Ontario.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Carmen & Giancarlo Trimarchi, Vince’s Market
Sponsored by Masters Insurance
A multigenerational story of resilience and entrepreneurial heart. Carmen’s journey from a small neighbourhood grocery store to a respected multi-location independent chain represents the essence of Italian-Canadian achievement. His mentorship and shared vision empowered his son Giancarlo to carry the legacy forward while honouring tradition and community impact.
Buonissimo Award
Dacasto Gran Pasticceria
Sponsored by Fortinos
Founded by Enrico Dacasto in 1999, this pasticceria embodies purity, craftsmanship, and the belief that the finest Italian pastries can be created without compromise. Today, their Toronto production facility brings Italian excellence to Canada using exceptional ingredients—from Sicilian pistachios to organic flours—ensuring every bite reflects authenticity and artistry.
Their stories—shaped by resilience, vision, and a deep love for food—reflect what the Pentola d’Oro strives to celebrate: excellence born from humility, tradition, and the unwavering desire to serve community.
Honouring authentic Italian hospitality
A special distinction was also awarded to the restaurants recognized with the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana, an honour reserved for establishments that uphold the highest standards of genuine Italian hospitality: Cucina 360, Fratelli Molinaro Ristorante, Giro d’Italia Ristorante, L’Antipasto Ristorante, Sud Forno, and Terroni.
These restaurants are ambassadors of Italy’s warmth and authenticity throughout Ontario.
With gratitude to the community that makes it possible
The gala came to life thanks to an extraordinary circle of sponsors who infused the evening with flavour, artistry, and heart:
Unico Inc. and Primo Foods, Pizza Nova, Lavazza, Masters Insurance Limited, Fortinos, City of Vaughan, Grand Touring Automobiles, Air Canada, Ruffino, Bellvue Manor, Acqua Sant’Anna, Vecchio Amaro del Capo, Frizero & Fumanelli, Smeg, Ernst & Young, Render Media, Tree of Life, Ferrero, Filippo Berio, Chef Luciano Schipano Hospitality Group, Salumificio La Torre, Osteria Gente, Grocery Business Magazine, Longo’s, Giro d’Italia Ristorante, Andriani and Felicia Pasta, Jan K Overweel, Inter Transport LTD., Toronto Fashion Academy, Bottega Della Piadina, Liquid Portfolio, Punto Gelato, CHIN Radio, and OMNI Television
A night to remember
As the evening drew to a close, laughter drifted through the corridors of Bellvue Manor like the lingering finish of a good Amarone—warm, resonant, unforgettable. Guests left with full hearts and fuller bellies, reminded of the extraordinary power food has to unite, to comfort, and to celebrate the best of who we are.
The Pentola d’Oro is a celebration of the people who set the table—literally and figuratively—for the next generation. And in a world that rushes forward, this night invites us to slow down, savour, and honour the traditions and innovators who keep Italy’s culinary soul burning bright in Ontario.
Grazie to everyone who joined us on November 19th at Bellvue Manor–and congratulations once again to the 2025 award recipients—your contributions continue to elevate our community and inspire the future of Italian cuisine in Canada. – VV
Photography provided by the ICCO
