(Lake Forest Residents Earn Free Trip To Italy)

What started out as a culinary journey has become a real-life overseas passport for two lucky patrons of the Anaheim White House. Dena & Rick Kennedy of Lake Forest have received a free trip for two to Italy thanks to their participation in the restaurant’s “dine around Italy� year-long program that was held in honor of its 20th anniversary last year. Guests were issued passport-like booklets and each month they were encouraged to order from a special menu that highlighted a particular region of Italy. After dining, their passports were stamped. Those who completed the 12-month program qualified for the trip to Italy. Others received gift certificates to Tiffany, Hermes, Bloomingdale’s and the Anaheim White House.
“Interestingly enough, we almost didn’t make it to the restaurant the night of the drawing,� said Dena, whose passport was pulled from among 60 others. “Our babysitter almost didn’t show up and traffic was a nightmare, but we finally made it. I had told everyone that I was going to win and, sure enough, I did! I’m really ecstatic and look forward to visiting Italy as soon as we find room in our schedules.�
“I’m so happy for Dena and Rick,� said Bruno Serato, the restaurant’s owner. “The program was such a success that we are going to create a similar one this year featuring food around the world. I hope even more people take part in the fun!�
Under the charismatic leadership of Bruno Serato, the Anaheim White House has earned a stellar reputation as one of Orange County’s finest restaurants. Renowned for its dramatic and artfully crafted cuisine, the 300+ seat fine dining establishment has counted celebrities, dignitaries, world leaders and regional culinary aficionados alike as loyal patrons for nearly 20 years. Situated in a historic mansion dating to 1909, the restaurant offers a quixotic menu of Northern Italian/French fare, extensive wine list, unparalleled service and an elegant setting to create a dining experience that is timeless, remarkable and without equal. As a result, the restaurant has received such coveted distinctions as the “International Five Star Diamond Award� from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and top rankings in the Zagat Dining Guide. With its close proximity to Disneyland, the elegant dining establishment has become a favorite destination for tourists, locals and dignitaries visiting the park. Among the luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, sports and politics are Madonna, Sidney Portier, Andrea Bocelli, Gwen Stefani, Wolfgang Puck, Derek Jeter, Oscar de la Hoya, President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush and the Crown Prince of Belgium.
The Anaheim White House is located at 887 South Anaheim Blvd., in Anaheim. To make reservations or for more information, call (714) 772-1381 or visit www.anaheimwhitehouse.com.