Restaurateur Celebrates "Truffle Month" in October with Menu Benefitting Breast Cancer Nonprofit

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Oct. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- In conjunction with the autumn harvest of one of the culinary world’s finest delicacies, chef/restaurateur Antonio Cagnolo has declared October “Black Truffle Month” and each of his three restaurants will feature what many call, “the diamonds of the kitchen.”  His flagship Antonello Ristorante will offer several truffle dishes including Carpaccio of Beef with Black Truffle Aioli and Veal Scallopini with Truffle Burre Blanc. Nello Cucina and Quattro Caffe will both highlight a truffle-topped pizza as well as a Filet Mignon and a variety of pastas featuring the rare and valuable delicacy.  (All restaurants are located within South Coast Plaza properties.)

Since October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, he has pledged to donate 25% of the proceeds from each of the 3 restaurants’ truffle menus to THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser, an OC nonprofit.

Truffles are the fruiting body of a subterranean fungus and have long been considered a delicacy in Europe and the Middle East and, in the past century, the U.S.  Because they are so rare and difficult to mass-produce, they are expensive. Cagnolo says they bear a pronounced flavor so he uses them sparingly – usually shaved as thin as paper – and will be serving them atop pasta, rice, eggs, salads, meats and even pizzas.

“Truffle season is a greatly anticipated annual event in Europe and I wanted to celebrate the autumn harvest with this month-long special menu that benefits a nonprofit that meets the needs of women with breast cancer,” said Cagnolo.

         THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser's mission is to preserve the dignity of breast cancer patients and their loved ones by supporting their unmet needs through funding value added services.  These services typically are not covered by insurance, and include massage therapy, acupuncture, fitness classes, and beauty consulting.

For more information or to review the truffle menus of Cagnolo’s 3 restaurants, visit www.antonello.com, www.nellocucina.com, or www.quattrocaffe.com.