Senate Resolution No. 2802

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Rossella Rago upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the
Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS.
Addolorata on June 25, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rossella Rago upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS.
Addolorata, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at El Caribe,
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Rossella Rago has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence,
and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious
honor; and

WHEREAS, Rossella Rago is the host of the popular online cooking
show, "Cooking with Nonna"; on each episode, she invites an
Italian-American nonna to cook with her, sharing traditional Italian
recipes and fond memories of growing up Italian in America; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious career, Rossella Rago has
performed cooking demonstrations in various cities across the United
States, with local nonne as her partners; and

WHEREAS, Rossella Rago spent much of her childhood in the kitchen
with her maternal grandmother, Nonna Romana; she became an expert in the
rich tradition of Pugliese recipes passed down through countless
generations; and

WHEREAS, Launching "Cooking with Nonna" has allowed Rossella Rago to
expand her culinary expertise to much of the rest of Italy; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Rossella Rago teamed up with her mother, Angela,
and her Nonna Romana in the "Italiano Battle" episode of the Food
Network's 24 Hour Restaurant Battle; this grueling contest involved
conceiving and executing the menu and decor for their very own
restaurant, all in the space of one day; Team Nonna emerged victorious;
and

WHEREAS, Rossella Rago is the author of the number one bestselling
cookbook, Cooking with Nonna: Celebrate Food and Family with Over 100
Classic Recipes from Italian Grandmothers, released in March of 2017;
and

WHEREAS, A native of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Rossella Rago holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian Literature from St. John's
University; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Rossella Rago has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Rossella Rago, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rossella Rago upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS.
Addolorata on June 25, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rossella Rago.