The Groveland Hotel is excited to present a series of dinners with guest speakers to celebrate the Italian Heritage along the Highway 120 and 49 Corridors. Come for a special three course Italian meal, hear stories from family members, learn the history and see photos of early life in Tuolumne County. More than digging for gold, the Italian immigrant’s heritage of industry, perseverance, patience and love for the land have kept our mountain towns living and vibrant.

Our first dinner of the series begins at 6:00 p.m. on January 27, 2012 with guest speaker Don Fulton, locally known as Skeet Fulton, who is a descendent of Mary and John Franco from Genoa, Italy. Although they arrived earlier in the area, in 1922 Fulton’s grandparents bought property with a home built in 1854. Now called the Tannahill house, it is the oldest standing wooden structure in Groveland. Located between the Groveland Hotel and Groveland Motel on Highway 120 the house is still visible. The Franco family grew vegetables, apples, cherries and grapes and made wine which they sold to the local populace. Johnny Franco did much of the masonry on the home and for several other homes in the area. He also worked as a butcher in Sal Ferretti’s butcher shop during the Hetch Hetchy Dam building years.

Executive Chef Michael Pritchard’s three course dinner offers a choice of appetizer: Portobello Ravioli, Minestrone Soup or Beet Salad. Entree options are Prawns, Veal Saltimbocca, and Italian Pork Lasagna. For dessert, take your choice of the house made Apple Tart or Chocolate Molten Cake. Coffee and Tea are included in the $25 per person cost of dinner. Taxes and gratuities are additional. Gianelli Vineyard’s award-winning wines are available, for an additional fee, to enjoy with your meal by the glass or by the bottle.

Join us for a series of memorable evenings as we pay tribute to the Italian pioneers who helped establish our communities. Make your reservations by phone at 209-962-4000 or 800-273-3314 or by email to guestservices@groveland.com.

Save the Date for Italian Heritage Dinners with special guest speakers:
January 27, 2012 – with special guest speaker Don Fulton
February 24, 2012 – with special guest speaker Rick Restivo
March 23, 2012 – with special guest speaker TBA
April 27, 2012 – with special guest speaker Ron Gianelli of Gianelli Vineyards

All dinners offer a 3-course Italian menu with coffee or tea for $25 per person. Taxes and gratuities are additional. Find the Groveland Hotel’s Cellar Door Restaurant at: 18767 Main Street, Groveland, CA 95321 Website: www.groveland.com Phone: 209-962-4000 or 800-273-3314. Email: guestservices@groveland.com

Call now to reserve your seats!