[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING LUIGI'S DELICATESSEN ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. KEVIN McCARTHY of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a leading small business in our community, Luigi's Delicatessen, which is celebrating 100 years of operation in Bakersfield, California on October 3, 2010. Originally founded in 1910 as Luigi's and Lemucchi's Grocery by Joe Lemucchi, Luigi's is one of Bakersfield's oldest family owned and operated businesses. The cafe and grocery store reflect the city's rich tradition and in its early days, one could always hear the constant chatter of the different languages that made up the original immigrant community. Joe's son, Louis, later inherited the family business and covered the walls with photos of local athletes that span more than seventy years. These photos have attracted multiple generations of Kern County patrons who return with friends and family to view favorite photos. The same recipes from the cafe, such as Emelia Lemucchi's Bolognese pasta sauce recipe that she brought from Italy, are being used by the current keepers of the legacy, Antonia Valpredo, daughters Monica and Lanette and son Gino--all of whom make up the third and fourth generations of the family. Luigi's is more than just a restaurant in Bakersfield. It is a staple in our community and exemplifies our town's culture. A culture of pride in one's craft is embodied in the pasta and meats prepared. From the receptionist to the wait staff, the friendly atmosphere makes even first time visitors feel like regulars. Luigi's has had a long standing reputation of hospitality, dating back to the early twentieth century, when Joe Lemucchi would rent out small cottages he constructed himself to bachelor Italian immigrants who had just moved into the area. Luigi's is one of Bakersfield's iconic locations, bringing together a community of different backgrounds and perspectives to enjoy delicious cuisine. I have been going to Luigi's my whole life. Growing up in Bakersfield, Luigi's is one of the best restaurants around. I always order a \1/2\ & \1/2\--it is a true taste of Bakersfield, as it is a humble combination of pasta and meat sauce with Luigi's Italian beans. My wife Judy loves Luigi's Monica's Salad. To top it off, everyone must have the Butterfinger Pie for dessert. It is an icy delight that perfectly blends candy bar, ice cream, and biscotti cookie crust to make one of my favorite desserts. Luigi's is a gathering place filled with friendly faces and great food. Luigi's is one of the bedrocks of our small business community that measures success in its loyalty from generations of local customers. It is a family run institution in the Kern County community and I thank Luigi's for its 100 years of service to the people of Bakersfield, and wish them the very best in the next 100 years. ____________________