Celebration di Veneto

A group of excited servers with painted faces welcomed guests into the Canaletto Ristorante Veneto on Friday evening. The day marked the beginning of the 12-day “Carnevale” celebration at the Venetian restaurant, which debuted November of last year at Fashion Island.

Colorful balloons, confetti and exotic masks adorned the restaurant as chefs and servers prepared for the big night, and Trio Occozzure, a group of local musicians, built up the ambience with traditional Italian music.

For executive chef Maurizio Mazzon, the celebration is all about attempting to recreate the culture and festivities of his homeland in Orange County.

“In Veneto, the Carnevale is a time of great celebration, decorations, masks, and food,” he said. “People go to work every day dressed as a different person.”

Carolyn Acuff and her friends have visited the Canaletto Ristorante Veneto several times. “We love the service and the ambience,” Acuff said. “I have been to Veneto and seen the Carnevale celebrations there. I am excited to see its recreation in Newport Beach.”

The Canaletto Ristorante Veneto will have a series of events over the next few days, including a special Valentine’s Day dinner today with heart-shaped seafood ravioli and chocolate dessert.

Server Alessandro Abrami thinks that it’s a great place to dine at for a Valentine’s Day celebration.

“The food and atmosphere are great,” he said. “Being here will definitely bring a change in the bad weather this weekend.”

Other events of the celebrations include a Venetian Masquerade Wine Dinner at 6:30 Tuesday, when guests will be able to taste traditional Carnevale dishes like Fritelle and Chicchere di Carnevale along with a wide selection of Venetian wines.

On Feb. 21, chef-partner Alfonso Sanna will lead a Risotto-cooking class for guests at 11:30 a.m. Marketing manager Natalia McNeil said this would be one of the highlights of the celebrations.

“Risotto is hard to make and takes a lot of skill,” she said.

Feb. 22 will feature a Venetian mask-decorating contest with complimentary pizza and soft drinks for children. From 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 24, the restaurant will have happy hours with live Italian music.

For more information about the restaurant and the celebrations, call (949) 640-0900. Canaletto Ristorante Veneto is at 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.