Giada Cooks Up a Storm for Fans in Shelton

Nearly 140 people attended the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation 25th anniversary wrap-up event, “An Evening with Giada” featuring Food Network star and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Hosted and presented by Bob and Barbara Scinto and R.D. Scinto Inc., the Nov. 6 event in Shelton included a VIP reception at Il Palio Restaurant and a discussion moderated by Diane Sembrot, editor of Fairfield Living magazine, at the neighboring R.D. Scinto Auditorium.

“You eat a little bit of everything and not a lot of anything,” was Giada’s advice to the audience for enjoying food while staying trim, adding that limiting sugar, dairy and packaged foods is also a key to a healthy diet, the hospital spokeswoman said.

Giada suggested that to be healthier, order appetizers only, eating half of the meal served and taking home the rest, and sharing dishes with others.

“Healthy eating – or more precisely, the absence of it – is a significant issue in our community, so Giada’s visit is timely and important,” said Bridgeport Hospital Foundation President Steve Jakab in introducing the guest speaker. “Through her shows and books she has become synonymous with healthy home cooking that tastes fabulous.”

Guests at the event received complimentary, signed copies of Giada’s latest book, Giada’s Feel Good Food: My Healthy Recipes and Secrets.