Lorenzo!

<p>From a humble start selling instant coffee Larry Mindel went on to build a restaurant empire that revolutionized the industry especially Italian cuisine in America. Along the way he shared a table with countless entertainment and business luminaries. </p><p></p><p>Chianti MacArthur Park Harry's Bar and American Grill Ciao Prego Il Fornaio and Poggio are just a few of the establishments Larry-aka Lorenzo-conceived and ran. On the forefront of innovation he introduced one of the first exhibition pasta-making stations in America as well as the open kitchen-dining floorplan concept. </p><p></p><p>The first American to receive the Caterina de Medici medal from the Italian government Larry has been recognized with the American Institute of Wine & Food Achievement award and induction into the California Restaurant Hall of Fame.  </p><p></p><p>The little Jewish boy from Toledo has come a long way-and he's still going strong. At eighty-seven Larry hasn't let the old man in. His indomitable entusiasmo per la dolce vita remains unbounded. This is his story.</p>