That’s exactly what happened on February 25 when ALBI Homes inaugurated their 5,000 square-foot Galleria design studio on 110 Ave. S.E.

Celebrity Chef David Rocco cooked up a storm of Tuscan-inspired food in the design studio’s gourmet “cucina” (kitchen). The cook show star of Food Network Canada and TLN was ably assisted by Calgary’s own Three Italian Mammas (Caterina Caracciolo, Vittoria Cioffi and Maria Giannatelli) from Mercato’s Gourmet Cultura, a presenting sponsor of the event.

“Chef Rocco was a highlight of the Galleria grand opening,” said Allan Klassen, President and Managing Partner of ALBI Homes. “His enthusiasm, commitment to high quality, and his brilliant presentation mirrors ALBI’s homebuilding philosophy”.

The private event also was the forum to announce the creation of the Tom Mauro Endowment Fund in support of SAIT Polytechnic students, a surprise to ALBI Homes Founder and Co-Chair, Tom Mauro, who was also celebrating his 60th birthday.

“I had no idea about the development of the endowment fund,” Mauro sys. “Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about carpentry and Italian food. Tonight was a celebration of both of my passions with the added honor of the endowment fund.”

All proceeds raised at the event, through donations and live auction items, will be allocated to the endowment fund. “The Galleria will be inspiring and, at the same time, will simplify the experience for our customers,” Klassen says. “We continue to strive towards delivering world-class products and services for each and every homeowner, and this venue allows us to do just that.”