Omar T in Umbrian Glossary
Fiction & Reality
Somewhat Alphabetical (R)=Real (F)=Fiction
*There is in fact a wall in the La Romita chapel/studio that is believed to possibly be even older than the sixteenth century structure. There is no reason to believe there is a hidden fresco within its ancient stone and plaster, but…
Bartolomeo di Tommaso (R) The art of this fifteenth century painter is an Umbrian treasure waiting to be more discovered.
Emma Shapplin (R) Perhaps the greatest voice per pound that I have ever encountered. You can enjoy the full range of this voice in classic opera or her creative pop/rock. Whenever I hear her voice or think of her beauty, I feel better about everything.
Dr. Francesca Federico (R) Though her mention in the book is a fictional account, she is a real Umbrian historian and friend of Valerio, who helped me with some historical detail.
Giotto (R) One could argue that all of the iconic Italian art that we love so much, all came from this thirteenth century painter.
International Institute for Restoration and Preservation Studies (F&R) The Institute mention and the character of Gina are fictional accounts.
However there is a real study abroad program.
http://www.sangeministudies.orgIris Litt (R) Exceptionally gorgeous glass art.
http://www.irisglassdesign.comLa Romita Staff (R) All those mentioned in the book are real and as of 2016, were members of the staff. Special thanks to Edmund and Valerio for helping me to add some polish to this novel. Add to your Umbrian collection by picking up a copy of Edmund’s beautiful poetry.
La Romita Students (R) All of the La Romita students mentioned in this book are real, though their accounts in this story are fictional. My mother and I had wonderfully inspiring groups in both 2010 and 2016.
Senza Speranza (F) Translating to “without a hope,” my naming of this fictional winery was a kind of ode to all my friends who are brave enough to be a part of the romantic but rarely, very profitable wine business.
Wineries of Umbria (R) The other two wineries mentioned, Lungaretti and Arnaldo Caprai are both real as are the wine regions of Torgiano and Montefalco and are as wonderful as I describe.
Umbrian Restaurants, cafes, bars (R) All those mentioned in the book are real. The mentioned Misha of Mishima is actually a Michelle. The book chapters are for the most part organized by Umbrian towns. Thus travelers can easily refer to Omar’s experiences while visiting each place themselves!
La Romita School of Art, Terni Italy
http://www.laromita.orgGiotto Assisi controversy
Follow-up articles for those wanting more info:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9658520/Assisi-fresco-restoration-proves-it-was-Giotto.htmlhttps://news.artnet.com/art-world/appalling-restoration-destroys-giotto-frescoes-at-the-basilica-of-saint-francis-in-assisi-261811https://www.theguardian.com/
artanddesign/2015/feb/19/italian-art-medieval-frescoes-damagehttp://www.reuters.com/article/us-art-italy-giotto-idUSBRE8B514020121206http://www.wga.hu/tours/giotto/assisi/index111.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/28/arts/under-a-shroud-of-kitsch-may-lie-a-master-s-art.htmland
Royce’s restaurant, Monterey CA (F) Omar’s family restaurant is fictional but has resemblance to the author’s former restaurant, Royce’s name was penned to honor a great Utah restaurateur, Royce Rosendaal. Who gave the author his first restaurant job.
Pajaro Street Grill (R) Deamer’s former dinner only restaurant. Founded in 1999, enjoying a twenty-year run, two blocks from “Oldtown,” Main Street, Salinas. The birthplace of Chef Omar, who has taken over the web site,
psgrill.net, to keep you informed of his adventures and share a passion for food and hospitality