Regular customers are familiar with the family history that is found on Flying Banzini placemats. Well… it’s time for the legend to continue. Perhaps even to grow?

Much thanks to the current contributors (Robert Watt, Brenda Chapman, Ian Brown, Sheila Craig, and Kayleigh Brown) who are, of course, encouraged to submit new chapters in the family’s lore.

Here is how it works:

(1) Submit a paragraph about a famous (infamous?) member of the Banzini Famiglia. Or, submit a famous quotation from an influential Banzini family member.

(2) Enjoy a lunch or dinner for two if your submission makes it onto the next placemat.

Submissions to [email protected]. I will be getting the new placemats designed by the middle of next week.

We are, as you can imagine, a VERY historic family with many, many influential members over the past millennia. We have been tinkers, tailors, soldiers, and spies. Paupers, princes, kings, and queens. Aviators, inventors, miners, and mill workers. We are a very ancient family. We have done it all.

Note that Banzini family members are often right beside major historical events but never seem to be a big part of those moments…

Here are a couple of samples off the current placemat family history…

1536

Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Michaela Gelato Banzini, night cleaner. Art historians note that 21 out of 343 figures on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel bear a remarkable resemblance to Michaela’s brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Michaela was the night cleaner and it is widely thought that, using Michelangelo’s discarded materials, she filled in some empty spaces on the ceiling in tribute to Famiglia Banzini.

1859

Portland, Oregon
Theodore Banzini, politician. One of the less celebrated members of the Banzini family tree, Theodore made an unsuccessful bid to become the first Governor of the state of Oregon. To this day (although, thankfully, only in Oregon) visibly wetting your pants during a public debate is known as “pulling a Banzini.”

 

And here are a couple of famous Banzini family quotes…

Veni, Vici, Cheesecaki. I came. I saw. I had cheesecake. Julius Banzini.

I love the smell of cheesecake in the morning. It’s the smell of victory. Lieutenant Colonel Bill Banzini.

 

I asked for submissions way back in September. I still have those. But, if you submitted then, feel free to submit something new.

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I try to write a short entry most days, Monday to Friday. I muse about the emotion of being a restaurant owner and I also use this space to interact with my customers. If you have anything you would like to know about, please ask. I will be happy to offer my thoughts or answer any questions about anything.

Follow The Flying Banzini on Twittter: @FlyingBanzini. You will get a mishmash of quotes, historical tidbits, music, and, of course, stuff to do with the restaurant.

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Every Friday, one new Twitter follower or Facebook like gets lunch/dinner for two.

Much thanks for your support. Word of mouth matters more than anything. I am grateful that you care enough about my restaurant (good or bad) to have taken the time to read this blog.