Ugo Allesina

1. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?

When I was a child, my parents wanted to be a priest! Of course, I’ve always been interested in food. My family has owned and operated a restaurant and bar in Italy, and growing up, there was a well-known culinary school in my hometown. So, I suppose I would be involved with food in some way.

2. What’s your most prized possession?

This one’s easy – family. I don’t value any material possession because the only thing that matters is those you love and those who love you. My wife, Michelle, and son, Gianluca, who is 11 years old, are my world.

3.Favorite drink?

Scroppino. It’s a cocktail popular in Veneto – basically champagne with lemon sorbet. If you want to try it, let me know and I can make sure I have some lemon sorbet at the restaurant. It’s absolutely refreshing.

4. What are you cutting out because of the economy?

I’ve always been very conservative – a limit extravagances – so the economy is not really affecting anything in my normal daily routine. My grandfather used to tell me, “save your grass in the summer to feed your animals in the winter.” So, basically, when times are good and the economy is thriving, I save instead of spend, because that’s how I was raised. The “American Dream” to most means “consume,” but for me, this dream is simple happiness.

5.Fantasy purchase

I would open a bed & breakfast in Tuscany.  One that would be 100% self-sustaining – I would grow my own ingredients in a produce & herb garden, make my own wine & cheese, and focus on the little things in life.  Of course, the Tuscan countryside would be enough to keep me happy.

6.What can’t you live without?

Well, my family, of course. I can’t go more than a few months before going back to my roots in Italy. But if I had to pick one material thing, it would have to be bread. There’s nothing in the world like freshly baked bread.

7. What’s next on your “to do” list?

At the top of my to-do list at work is growing Prego’s business so that my extended family – the 50+ employees who I work with day in and day out – are taken care of and achieving their own dreams.

8. Biggest regret?

Traveling more in my youth before coming to America; I still plan on traveling to Australia, New Zealand and the Asian continent with my family, but it may not be for some time.

9. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?

I am involved in so many charitable efforts – from fundraisers at my son’s school to large-scale galas in Orange County – I’m always ready to help. I have soft place in my heart for those in need and want to do my part to help make a difference. Sounds cliché, but that’s how I feel.

10. Your dream day in OC?

I would spend the day with my family on the beach in Corona del Mar – flying kites, eating, playing in the water. The first time I landed in this country, approximately 20 years ago, my ride was five hours late and I was so frustrated, but my first stop was Corona del Mar and I just fell in love. I felt like Christopher Columbus finding this beautiful place and I lived there for my first six years here.

11. Favorite place for breakfast?

My kitchen. To tell you the truth, I’m not really a big breakfast person – in Italy, breakfast is cappuccino and croissant. But my wife does tempt me on many occasions with her cooking.
 

12. What was the best day of your life?

Eleven years ago, watching my wife give birth to my son. The doctors must have thought I was nuts because I was pouring champagne for everyone in the delivery room!

13. Last concert that you went to?

I love all types of music, but my wife loves Rascall Flatts so that was the last concert I saw – it was at Mandalay Bay, so that was a great venue.

14. Favorite vacation spot?

Born and raised in Italy and now living in Orange County, I have been privileged, but one of my favorite vacation spots remains Wyoming – this may sound odd, given that my wife, son and I have traveled throughout Europe, but my trips to Wyoming were solo vacations where I was able to fly fish, go horseback riding and skeet shooting. The place I visited is 80 miles outside of Cheyenne and there was no electricity – it was very peaceful and an opportunity for me to get in touch with nature.

15. What do you love and hate about Orange County?

LOVE: the location. First of all OC has it all, but we’re a short drive away from San Diego, LA, the mountains, the deserts… it’s all within reach. I miss Italy, but OC is the next best thing.

HATE: Traffic! Although I hear it’s worse in other counties, but still, I have better ways I’d rather spend my time.

16. Favorite movie?

“Braveheart”. I’ve seen it 20 times and know lines by heart. I also like the “Gladiator” and spaghetti westerns such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.

17. Favorite restaurant in Orange County?

Well, aside from Prego… I’d have to say the Anaheim White House (Bruno Serato has been a friend for the past 19 years).

18. Biggest accomplishment?

To have been able to have travel the world and speak multiple languages. I come from a small village so I take pride in this… of course, I have a long way to go to visit all the places on my list.

19. What’s your biggest fear?

I’m pretty fearless. Last October, I had a major surgery – an emergency diverticulitis. I never had a symptom and this happened suddenly. A major shock, but I feel like I came out a better person and cherish every day.

20. Secret most people don’t know about you?

Secrets? I’m pretty open, so ask me and I’ll tell you – or not. Isn’t that the very definition of a secret?