Tommaso Barletta’s Tuscany Il Ristorante Delivers Complimentary Meals to Frontline Workers

For most other restaurants and their workers, physical  distancing measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 have been devastating, forcing many to close dining rooms and offer takeout options.  But not for Chef-owner Tommaso Barletta of Tuscany Il Ristorante,  had already  been serving customers through takeout orders during the recent COVID-19 pandemic this past winter during this unprecedented time before he started doing even more.

These days, after joined forces with a local business person and a group of philanthropists, Tuscany Il Ristorante is able to feed the healthcare workers on the front lines. In fact, “Since the crisis began, we’ve been cooking meals for emergency medical workers,” said the chef.

How it came about: “After I heard that my friend David Delrahim, CEO of Bliss Car Wash was continuing to pay his workers while his business was shut down, I asked what the community could do to help frontline healthcare workers. Without hesitation, he said, let’s feed them and agreed to pay for a fine dining meal for over 200 healthcare workers at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center,” added Barletta.

Providing complimentary meals to healthcare workers is a phenomenon happening nationwide from fine-dining to fast-food establishments. Some have used the power of social media to crowd-source funding to support initiatives to keep hospital staff fed and others have generous donors like David Delrahim, whose children were born at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, and just want to give back during this time of crisis.

“I urge other restaurants to partner with customers like David Delrahim to help feed our frontline healthcare workers. Like so many, I’m inspired by the dedication of healthcare workers who are working so hard. Everyone has a role to play in overcoming this crisis, and we couldn’t be more excited to offer a hot and delicious meal for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals,” added Barletta.

 Tuscany Il Ristorante the dream of chef/owner Tommaso Barletta who was born in the small fisherman village of Monopoli on the southeast coast of Italy and wanted to bring true upscale Italian cuisine to the West Valley Tuscany Il Ristorante was created.