Little Italy’s tasty art, a Recipe For Friendship.

Four sculptures depict tables of tasty food in Amici Park.
Four sculptures depict tables of tasty food in Amici Park.

People love to congregate in Little Italy’s Amici Park, just north of downtown San Diego. There’s a big grassy area for dogs, a couple bocce ball courts, and some tables and chairs where neighbors can just sit and relax. Or eat.

Honestly, who wouldn’t be hungry in this park? There’s food all over the place! Metal sculptures in the shape of food, to be exact!

The red and white checkered tablecloths you see are actually glass mosaics. The recipes beside the plates are designed so that inquisitive gourmets can take a rubbing, and bring the recipe home. The various round plaques are sprinkled about the park, set in concrete where people might walk. The entire installation is called “A Recipe For Friendship” and was created by Nina Karavasiles in 2001. The public art was commissioned by the City of San Diego Commission For Arts and Culture.

Now, what’s for dinner?

Metal sculpture of blackened fish taco plate in Little Italy's unique Amici Park.
Metal sculpture of blackened fish taco plate in Little Italy’s unique Amici Park.
Blackened fish taco recipe from Debra Scott.
Blackened fish taco recipe from Debra Scott.
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. --Walt Kelly
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. –Walt Kelly
You'd need some powerful teeth to eat these stuffed artichokes!
You’d need some powerful teeth to eat these stuffed artichokes!
Stuffed artichokes recipe from Rose Cresci.
Stuffed artichokes recipe from Rose Cresci.
Round plaque at Amici Park shows many popular spices.
Round plaque at Amici Park shows many popular spices.
Marinara sauce on plate of tasty pasta makes fun public art!
Marinara sauce on plate of tasty pasta makes fun public art!
Marinara sauce recipe from restaurateurs Lisa and Joe Busalacchi.
Marinara sauce recipe from local restaurateurs Lisa and Joe Busalacchi.
Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. --Beethoven.
Only the pure in heart can make a good soup. –Beethoven.
A plate of fava beans served up on a checkered tablecloth makes for cool artwork.
A plate of fava beans served up on a checkered tablecloth makes for cool artwork.
Fava bean spread recipe from Nina Karavasiles.
Fava bean spread recipe from Nina Karavasiles.
A Recipe For Friendship celebrates food, created by Nina Karvasiles in 2001.
A Recipe For Friendship celebrates food, created by Nina Karvasiles in 2001.

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Published by

Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

2 thoughts on “Little Italy’s tasty art, a Recipe For Friendship.”

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