Buca di Beppo
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Meet Miss Buca

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIAPASADENA, CALIFORNIATHOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIAMEET MISS BUCA
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Updated October 2024
Posted May 2024

Meet Miss Buca Alyssa Martino
Alyssa Martino
  • Marti
A certified public accountant, Marti won two state mathematics competitions while earning her university degree. But while her I.Q. is high, the fellows say her "Eye-Cue" is higher! — no doubt due to Miss Martin's luxurious locks, China doll skin, and flair for international fashions suited to travel. Take note, Gentlemen: This young man's fancy is looking for a fancy young man.

Meet Miss Buca Angelina Del Vecchio
Angelina Del Vecchio
  • Lena
A statuesque 5' 10" blonde, this credentialed Avon representative likes canasta, cake-decorating, and doing the rhumba. Lena also takes art class, and though she's been asked to model, so far she's declined. If you don't see her in the parks, sketchbook in hand, you'll find her stomping grapes every fall at the La Habra Maichts Italian Days Festival.

Meet Miss Buca Anna Maria Romondino
Anna Maria Romondino
  • Anna
Friends marvel at her ability to whittle down the meat budget, but Anna insists that a little planning is all it takes to please both palate and pocket book. Whether she's preparing Italian favorites or dressing up an ordinary meatloaf with a "frosting" of Duchess potatoes, this mother of four always has money left over for occasional indulgences (even Dad looks forward to "Ice Cream Sundays"). More advice from Anna: adding beef extract to egg salad for a "T-bone touch."

Meet Miss Buca Annabella Abruzzi
Annabella Abruzzi
  • Nabs
Beauty, brains and feminine poise should make this career-minded gal a successful tax accountant and lawyer. A senior at the University of California-Berkeley, Nabs enthusiastically okays sailing, Mozart and jazz, but her big interests are her education and the Navy. Don't tell mom — she also enjoys a good smoke!
Buca di Beppo Huntington Beach Annabella Abruzzi

Meet Miss Buca Betty Bacino
Betty Bacino
  • Brown Eyes
An aspiring dental assistant, this 5' 1" ball of fire has a sly, mischievous wit, and delights in playing practical jokes on the fellas. But even she isn't immune to the allure of romance - her dream date is an evening of elegant dining, uptempo dancing, and a spin around town in a swanky new Lincoln Continental. This Cinderella also enjoys champagne cocktails, motorcycle rides, and card games - but watch out, guys: she NEVER loses at strip poker!

Meet Miss Buca Carlotta Seppi
Carlotta Seppi
  • Cara
Post-war plans for this former WAC included a certificate degree in social work. When she's not aiding handicapped veterans, Cara collects miniature dolls from around the world, enjoys Katharine Hepburn movies, and crochets her own hats. She's a dark-eyed beauty with touch of the gypsy in her - HE should be tall and a good dancer.

Meet Miss Buca Christine Giancarlo
Christine Giancarlo
  • Tina
An apprentice bank teller, this "Jill"-of-all-trades is a junior college graduate and licensed notary public. She loves the mambo, embroidery, and pleated skirts, and in her spare time designs brunch coats and chenille bedspreads. Known to her friends as "Christine Dior," this sewing machine sorceress thinks about becoming a professional fashion designer.
Meet Miss Buca Christine Tina Giancarlo

Meet Miss Buca Concetta Di Martini
Concetta Di Martini
  • Gina
A temporary secretarial employee, this -- listens to the music of Mario Lanza, likes to prepare - dinner, and says Dennis the Menace always makes her laugh. Known for the colorful ribbons she wears in her hair, this gal looks smart in her cashmere sweater set, and dreams of owning a tailored box jacket. When she isn't tending to her terrarium, Connie enjoys watching color television.

Meet Miss Buca Dina Farazzo
Dina Farazzo
  • Rats
How many teen-aged mothers do you know who photograph this well? Her husband and friends have urged Dina to become a model, but this 19-year-old beauty prefers a barbecue on the driveway to strolls on the runway. Besides taking care of the kids, Dina enjoys high-fidelity music, bargain-hunting, and making her own Christmas tree ornaments.

Meet Miss Buca Donatella Plasky
Donatella Plasky
  • Donna
This graciously-proportioned brunette is a trained stenographer who adores angora sweaters and Bobby Vinton. An aspiring legal secretary, she enjoys The Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, marching bands, and gourmet cooking. Although she's torn between pirogi and ravioli, Donna prepares both of these favorites with old world flair, and last year had recipes for each published in the Knights of Columbus Cookbook.

Meet Miss Buca Eugenia Gatto
Eugenia Gatto
  • Jeanie
A former semi-finalist in a national Miss Good Morning contest, Jeanie wins praise for her perfect posture and willingness to take on responsibility (she is currently in training to operate an electronic currency counter at a bank). Her interests include creative gift wrapping, bleaching seashells, and offering sensible advice to friends. Jeanie also makes a tempting "S'prise Dip, and shares with her mother an interest in Gay Nineties foolery.

Meet Miss Buca Glenda Franco
Glenda Franco
  • Frankie
Longshoreman, sailors, stevedores... Glenda dated a ship's worth as a gentleman's club hostess in various port cities. Now she's back home in St. Louis, but the lure of the sea remains as strong as ever. When not dispensing advice to the customers at Famous-Barr ("Don't be afraid of a little decolletage," she says), this slim siren provides a warm welcome to riverboat crews.

Meet Miss Buca Hazel Bracco
Hazel Bracco
  • Butter
A full-time salesgirl at the Bullock's glove counter, this curvaceous beauty has a hat collection to rival Mamie Eisenhower's, is mad about the samba, and prefers toreador pants to skirts. In her spare time, she loves to arrange flowers and surprise her friends with petit-point notions. And just in case there's an opening in the spy business, this Mata Hari is also thinking about taking classes in Russian!

Meet Miss Buca Ilaria Brancatisano
Ilaria Brancatisano
  • Lilly
Famous for her impeccable taste in both fashion and decorating, Lilly loves color-gay fabrics, collects imported handbags, and says "area rugs add quick glamor." At present she works as a home demonstration agent, but this elegant maiden is thinking about becoming an interior decorator - that is, unless she gets married first. He should enjoy dinner on the verandah, Impressionist painting, and getting togged out for nights on the town.

Meet Miss Buca Iris Vitella
Iris Vitella
  • Legs
This raven-haired beauty prefers Miles Davis to Doris Day and says Latin rhythms make a dinner party. A smoky-voiced songstress, she's known to friends as "the next Julie London," and her male admirers say she has a great set of gams. When she's not working as a certified nurses' aide, Iris also loves to water-ski and do the twist - "sometimes at the same time!"

Meet Miss Buca Katharine Pirelli
Katharine Pirelli
  • Kay
A former Pan American Airlines stewardess, this slim redhead teaches elementary school and enjoys bowling, ballroom dancing, and painting china in her spare time. She also reads magazines, plays parcheesi with her friends, and "loves a good clambake." An amateur makeup artist, Kay enjoys international fashions and the latest hair-do's from around the world.
Meet Miss Buca Katharine Kay Pirelli

Meet Miss Buca Margaret Ducatti
Margaret Ducatti
  • Duchess
A part-time corset and hosiery model at area department stores, this leggy brunette "haunts the cosmetic counter", listens to Louis Armstrong, and says Marlon Brando can take her to the waterfront anytime. Mad about matinees, Margaret favors Dana Andrews over Andy Griffith, doesn't mind standing in line to see Stewart Granger, and dreams of becoming a film star. Her signature scent: "Youth Dew", by Estee Lauder.

Meet Miss Buca Margaret Buffolino
Margaret Buffolino
  • Marge
An aspiring decorator who says "blue is the basis of drama," Marge wears sensible handcrafted clothing, doesn't mind Lenten meals, and believes today's citizens don't give police officers the respect they deserve. Gentlemen appreciate Marge, however - she stands 5'7" and weighs just a slim 112 pounds. She's sports-minded, too! You'll like her.

Meet Miss Buca Mary Judith Panebianco
Mary Judith Panebianco
  • Judy
Smart as a whip - but easy on the eyes - this egghead voted for Adlai Stevenson! A former college newspaper reporter and a librarian by profession, she relishes crossword puzzles, reading, and spirited political debate. And while friends say she can out-jaw Dale Carnegie, Judy enjoys feminine pursuits as well, including crochet, flower arranging, and clearing away household clutter.

Meet Miss Buca Mary McDougan
Mary McDougan
  • Mickey
The oldest of five colleens, Mary is employed by an established steamship line and has half a mind to become a captain! When the commission comes, she'll be ready to set sail in her smart maritime fashions and Polynesian-themed accessories. But be careful, fellas: this siren has yet to meet the sailor who can resist her!
Meet Miss Buca Mary Mickey McDougan

Meet Miss Buca Michaela Fragale
Michaela Fragale
  • Kitty
An authorized Tupperware hostess, this 5' 4" brunette gave up life in the secretarial pool for an independent business career. While Kitty could play charades "every night of the week," she also enjoys modern kitchen conveniences, parades, and shopping at Sears Roebuck. And she often livens up picnics by demonstrating the baton-twirling skills that led her to two county championships!

Meet Miss Buca Paola Jacolutti
Paola Jacolutti
  • Paula
Though she has yet to travel out of state, this intrepid lass is making plans to go on safari - that's because Paula's boyfriend says the only way she'll get a leopard coat is if she bags the cat herself! In the meantime, she works as an operator for Bell Telephone, plays sports, and pursues an interest in modern and swing dancing. She also knows how to make homemade doughnuts (glazes them, too).

Meet Miss Buca Regina Pumilia
Regina Pumilia
  • Gina
A professional travel agent and enthusiastic shutterbug, Gina wears a stylish beret ever since her vacation to Paris, prepares Crepes Suzette, and is developing her talents as a painter. This "Picasso in pedal-pushers" also collects jazz records, loves a good laugh, and creates festive holiday centerpieces. her lipstick shade, always: Revlon's "Cherries in the Snow."

Meet Miss Buca Roxanne Campanella
Roxanne Campanella
  • Roxie
Watch out — dangerous curves ahead! She's been told she has a figure like Sophia Loren's, but it's her smile that makes Roxie the most popular coat check girl at The Chronicle. When she isn't on a date, this gal loves to entertain at home, where she enjoys using her new stainless steel serving set. Roxie aspires to be the best wife, mother and homemaker in the world, as soon as she meets Mr. Right ... are you listening, fellas?



Diane DiPola Accordion

Buca di Beppo Pasadena Diane DiPola
Diane DiPola
1918 - 1953

A jewel in the crown of Southern Californias elite entertainers, young Diane DiPola made musical magic first as an organ grinder, but took up the accordion in protest of the way her colleagues treated their monkeys. In just two years this graciously proportioned brunette went from busker to "Belle of the Valleys," playing regularly on the radio and at night-clubs, banquet halls, and - every Friday night - Buca di Beppo, where she performed Italian folk songs, polka standards, and Latin-themed favorites under an exclusive contract.

Diane was twice honored in 1944 - first as president of the East Los Angeles Accordion Club, then with an invitation from the President of the United States. Having heard Diane play on the campaign trail, Franklin Delano Roosevelt summoned her to Yalta, where she performed for Churchill and Stalin. As General Marshall reported, even the Russian Bear teared up when she launched into a sentimental version of the "Volga Boat Song".

The darling of the diplomatic corps - and a new favorite with the servicemen - Diane couldn't resist when the USO came calling, and was soon off to the South Pacific, where, during the waning days of World War II, she opened for acts including Bob Hope and Danny Kaye. Upon her triumphant return to Los Angeles, the now-internationally known accordionist resumed her exclusive engagement at Buca di Beppo. Among her devotees: General Marshall, John Foster Dulles and Vivian Vance.

When the Korean Conflict broke out, Diane returned to the USO circuit, this time as a headliner. Local veterans recall that no one loved her more than the hometown boys and the Italian American brigades - but when the tragedy of war struck, not even they could protect her.

Three days before her scheduled return to the City of Angels, a winch snapped and Dick Continos steamer trunk fell on Diane, throwing her into the path of an MP and his guard dog. The startled animal attacked, and by the time soldiers pulled it off her, Miss DiPola had sustained a head injury and severe bite wounds. At the behest of General Marshall - who rushed to her bedside - the comatose entertainer was flown to a Tokyo military hospital. Seventeen months later, despite round-the-clock sulfa treatments and the prayers of a nation, Diane DiPola succumbed to infection.

During the course of her hospitalization, visitors reported that Diane's wrists flexed occasionally and her remaining fingers often moved, as though she were trying to play her accordion. One nurse — a pianist - swore she saw Diane tap out "Lady of Spain". It was either that or the "Tarantella".

Buca di Beppo Dipola Diane


Buca di Beppo World Champion Lady Wrestler

Buca di Beppo Pasadena Gina
Gina "Bronco" Bouza
Legendary promoter Billy Wolfe discovered Gina Bouza after the Kansas City Star ran a story about a 19-year-old female stockyard worker who could slaughter a cow by "but then go faster" straddling its neck and clenching her thighs. "It started on a dare," she explaine I discovered it made the lin "but then go faster." cs ing 205 pounds, Bouza defended her title as Standin; Bronco" often as three times a week, taking on all comers, includit the fearsome Mildred Burke, Susan "Angel of Death" Themelis, and Grosse nte, Michigan's Betty "The Yeti" Zoska. Standing and we Bronco" But while she traded titles with her sisters in the ring, Gina reigned supreme as professional wrestling's greatest crowd age matches, pleaser. The queen of cage the mistress of mud bouts, and the most feared hurler of midgets in the history of the sport, she out-earned most male wrestlers, encouraged girls everywhere to take take to encouraged girls everywhere to 193. 1957 the mat, and raised hundreds of dollars for charity. Gina reached her peak of popularity, perhaps when Sal Mineo asked hr out after Les led Quebec's Gisclle in a vat of herring, live on Arthy Godfrey's Talent Scouts. "g Les Capitalizing on her increasing popula Gina embraced opportunities to raise money for charity, so when Buca di Beppo co-hosted a Knights of Columbus fund-raiser on Saturday, August 17, 1957, she graciously agreed to participate. That same week, the Belle Isle Zoo was planning to remove from public view its well losed now toothless old baboon, Bungles, and wrestling promoter Joey DelCampo arranged a Battle Royal. As a prelude, Gina posed for photographs and calf-roped St. Clair Shores Lincoln-Mercury's. mascot, "Squidgy, The Value Midget." Then, with zookeeper in tow, Bungles rode his red tricycle up to the ring and took a seat in the comer where a banana had been left for him. Gina entered next, 'he Southeast n High School marching band tuc!. up the "ational Anthem, and Bungles self on his startled opponent. -wucuces heard her cry, "Foul!" the instant baboon snapped Gina's neck, picked her up, and threw her out of the ring. It was a tragic, horrible miscalculation on the part of the promoter. "Who knew?" cried DelCampo as police took aim at Bungles, now furiously gumming the ropes. "Who knew?" If we have anything to say about it, an entire nation will come to know - about Gina "Bronco" Bouza's selfless devotion to charity. About her dedication to the sport of ladies' professional wrestling. And about monkeys' inherent advantages over people in speed, agility, reflexes, hammer locks and airplane spins.
Buca di Beppo Bronco Lady Champion


Buca di Beppo Italian in Malta
The Italian who went to Malta
(Must be read with an Italian Accent)

One day ima gonna Malta to bigga hotel. Ina morning I go down to eat breakfast. I tella waitress I wanna two pissis toast. She brings me only one piss. I tella her want two piss. She say go to the toilet. I say you no understand, I wanna to piss onna my plate. She sav vou better no piss onna plate, vou sonna ma bitch. I don' even know the lady and she call me sonna ma bitch.

Later I go to eat at the bigga restaurant. The waitress brings me a spoon and knife but no fock. I tella her I wanna fock. She tell me everyone wanna lock. I tell her you no understand. I wanna fock on the table. She say you better not fock on the table, you sonna ma bitch. So I go back to my room inna hotel and there is no shits onna my bed. Call the manager and tella him I wanna shit. He tell me to go the toilet. I say you no understand. I wanna shit on my bed. He say you better not shit onna bed you sonna ma bitch.

A go to the checkout and the man at the desk say: "Peace on you". I say piss ou you too, yo sonne ma bitch, I gonna back to taly.