About Us
About Pasta King
“About us” really means about Arturo Luis Ibleto. As a young man during World War II in Italy, Art joined the resistance to fight against Nazi Germany and the Fascists; he served his native country, defending it from the invaders and protecting his family’s hometown for four years; with his specialty being demolition, he planted explosives under bridges, railroads and in highway tunnels to hinder the German advance.
Art’s hometown of Sesta Godano, Italy is near Genoa, in the Liguria region of Northern Italy, where food is a way of life. In his part of Italy, they grew basil and garlic in the backyard. They’d grind it up with some salt and parmesan cheese. They called it “pesto” because they pounded it.
Following the war, Art immigrated to the United States settling in Sonoma County, where he worked in the fields picking vegetables, as a mechanic, a truck driver, and a factory worker. In 1951 Art married Victoria Ghirardelli. In 1961 they purchased their first home where they raised hogs, cows, harvested potatoes, and grew Christmas trees. Together they ran a custom butcher shop, Ibleto Meats, which is still in operation today.
Art and Vicki became members of the Sons of Italy in Petaluma. Here Art served in various offices both locally and also eventually attained the office of California State President from 1995-1997. In his leadership roles Art diligently promoted Italian culture, language, and cuisine.
In 1974 as part of an Untied Lodges, Sons of Italy project, Art helped open the Spaghetti Palace at the Sonoma County Fair. In time Art, Vicki, and their children took over ownership of the Spaghetti Palace. It is here where Art introduced his pesto sauce, which in a very short time became a Sonoma County favorite. The Spaghetti Palace has since become one of the longest-running and most popular booths at the fair.
As a result of the success of the Spaghetti Palace, Art took on another new career of supplying locals with his own line of Italian cuisine and catering special events. He is known throughout Northern California for his savory dishes and has earned the title of the “Pasta King”.
The Church in Art's Hometown, Sesta Godano, Italy
