Bellevue restaurant owner Salvatore Lembo is shifting his focus from Italian food to Italian beauty.

The founder of Firenze Ristorante Italiano and Pizzeria Guido & Wine Bar at Crossroads Bellevue Mall is bringing the Miss Italia USA pageant to Washington for the first time in the contest’s 20-year history.

The winners of all state competitions will travel to the national finals in Connecticut in spring 2010 for the right to be crowned Miss Italia USA.

Lembo’s daughter, Brigette, won that distinction last year, earning a trip to Venice this summer to compete in the world final.

“It’s something unique for a girl that age,” Lembo said of the national competition. “It’s very exciting and classy – no Mickey Mouse thing.”

To qualify for Miss Italia Washington, a woman must be between the ages of 17 and 26, be a resident of the United States at least six months before June 30, and have one Italian parent or grandparent.

Contestants must also have a basic knowledge of the Italian language.

Lembo’s goal is to bring at least 12 women together for the Washington pageant, which takes place March 14 in Kirkland.

To enter the Miss Italia Washington pageant, call Nina DeMarco at 425-614-0007.