Frank Silva gets plenty of requests. But nothing like the one the general manager of Schwartz’s Deli received in late August.

“You are invited to represent Quebec and Canada at an upcoming food festival taking place in the town of Lajatico in Tuscany on Saturday, Sept. 6,” Silva says, paraphrasing the email he received.

Silva was told that 3,000 people were expected to attend the festival, which was to showcase the food of over a dozen countries. Schwartz’s was expected to supply enough smoked meat to serve up to 400 people.

The fest organizers had pledged to fly in 100 pounds of the spiced brisket for the occasion, along with some mustard and rye bread. And, oh yeah, they planned to fly Silva in as well to slice and serve the smoked meat.

Turns out Lajatico is the bucolic hometown of superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli and many of his family members, including his brother and niece — the latter being one of the principals behind the festival. Alas, Andrea was on tour and not able to attend the food fest.

“The people went nuts with the smoked meat. They were going: ‘Bellissimo, bellissimo!’ I’ve never seen or heard anything like it. They had never tasted anything quite like it. They thought it was porchetta at first. Some asked if it was even cooked. They knocked back everything, licking every last remnant of meat off their plates. I started off........

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