The eighth-annual Taste of Italy, an evening of authentic Italian food and wine to benefit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA), will take place on October 1st in downtown Los Angeles. Taste of Italy showcases over 35 of the region's best restaurants, Italian and California-Italian wineries, as well as live entertainment, chef demonstrations, and celebrity guests.
Participants will include: Valentino, Drago Centro, Il Fornaio, DiStefano Cheese, Prova Pizzeria, Celestino, Urbani Truffles, Locanda del Lago, Il Fornaio, and directly from Lucca, Italy, Antica Locanda di Sesto. The regional flavors from Italy are the highlighted at the event. Earthy Tuscan dishes, Sicilian arancini, and the intense aroma of truffles: Taste of Italy showcases the diversity of Italian cuisine.
The historic Antica Locanda di Sesto, in operation since 1368, will bring the authentic flavors from Tuscany to Los Angeles. Antica Locanda di Sesto uses only ingredients sourced from the family farm and other local producers in Tuscany.
The Pavilions Chef's Stage will host cheesemaker Mimmo Bruno, the first artisan in the United States to recreate burrata, a cream-filled fresh mozzarella from Puglia, Italy, as well as celebrated chef Aurelio Barattini, Calogero Drago, and Michelin-starred Chef Gianfrano Minuz. Prosciutto di Parma will make a presentation of the ancient art of curing their world-renowned Italian ham.
Approximately 100 world-class wines will be served by participants such as Gruppo I Vinai, Casa Torelli, Pedroncelli Winery, Ventura Limoncello, Vinoteca Giannelli, Tenute Chiaromonte, and more. For a complete list of participants visit www.iamla.org/TOI
Taste of Italy's entertainment lineup includes performances by LA Opera, Jasmine Tommaso Trio featuring the renowned jazz bass player Giovanni Tommaso. Nick D'Egidio and the Dry Martini Orchestra and DJLo, will spin the best Italian classics mixed with the current pop hits. "Shotgun Tom" Kelly, radio personality and one of Southern California's best-loved voices will be Master of Ceremonies.
"Taste of Italy offers an authentic Italian experience in the heart of in downtown Los Angeles," explains Marianna Gatto, historian and Executive Director of the IAMLA, "where guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional Italian wines in a charming, historic setting. Taste of Italy offers a glimpse of the region's extensive Italian history and contemporary Italian lifestyle while supporting the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles."
To purchase tickets visit www.iamla.org/TOI or call (213) 485-8432. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted.
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (644 North Main Street) will be open until 5 pm to allow Taste of Italy guests to visit the Museum.
For Calendar Listings
What: The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles' Taste of Italy
When: October 1st, 2016 from 5-10 PM
Where: 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Why: Proceeds from the event will support the Italian American Museum's exhibitions and the preservation of the historic Italian Hall (the building in which the Museum is located, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
Cost: $60 General Admission (6 food + 6 wine food tastings), $125 Premiere (10 food + 10 wine tastings, VIP bag, and red carpet entrance), a limited number of reserved tables and sponsorship opportunities available.
Tickets/Info: www.italianhall.org/TOI or tel. 213.485.8432
About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles and the Historic Italian Hall Foundation
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles documents the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans and Italians to Southern California and the nation. Featuring interactive exhibits and educational programming, the Italian American Museum provides visitors of all ages and origins a meaningful understanding of the complex, multi-cultural fabric of the United States. The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 3 pm. The Historic Italian Hall Foundation is a 501 (c)3 charitable organization dedicated to supporting the Museum and the continued preservation efforts of the building in which it is located, the Italian Hall, the oldest remaining structure from the city's historic little Italy, built in 1908.
Francesca Guerrini
Manager of Programming & Outreach
The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
125 Paseo De La Plaza, Suite 406
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel. 213-485.8432
www.italianhall.org
