Mario Batali Headlines La Cucina Italiana Food & Wine Fest

The Venetian and Palazzo flex their foodie biceps this weekend with the four-day La Cucina Italiana Food & Wine Festival replete with single name chefs Wolfgang, Mario and Buddy.

Mario Batali headlines the event as the master of ceremonies since he played a major role in planning the event. Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, the singing butcher of Panzano Dario Cecchini, Wolfgang Puck, master pizzaiolo Roberto Caporuscio and sommelier and author Anthony Giglio get second billing in this event, part of Winter in Venice.

The weekend starts Thursday with a dinner with Puck and Cecchini at Cut. The chefs will delight guests with plans to share stories and serve up traditional Tuscan-style dishes. Valastro, author and chef Faith Willinger and Caporuscio plan to be on hand from 7 to 9 p.m.

Learn about authentic Italy from the La Cucina Italiana magazine's Anthony Giglio all afternoon on Saturday with How to Italian. The event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. lets guests interact with celebrity chefs such as Valastro, Batali, Cecchini and more in the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium.

Saturday night brings Bella Notte hosted by gossip columnist Robin Leach. This gala honors Italian-Americans who made a significant impact on the culture of the United States. The event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health with a portion of proceeds benefit the center.

Tickets? Easy. Click here.
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