The Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC) will host one of Houston's best loved chefs, Renato De Pirro of Ristorante Cavour, Hotel Granduca, for a chef demonstration and an exclusive dinner at 7 pm, January 11, 2013, at ICCC, 1101 Milford, Houston, Texas, 77006. Renato De Pirro will lead diners through Italy's Lombardia region during the evening, the first dinner of the 2013 culinary tour of Italian regions.

The demonstration and four course dinner will include Zuppa alla Pavese (beef consomme' with poached quail egg and Grana Padano crouton), Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto with roasted bone marrow and liquorice), Uccelli Scappati con Polenta Taragna (pancetta wrapped pork braciole stuffed with herbs and prosciutto with buckwheat polenta) and Panettone al Mascarpone (panettone stuffed with rich spiced mascarpone cream). This event is $75 for ICCC members and $85 for non-members and includes the demonstration, four course dinner and all wine and beverages. Space is limited. Please call 713-524-4222, extension 4, to reserve your spot.

Chef Renato De Pirro graduated from the Spoleto Italian Culinary School and holds a Certified Chef De Cuisine Diploma. He launched his culinary career in Italy where he first had the role of Executive Chef and then owned a fine dining establishment, la Ribotta. In Las Vegas he first was Executive Chef for Osteria del Circo and then Executive Chef and Manager for Terrarossa. He also was Corporate Executive Chef for Station Casinos where he developed new culinary and interior design concepts. Renato De Pirro is now Executive Chef at Ristorante Cavour, Hotel Granduca in Uptown Park, with over 20 years of exemplary culinary experience including 10 years in the United States. The Italian Cultural & Community Center is a 501c3 whose mission is to preserve, celebrate and advance Italian culture and heritage.

To learn more about the cooking demonstration and the Italian Cultural & Community Center's multiple programs and offerings, please visit http://www.iccchouston.com/