A Taste of Abruzzo

April 30, 2009 More than a dozen Chicago area chefs are planning a special benefit for the victims of the deadly earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy; nearly 300 people were killed and thousands of homes and business were destroyed on April 6. Each chef will prepare one dish typical of the region in central Italy that was devastated by the earthquake. Mario Rizzotti of Academia Barilla (http://www.AcademiaBarilla.com) and a recent judge on "Iron Chef America" is organizing the benefit, along with Massimiliano Campagnini, Executive Chef of Volare (www.volarerestaurant.com) in Oakbrook Terrace. The benefit will be held on at 5 pm Monday, May 4 at Volare, 1919 S. Meyers Road.

Among the featured chefs and restaurants donating their time and recipes will be: Gale Gand, Spiaggia, Bristol, Pinstripes, Boka, Deer Path Inn, Trattoria 10, Academia Barilla, Franconello's, Gaetano's , Osteria Via Stato, Francesca's, Prime House, Natalina and La Briola.

There will be silent and live auctions. Auction items include Mario Batali's Personal Chef Jacket with an autograph, Tony Mantuano's cook book, and a cooking class for 10 with Gale Gand. Live music will be provided by Enzo Incandela.

The minimum donation is $ 50 and includes food, wine, entertainment and a raffle ticket. All the money raised will be donated to the Abruzzo Relief Fund of the National Italian American Foundation www.niaf.org/relief. Tax deductible donations can also be made directly to NIAF.

For information on the benefit, called Volare at 630-495-0200.

For a taste of Abruzzo at home, Mario and Chef Massimiliano have shared these recipes, which will be featured at the benefit. Buon Appetito!

Tartufioli Aquilani

Braciola di Maiale alla crema di tartufo

Crespelle con Nutella