Left to right, public television culinary experts Chris Kimball, José Andrés, Lidia Bastianich, Ming Tsai, Ruth Reichl, and Rick Bayless recently visited WGBH studios in Boston to tape the upcoming hour-long pledge special, "A Moveable Feast: With America's Favorite Chefs," which will air in March. (Photo by Andy Ryan)

Back in December, we were told that six of the "culinary kings and queens of public TV" were in town to tape "A Moveable Feast: With America's Favorite Chefs." It sounded like the perfect social event to us! Talk about mouthwatering menus!

"A Moveable Feast" is an hour-long pledge special, premiering on WGBH-Boston and other public television stations in March, that will salute cooking traditions across the globe, representing the diversity of food and culture that make America the world's great melting pot.

According to preliminary reports, the special will have the spirit of a progressive dinner, with each chef cooking a single course creating a complete "moveable feast" that starts with appetizers and ends with dessert.

The featured public television culinary experts include: José Andrés, "Made In Spain"; Lidia Bastianich, "Lidia's Italy"; Rick Bayless, "Mexico, One Plate at a Time"; Chris Kimball, "America's Test Kitchen"; Ruth Reichl, "Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie"; and Ming Tsai, "Simply Ming."

"We're thrilled to bring these chefs together for the first time to share their version of a pot-luck dinner with public television viewers," says executive producer Laurie Donnelly. "With dishes that range in difficulty from kitchen novice to culinary expert, there's something for everyone. We hope our 'Moveable Feast' inspires viewers to roll up their sleeves and share some of their own favorites with family and friends."

"A Moveable Feast" first heads to Blue Ginger in Needham. Master of East-West cuisine, Ming Tsai prepares Ginger Syrup, the basis for his Golden Ginger Thaihito and Ginger Margarita.

Ruth Reichl picks up the tongs and presents some quick and tasty appetizers, including
Shrimp Curry in Lettuce Leaves. Taking a quick drive over the bridge from Manhattan to Queens, Lidia Bastianich transports us to Italy with her delectable "primi" dish-one of her trademark pastas featuring freshly made pesto.

The "Feast" concludes with all six chefs sharing memorable stories and sampling each other's dishes at a one-of-a-kind progressive dinner party.

Be sure to check your local listings. We can't wait!

Enjoy "A Taste of Positano" at Two Upcoming Events

We are all invited to "A Taste of Positano" presented by "Cooking Vacations Italy" at Todd English's Olives restaurant on Sunday, February 22.

Cooking Vacations Italy was voted a "New York Times Hot Pick," was designated one of "National Geographic's Best Cultural Vacations," and was listed in Esquire Magazine's "Big Black Book 2008."

The fun begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. when world renowned Executive Chef Todd English along with Executive Chef Joe Brenner and Pastry Chef Al Stephens welcome Executive Chef Vincenzo Sorrentino, of Ristorante Mediterraneo in Positano, Italy, and Chefs Lizia & Luca Perrone, of the Taverna degli Apostoli, in Amalfi.

The visiting chefs are being flown in from the Amalfi Coast.

Chef Vincenzo started working in the kitchen at 14 years old, when he left his hometown of Torre Del Greco, outside of Naples, with his uncle to go to Calabria to work in a hotel restaurant.

Chef Lizia and Assistant Chef Luca Perrone, come from a family where home food has always been the driving force. In 1982, driven by their "impetuous love of eating," the family opened the Taverna Degli Apostoli. Sister and brother team, Lizia and Luca, the second and fourth in the family line, have for now, gladly accepted the torch of continuing their family's very southern Italian food philosophy.

For information and reservations for this event at Olives restaurant, call 1-617-242-9715 x104 or visit www.toddenglish.com.

On Tuesday, February 24, the visiting chefs will be at the Hotel InterContinental Boston, where they will preside over a four-course tasting dinner, "An Italian & French Mediterranean Gala" beginning at 6:30 p.m. They will be welcomed by Executive Chef Didier Montarou and Restaurant Chef Josean Rosato.

For more information and reservations for the February 24 event, call the InterContinental Hotel at 1-617-217-5151.

Over the course of both events, tickets will be available for one lucky person and his/her travel companion/guest to win a 5-day/4-night hands-on culinary trip to Italy. The winners will have the opportunity to join Chefs Vincenzo, Lizia and Luca in their kitchen in sunny Positano.

Tickets will be available at both the Olives and the Hotel InterContinental dinner events. The winner need not be present. Airfare is not included. For more information about "Cooking Vacations Italy," visit www.cooking-vacations.com.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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