Fans of the show Iron Chef on the Food Network will have the chance to meet a judge from the show and learn some tips during a cooking demonstration.

Judge and Italian Culinary Expert, Mario Rizzotti, is bringing his “4 the Love of Italian Food” tour to Cook’s Pantry, 1190 16th St. S.W. in Rochester, on Saturday, July 8.

Rizzotti, along with Cook’s Pantry owners Jake and Holly Mangelsen, will host three Italian cooking demonstrations on Saturday, July 8, followed by a private Meet-and-Greet at 5 p.m. with Mario and select guests.

Rizzotti’s national tour is part of his crusade to teach Americans how to eat healthy through authentic, Italian cuisine. The “4 the Love of Italian Food” tour visits a different state every month, and within each state, tours through “4 cities in 4 days.”

In a press release Mario explained, “There are products that are “Italian sounding,” meaning they look and sound like real Italian ingredients but are not. In some cases, Americans are getting completely ripped off. They think the extra virgin olive oil they use is good for them, where in reality, a large percentage of EVOO sold in the U.S. is not really extra virgin and may not even be made from olives. It could be loaded with fillers, like partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which is a trans-fat that can do more harm than good. I started out helping people understand the difference between real Italian products and fake, now my journey has new meaning. I love the United States but see a country that is eating themselves sick through poor food choices. Diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are increasing even in our youth. Right now, Americans are in a love affair with Italian food which is great. I don’t have to persuade them to embrace Italian cuisine, I just have to teach them how to select the right products for better health, and remind them to consume their authentic EVOO every day.”

The cost to attend the cooking demonstrations is $75 per person and participants will get to eat the meal they prepare.  The cost to attend the Meet-and-Greet is $20 per person and includes Italian crostini and Prosecco. If you're interested call Cook's Pantry at (507) 258-4210. Seating is very limited.

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