Carla Gambescia, author of the acclaimed compendium ”La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A-Z,” will be in town this month for a whirlwind series of Italian-style trivia challenges. “These challenges have been a big hit across the country,” Gambescia explains. “People come away entertained and ultimately awed by the richness of Italy’s cultural and culinary legacy.”

Gambescia will be at Eataly in Chicago at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 (312-521-8700), at Casa Italia in Stone Park at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 (708-345-5933), and at Read It & Eat in Chicago at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 (773-661-6158). Reservations are recommended for all. The Casa Italia trivia challenge is free; the challenges at Eataly and Read It & Eat have an admission cost and are part of a dining experience with special tasting menus.