Thursday, November 16, 2017. From 6:30 pm To 8:30 pm. Italian Cultural Institute. 601 Van Ness Avenue, Suite F. San Francisco, CA 94102. Free Entrance. The city of Mantua and its surrounding region, East Lombardy, have been selected by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism as the 2017 European Capital of Gastronomy. Once the seat of the powerful Gonzaga Dukes, Mantua enjoys a unique position between the delicate flavors of Lake Garda, to the north, and the hearty inspirations of Emilia Romagna, to the south.

From the very city of Mantua, chef Eleonora De Marchi will set foot in San Francisco for presentations focusing on the historic culinary traditions of her city. Besides engagements at a few partnering restaurants, chef De Marchi will offer a presentation and tasting of the food of East Lombardy at the Italian Cultural Institute. With food blogger and educator, Viola Buitoni.