Renowned Italian Butcher Dario Cecchini Visits Valentino

In 2009 Jonathan Gold waxed poetic on famed Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, and now Angelenos have the opportunity to learn a cut or two on April 19 when Cecchini visits Piero Selvaggio's Valentino restaurant in Santa Monica.

Starting at 10AM, Cecchini, who resides in Panzano, Italy, will teach a pig butchery class focused on using cuts of the whole animal. Then at noon Valentino executive chefs Luciano Pellegrini and Nico Chessa will serve a lunch composed of pork dishes from Panzano. The morning/afternoon costs $65 and proceeds go to Meyer Children Hospital in Florence.

At 6PM the same evening, Cecchini has signed on to prepare a dinner highlighting "the food of Panzano" and wine from Fontodi in Chianti. The menu is still tbd but will definitely incorporate Cecchini’s Arista alla Porchetta and Crostini with Lardo. Total cost $125 (including tax and tip) or $155 with wine pairing. [ELA]