By Barbara Yoresh
Entertainment writer
VERO BEACH - A fine, authentically cooked Italian meal is a delicious treat. But to have a celebrity, singing chef prepare that meal for you is pure heaven.
Singing Chef Andy LoRusso is a best-selling author, chef and singer who will present "a Taste of Italy" at Riverside Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 12, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon and cooking demonstration at noon.
The special event is designed as a gastronomical and entertainment delight, as well as a fundraiser for the theater, located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach.
A lavish menu will be prepared and served and there will be drawings for such items as an 18-karat, gold and diamond bracelet courtesy of Le Classique Jewelers and an Italian fantasy vacation courtesy of Destinations Travel. Drawing tickets are $75 per ticket or two for $125.
Event admission is $125 per person.
The author of "Sing and Cook Italian," Chef LoRusso grew up in New Jersey in a close-knit, Italian-American family and was inspired by his grandmother (nona), Grace, who lovingly cooked for the entire family while operatic music played in the background.
His love of food and good music was fostered at a young age and, by 22, Chef LoRusso had signed a recording contract with Epic Records.
He subsequently moved to California to study with world-renowned vocal coach, Giovanna d'Onofrio.
His love for cooking and singing ultimately melded into a career which includes both at the same time, a tasty take on having ones' cake and singing it, too.
And that is exactly what Chef LoRusso does in presentations around the world and in "Cooking Cabaret," a cooking musical featuring the singing of international recipes in what becomes a veritable United Nations of food and song.
Chef LoRusso's Riverside Theatre appearance will include what he termed "a very visual and auditory experience and a wonderful meal based on lots of heart and soul" presented with the warmth of la famiglia.
"This brings people together in the context of a family. It's a time to come and enjoy a little part of Italy," Chef LoRusso said from his Santa Barbara home.
For about 15 years, Chef LoRusso has appeared on such television shows as those hosted by Donny and Marie Osmond and has presented cooking/singing demonstrations nationwide.
His best-selling book "Sing and Cook Italian" and his unique singing/cooking performances aren't just about having fun in the kitchen.
"I wanted to do something different. Health and well-being were on my mind, and I wanted to find tools to use toward that end.
"Since every culture has some music and food, I put the two together. It encourages people to cook in a happy, healthy environment," Chef LoRusso said.
As a speaker, entertainer and chef, he has gained a wide following as a celebrity cooking professional. His cooking/singing presentations became a television hit as cooking programs and food-oriented cable channels were evolving.
"I had this new idea and turned to my recipes. I started singing the recipe to ricotta cake, for example, and it really took off," he said.
Chef LoRusso's Riverside Theatre appearance will include working with local caterers and presenting the luncheon and cooking demonstration in true sing-a-long style.
"I love doing it and I love meeting people everywhere I go," he said.
Mangia!
For more information, visit www.singingchef.com.
For information about tickets, call (772) 231-5860, Ext. 228.