The forth-annual Taste of Italy, a cultural-gastronomic event to benefit the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, will take place on October 13th in downtown Los Angeles. Taste of Italy showcases more than fifty of the region’s best restaurants, wineries, and fine food and beverage purveyors in a historic atmosphere.

In collaboration with the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, Taste of Italy will feature restaurants awarded with the Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana, Italy’s highest certification of gastronomic excellence and authenticity. Participating restaurants will include: Osteria Drago, Toscanova, Obika Mozzarella Bar, Locanda Del Lago, Marino, Il Fornaio and Caffe Roma. Other participants include Casa Torelli Imports, Ventura Limoncello, GROM, Le Vigne Winery, Domodimonti, Academia Barilla, Domenico’s Foods, Maestro Sausage, Pasquini Espresso, Nonna’s Kitchenette (fresh from this season of "The Great Food Truck Race), and dozens more. Sample over 20 flavors of gelato. Sip more than 30 varieties of wine. For a complete list of participants visit www.italianhall.org.

Italy’s best-selling reggae band, Mama Marjas, will be performing live, as well as the voice of the new American Songbook, Luca Ellis, the Casa Italiana Opera Company, classical virtuosa Nicole Nale. I Zanni will perform traditional commedia dell’arte. Special guests include international supermodel Clarissa Burt, actor-artist Richard Grieco, celebs from Homeland, Entourage, Real Housewives, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and many others.

To purchase tickets visit www.italianhall.org or call (213) 485-8432. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted.

What: The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles’ Taste of Italy When: October 13, 2012 from 5-10 PM Where: 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Why: Proceeds from the event will support the Italian American Museum’s exhibitions, capital improvements and the preservation of the building in which the Museum is located, which listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest remaining structure from Los Angeles’ little Italy. Cost: $50 presale, $60 at the door. VIP tickets also available. Tickets/Info: www.italianhall.org 213.485.8432

About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles and the Historic Italian Hall Foundation Slated to re-open in 2013, the Italian American Museum will be a 21st century, interactive museum that documents the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans and Italians to Southern California and the nation. Featuring interactive exhibits and educational programming, the Italian American Museum will provide visitors of all ages and origins a meaningful understanding of the complex, multi-cultural fabric of the United States. Established in 1993, the Historic Italian Hall Foundation is a 501 (c)3 charitable organization dedicated to supporting the Museum and continued preservation efforts of the historic Italian Hall, the oldest remaining structure from the city’s historic little Italy.