Community Events

Intimate, authentic, immersive.
Benvenuti alla nostra tavola!

Welcome to our big beautiful Italian table.

al fresco set up of a restaurant

For the evening, we are all family and friends, sharing something inspired by Italy  

Each event includes and uplifts contemporary Italian culture, long held traditions, and an invitation to become inspired by
the authentic flavors and feelings of Italy. 

What’s on Offer

pouring wine to woman glass in sunlight and with town behind

Italian Viticulture & Wine Tastings

Learn about the cultural bedrock of Italian wine—vini italiani— in a relaxed and non-technical way, Italian style. From wine flights paired with antipasti, to region-specific pours, your Italian wide education is about to become a lot more delicious. Cin Cin!

Food & Learn-to-Make Workshops

The simplicity of authentic Italian cooking and culinary practices, delivered in a replicable way. From demos to guided hands-on, the flavors of Italy—i sapori d’Italia— come alive during our time together.
Buon Appetito!

refreshing aperol spritz on elegant table setting

Italian Cultural Immersions

Come closer to la dolce vita—the Italian mindset of enjoying life at an evening of cultural immersion: have aperitivo before dinner, become an expert on how to find and use Olive Oil—olio d’oliva— like an Italian, etc. So many ways to experience Italy from close to home.

a person taking a photo of a city using a smart phone

Italy Travel Seminars

Take on a new travel ethos for your trip to Italy. From places you’ve never heard of but will want to experience, ways to be a tourist that support and uplift the Italian people and land, to things you need to know before you go, these travel seminars will leave you more excited and inspired than ever by the Bel Paese.

food on the table

Private Events

Have a group that wants to get inspired by Italy? Italy Inspired events make the perfect gathering with a festive ambience. Whatever the occasion, you can expect to have the best time, all with an Italian twist.

It takes a village….

Products are sourced locally, from small, Italian owned operations, whenever possible. Events are presented in venues that are run by people who serving the community from the heart. So you can feel really good knowing your ticket purchase supports not just Italy Inspired, but many other small, local community operations as well.

e questo è una cosa bellissima! —This is a beautiful thing

Rating: 5 out of 5.

We had a wonderful time at the Regional Wine & Cheese Pairings. It was so fun to be there and learn new things. Kristi puts on such a lovely event! Thank you for having us!

— Esther R.

What Guests Say

Rating: 5 out of 5.

It is rare to find someone with such genuine, infectious passion for their craft, but that is exactly what you get with Kristi. Her deep love for Italy shines through in every detail. Not only was tasting delicious, but Kristi is a wealth of knowledge. I walked away with a completely new appreciation for olive oil and olives in general. I loved how she seamlessly intertwined the Italian language into the session. It made the whole experience feel authentic and immersive. I cannot wait to attend another one of her events!

— Liz S.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The olive oil masterclass was a very pleasant way to learn about how olive oil is made, as well as learning what to look for when choosing an olive oil from so many options on store shelves! I was surprised by the. difference in flavor of each of the oils by themselves versus how they paired with bread and spices. Thank you, Kristi, for a nice, informative evening!

— Anna B.

Il tuo posto È qui, alla nostra tavola

join our table

Crafted for equal parts joy and learning, at our table, there is something for everyone.

Upcoming Events & Immersions


{Vini Rossi di passione}

Passionate & Vibrant Red Wines of Italy: Wine Flight & Antipasti

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

6PM

Evergreen Park Community Center

Evergreen Park, IL

Tickets: $55

For those of us who enjoy red wine, want to know it better, or are simply curious to experience newly, differently, and Italian style, this one is for you!

Our evening will take you on a tour of Italy via a delightful tasting journey. Wine flights are a fantastic way to explore the rich and varied world of Italian wine, and by sipping thoughtfully and engaging with the experience, you can expand your palate and discover new Italian favorites along the way.

This Italian wine flight will offer four passionate, vibrant, exquisite ed wines from different regions of the country, allowing you to compare and contrast flavors, aromas, and textures.

Paired with two quintessential Italian antipasti (appetizers), the tasting experience is sure to be immersive, satisfying, and authentic.

Elevate your knowledge, delight your palette, become Italy Inspired.

How our Evening Will Flow:

Like Italians do, we will immerse in these products to get the fullest sensorial experience possible. A brief presentation of the region, terroir, and properties will accompany each wine, followed by a guided and interactive tasting. In addition to the antipasti being served, pairing recommendations will be offered so you can create your own Italy inspired tasting experience wherever, whenever.

Included at Our Table:

  • 4 regionally diverse Italian red wines
  • 2 antipasti to accompany
  • A brief presentation of the region, terroir, and properties of each wine
  • Useful and practical wine knowledge
  • A guided and interactive tasting
  • Inspiration for creating your own pairings
  • Where to buy the products

Wine flights are a social experience, so you’ll be invited to share your thoughts with friends and fellow tasters. Discussing your impressions (very Italian to do this!) can lead to deeper insights and a more enjoyable experience!

Inamorati sempre di pìu del vino italiani—fall more in love with Italian wine and the flavors of Italy. Find your next great pour at our table. Cin cin! Cheers!

Note: For this event, the venue will take registration & payment.

pouring red wine at elegant dining table


{Vini Rossi di passione}

Passionate & Vibrant Red Wines of Italy: Wine Flight & Antipasti

Thursday, October 15, 2026

6PM

Espresso Palette

Chicago Ridge, IL

Sliding Scale Ticket: $45 | $55 | $65

For those of us who enjoy red wine, want to know it better, or are simply curious to experience newly, differently, and Italian style, this one is for you!

Our evening will take you on a tour of Italy via a delightful tasting journey. Wine flights are a fantastic way to explore the rich and varied world of Italian wine, and by sipping thoughtfully and engaging with the experience, you can expand your palate and discover new Italian favorites along the way.

This Italian wine flight will offer four passionate, vibrant, exquisite ed wines from different regions of the country, allowing you to compare and contrast flavors, aromas, and textures.

Paired with two quintessential Italian antipasti (appetizers), the tasting experience is sure to be immersive, satisfying, and authentic.

Elevate your knowledge, delight your palette, become Italy Inspired.

How our Evening Will Flow:

Like Italians do, we will immerse in these products to get the fullest sensorial experience possible. A brief presentation of the region, terroir, and properties will accompany each wine, followed by a guided and interactive tasting. In addition to the antipasti being served, pairing recommendations will be offered so you can create your own Italy inspired tasting experience wherever, whenever.

Included at Our Table:

  • 4 regionally diverse Italian red wines
  • 2 antipasti to accompany
  • A brief presentation of the region, terroir, and properties of each wine
  • Useful and practical wine knowledge
  • A guided and interactive tasting
  • Inspiration for creating your own pairings
  • Where to buy the products

Wine flights are a social experience, so you’ll be invited to share your thoughts with friends and fellow tasters. Discussing your impressions (very Italian to do this!) can lead to deeper insights and a more enjoyable experience!

Inamorati sempre di pìu del vino italiani—fall more in love with Italian wine and the flavors of Italy. Find your next great pour at our table. Cin cin! Cheers!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Italy-Inspired events are intimate and interactive.
Bring a beloved, come solo, or make new connections at the table, Italian style!

Reserve your spot below and join the table.

(Reserve your spot + pay)

*All products are of the highest quality, sourced locally from Italian or Italian owned shops and small businesses whenever possible, almost always imported, and brought to you con tanto affeto—with so much love 💗

*Why QR? Using QR codes help keep registration costs at a minimal and keeps your payment with the people and places who are directly part of making the events possible.


Dear guests, please note: Registration closes at 10am the day before the event. All reservations must be paid in full at the time of registration. Any  reservations left unpaid will automatically be cancelled. Thank you / Grazie a tutti! 

colorful sicilian cart with citrus and pomegranates


{Una Serata Siciliana}

Escape to Sicily: Learn-to-make Cannoli & Sip Limonata (Lemonade)

Saturday, October 17, 2026

6PM

The Peppered Table

Berwyn, IL

Sliding Scale Ticket: $35 | $45 | $55

The island of Sicily is home to many delights: allow yourself to go on a fully sensorial tour of some its most infamous ones. Escape to the island where lemon groves abound, citrus scents mix and mingle with the briny smell of the azure sea, sun shines most days of the year, and lore and local tradition hold strong roots in Sicilian culture.

Our serata siciliana, Sicilian evening, will be a sweet and citrusy mix of culinary play and citrus bliss, with just enough cultural immersion to leave us feeling beguiled and satisfied by the unique offerings and contributions that originate on this magical island.

It is the perfect evening for families who have culinarily curious bambini (kids!) who want to try their hand at making this classic Sicilian dessert.

At Our Table:

  • Learn to make the perfect cannoli crema (filling) via demo
  • Fill + dress your own cannoli (3) + eat them with pleasure!
  • Sip a satisfying glass of Sicilian limonata (lemonade)
  • Take home an authentic (translated) recipe for cannoli to try on your own
  • Snack on crusty bread and Sicilian olive oil
  • Learn the lore and guile of the land, including myth + superstition, the Trinacria (symbol of Sicily), and immerse in the oral tradition of the island

Bonus*: if you come from Sicilian ancestry, learn of Sicilian immigration to America and discover more about your ancestors.

This event is open to ages 5 and older. Bring a beloved, a favorite travel companion, a skeptic who is willing, or simply yourself and some curiosity e andiamo in Sicilia! Let’s go to Sicily! Immersion in the delights of the island is calling.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Italy-Inspired events are intimate and interactive.
Bring a beloved, come solo, or make new connections at the table, Italian style!

Reserve your spot below and join the table.

(Reserve your spot + pay)

*All products are of the highest quality, sourced locally from Italian or Italian owned shops and small businesses whenever possible, almost always imported, and brought to you con tanto affeto—with so much love 💗

*Why QR? Using QR codes help keep registration costs at a minimal and keeps your payment with the people and places who are directly part of making the events possible.


Dear guests, please note: Registration closes at 10am the day before the event. All reservations must be paid in full at the time of registration. Any  reservations left unpaid will automatically be cancelled. Thank you / Grazie a tutti! 

green countryside landscape


{La Toscana e i suoi sapori, vivendo}

Bringing the Flavors of Tuscany to Life: Women in Sunlight Book Chat with Wine & Antipasti (small plates)

Saturday, November 14, 2026

4PM

New Book Joy

Brookfield, IL

Tickets: $40

Libri, cibi e bottiglie—books, bites and bottles. A cozy evening, Italian style.

Join us as we immerse in the literary fiction novel, Women in Sunlight, by Frances Mayes (author of Under the Tuscan Sun), and the flavors, recipes, and authentic dishes mentioned within the story.

This is not your typical book club; rather, this is an evening where a story comes to life through the food and wine that appear within its pages. Where the guests at the event get to experience the same things as the characters of the book. This is an evening in the Tuscan countryside via a plate of antipasti and a flight of wines.

La nostra bella serata—Included in our Evening:

  • A chat about the book, hosted by NewBook Joy’s sparkly owner, Mandy
  • A set of antipasti (small plates) to enjoy that appear in the novel
  • A wine flight to taste and savor that the character’s of the story have in their glasses
  • A dynamic group discussion that will surely meander from themes of the book to favorite Italy memories, to travel dreams, etc!

From a cozy bookshop in Brookfield, to the Tuscan countryside and fictional town of San Rocco, and back again, our evening will be a delight for the palette, the intellect, and the inner traveler who is ready to explore their wanderlust and indulge their palette. 🇮🇹

Book Synopsis: Three women di una certa età—of a certain age—think life is moving them in one direction; that is, to a tranquil life in a retirement community, after a series of major second half of life changes. When a kismet friendship blossoms between them, their spontaneity and lust for life reflects off of eachother. Thus their direction changes and they find themselves relocating to a small Tuscan town as the cooler months settle into the hillisde. What follows is a story of intergenerational female friendships, acculturation, home and belonging and the power of new beginnigs.

Whether you come for the book, the stories, the connections, the wine, or are just here for the food, you will be inspired by the infusion of Italy, the little bit of Tuscany, brought to life before your eyes.

Ci vediamo lì! See you there!

[REGISTRATION OPENS SOON|

cheeses and fig


{i Sapori d’Italia: Vini e Formaggi}

The Flavors of Italy through Regions: Wine & Cheese Pairings

Thursday, November 19, 2026

6PM

Espresso Palette

Chicago Ridge, IL

Sliding Scale Ticket: $45 | $55 | $65

An evening of Iconic Italian Flavors uniquely crafted from the regions they originate from

Take your senses on a tour across Italy with an evening dedicated to the timeless harmony of regional wines and artisanal cheeses. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the alpine pastures of Piedmont, each pairing tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and terroir.

Join us as we explore a curated selection of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions, thoughtfully matched with authentic cheeses that highlight the unique flavors of their origins. Sip bold reds alongside aged, nutty varieties; savor crisp whites paired with delicate, creamy textures; and discover unexpected combinations that delight the palate.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious to learn more, this guided tasting experience offers something for everyone. Each pairing will bring you closer to the real Italy– regional characteristics, production methods, and tips for recreating these pairings at home.

La Serata—The Evening at Our Table Will Include:

  • A guided tasting of premium Italian wines from distinct regions
  • Hand-selected cheeses sourced for authenticity and quality
  • Educational insights into pairing principles and regional traditions
  • A closer look at Italian cultural values that translate into high quality products
  • A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere perfect for socializing and discovery

On the Tasting Board

  • 4 imported regional cheeses
  • 2 imported regional red wines
  • 2 imported regional white wines
  • frutta secchia-a selection of dried fruits and nuts
  • bread & breadsticks
  • And Also:
  • A guidebook complete with tasting& cultural notes, including where to buy
  • Practical and usable information to support you in creating your own pairings
  • A dynamic and engaging way to taste and talk about wine, Italian style

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply love great food, this immersive tasting promises an evening of connection, discovery, and indulgence in a style and manner that is authentically Italian.

Come with beloveds (partners, friends, cousins, of-age children, fam!) for an evening of dynamic conversation about an experience you are not only sharing together, but also most likely are having for the first time!

Raise a glass, indulge your curiosity, and experience Italy—one pairing at a time.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Italy-Inspired events are intimate and interactive.
Bring a beloved, come solo, or make new connections at the table, Italian style!

Reserve your spot below and join the table.

(Reserve your spot + pay)

*All products are of the highest quality, sourced locally from Italian or Italian owned shops and small businesses whenever possible, almost always imported, and brought to you con tanto affeto—with so much love 💗

*Why QR? Using QR codes help keep registration costs at a minimal and keeps your payment with the people and places who are directly part of making the events possible.


Dear guests, please note: Registration closes at 10am the day before the event. All reservations must be paid in full at the time of registration. Any  reservations left unpaid will automatically be cancelled. Thank you / Grazie a tutti! 


{Buon Natale!, stile Italiano}

The Joys of the Season: Flavors & Delights of an Italian Christmas Market (Guided Full Tasting)

Thursday, December 10, 2026

6PM

Espresso Palette

Chicago Ridge, IL

Sliding Scale Ticket: $45 | $55 | $65

Coming Soon!

scenic view of rome s skyline at sunset


{Italy in All Seasons}

Tips & Travel Guidance for Traveling to Italy (and loving it!) Beyond the Summer High Season

Coming Late Autumn, 2026

Info coming soon 🙂

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Past Events

sei sempre invitata— You are invited, always

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Never miss a chance to join our table and become Italy Inspired