An Evening with Eric Dregni

Join us at Eataly Chicago for a unique, four-course meal and lecture with Eric Dregni, author of Never Trust a Thin Cook and dean of the Italian Concordia Language Village, Lago del Bosco. Eric will lead us through his experiences living abroad in Modena, the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, describing what began as a gastronomical quest and soon became a revealing, authentic portrait of how Italians live. Guests will be regaled with hilarious demonstrations of how American and Italian culture differ and are also similar in a number of ways. In Never Trust a Thin Cook, Eric dishes up the sometimes wild experiences of living abroad alongside the simple pleasures of Italian culture in perfect, complementary proportions.

"I simply want to live in the place with the best food in the world," writes Dregni. This dream led Eric Dregni from Minnesota to Italy, first to Milan and eventually to a small, fog-covered town to the north: Modena, the birthplace of balsamic vinegar, Ferrari, and Luciano Pavarotti. Never Trust a Thin Cook is a classic American abroad tale, brimming with adventures both expected and unexpected, awkward social moments, and most important, very good food.

Featured food and wine menus will be announced soon!

Additional Information:

• Class includes a cooking demonstration and lecture with a 4-course meal paired with four wines (N/A beverages available). Copies of the book Never Trust a Thin Cook will be available for purchase from the author.

• Seating is guaranteed but is first-come, first-served. Doors open 10 minutes before the start of class. Class duration is approximate and may vary by 10-15 minutes.

•Kindly contact us by November 25th if you are requesting a vegetarian meal by emailing us at chilascuola@eataly.com. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions for this special Modenese dinner. Menu is subject to slight change without notice.

• All guests planning to consume alcohol must produce valid government-issued identification to prove they are 21 or older. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

• Pricing is inclusive of service and exclusive of Chicago sales tax.

Payment in full is required at the time of registration and all sales are final. No refunds are offered on classes and events. For groups of 5-10 guests, a minimum of 7 days' notice (class day not included) is required to receive a credit in the form of a coupon for a future class or event. For groups of up to 4 guests, a minimum of 4 days' notice (class day not included) is required to receive a credit in the form of a coupon code for a future class or event at La Scuola. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel a class or event due to unforeseen circumstances, inclement weather or otherwise. In the event of a class or event cancellation, we will contact you directly at the phone number or email address you have provided to offer a full refund or credit to transfer to a future class or event. While we are not able to offer credit, transfers or refunds for last-minute illnesses, work-related conflicts, personal emergencies or events beyond our control, you are always welcome to send someone in your place, as we understand that these things do happen. If you are purchasing this class or event as a gift, please provide this cancellation policy to the recipient, as the policy will still apply. Credits issued for La Scuola events are redeemable only for future La Scuola events and cannot be used to register for events in other parts of the marketplace or exchanged for store credit or Eataly gift cards.​