The Italian Summer Kitchen Book Tour
This summer, Cathy Whims is taking the spirit of The Italian Summer Kitchen on the road! Join Cathy across the country for an intimate series of dinners, cooking demos, and conversations celebrating her latest book — a heartfelt tribute to the simplicity, beauty, and joy of seasonal Italian cooking.
Each stop is a chance to experience Cathy’s timeless approach to hospitality, and many will feature beautiful collaborations with chefs, restaurants, and booksellers we admire. Some events are cozy seated dinners, others are lively gatherings with passed bites and good wine — all in the spirit of summer’s casual abundance.
Zingerman's Roadhouse
Tue, June 10, 6:00 pm | $45 per person
Ann Arbor, MI
Zingerman's Roadhouse is a beloved dining destination in Ann Arbor, Michigan, renowned for its commitment to warm hospitality. The Roadhouse offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for special events and gatherings.
For this exclusive evening, Chef Bob has curated a menu inspired right from Cathy's cookbook, The Italian Summer Kitchen, bringing the vibrant flavors of Italy to Ann Arbor.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food, engage with Cathy, and celebrate the joys of Italian cuisine in the heart of Michigan summer!
Tickets Here
Platform by James Beard:
Evening Aperitivi with Cathy Whims
Wed, June 25, 6:00 pm | $125 per person / $150 with book
New York City, NY
An evening inspired by one of Cathy's favorite Italian traditions—aperitivo hour. Set among the backdrop of Platform by James Beard, at Pier 57 in Chelsea, this sunset event will be one of the most picturesque of the tour.
Wine from one of our favorite Oregon producers: Landmass wines, along with classic sbagliato , salty snacks, and tramezzini (charming over-stuffed Venetian tea sandwiches).
Cathy will demonstrate how to build fun versions of sandwiches, sharing stories and toasting to la dolce vita.
Tickets here
An Evening at The Chef's Dinner Table
Friday, June 27 at 6:00 pm | $195 per person
New York City, NY
Hosted at Chef’s Dinner Table — a hidden gem in Little Italy known for its elegant, loft-style space and immersive culinary experiences — this event invites guests into the heart of Italian hospitality.
Cathy will prepare a vibrant 5-course meal straight from he pages of The Italian Summer Kitchen—a heartfelt expression of her favorite feelings of summer, all on the plate. From fresh, seasonal ingredients to dishes inspired by her travels and time cooking in Italy, this dinner promises to be a delicious celebration of la dolce vita, in a fun and convivial setting.
Menu
Zucchini fritters canapés
Soft shell crab with herbed rémoulade
Zucchini carpaccio with tomato vinaigrette
Risotto with cantaloupe and prosciutto
Lamb chops with Parmesan and breadcrumbs
Spumoni!
Wine pairings available at the event
Tickets here
Dinner at The Corson Building
Wed, July 17 at 6:00 pm
Seattle, WA
A special 5-course collaborative dinner at The Corson Building. Chef Emily and Cathy come together to create an Italian summer menu interpreted through The Corson Building’s distinctive, hyper-seasonal lens.
This collaboration is rooted in mutual admiration and shared values. Both chefs are known for cooking from place, honoring tradition, and elevating local farms. The Corson Building, has long been one of the city’s most cherished dining spaces. Built in 1910 and transformed into a restaurant in 2008, it’s known for its thoughtful dinners and community-minded ethos—an ideal setting for a night centered on connection, flavor, and the joy of sharing a table.
Tickets include a copy of The Italian Summer Kitchen through Book Larder, Seattle’s beloved cookbook shop.
Expect an evening filled with stories and a beautiful celebration of summer’s generosity.