Legendary Italian Butcher, Dario Cecchini, Lands In Portland On April 17

On April 17, James Beard Best Chef Northwest Finalist Cathy Whims and Nostrana welcome beloved Italian butcher, Dario Cecchini, to Portland. The famed butcher hails from the small village of Panzano, located in Italy's Chianti region, near Florence in the Tuscan countryside. Dario will host an industry-only butchery demonstration at ChefStable's new private dining space that will be live streamed on Nostrana.com for public viewing. Cecchini and Whims will later host a special dinner at Nostrana, open to the public.

Along with opera singers and soccer stars, butchers hold a revered spot in Italian culture. Dario is the most revered of all. With a 250 year-old beloved butchery shop in Panzano that draws crowds from all over the world and three restaurants just blocks away, it's no surprise that this eighth-generation butcher is so celebrated. "I'm incredibly honored to be co-hosting an Italian dinner with Cecchini. His shop, Antica Macelleria, is a landmark butcher shop in Italian culture, and I've admired him for much of my career," says Whims.

Cathy Whims shares the Italian love of excellence in craft, and for the past six years she has shared her philosophy with her staff over the stove - teaching them technique and patience in the kitchen. In line with Cathy's commitment to mentoring and inspiring her team of chefs, she has invited Dario to her restaurant to teach her staff the art of butchery while sharing with them his process, precision and philosophy.

Butchery Demo Live Streamed on Nostrana.com
April 17 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dario Cecchini will host a butchery demonstration at ChefStable's private dining space on April 17 for Nostrana's staff, and a select group of chefs, butchers and fellow meatheads. During the demonstration, Cecchini, known for his enthusiasm and colorful personality, will break down a pig while discussing his background and approach with the help of the renowned author Faith Willinger, who is traveling with him, as his translator.

The demonstration will be live streamed on Nostrana's website for curious diners, bloggers, and aspiring butchers alike to tune in and see the master at work. "The fact that this demo will be viewable online for any and all to watch, is incredibly exciting. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the art of butchery from one of the world's most respected meat-masters," says Whims. Cathy and her team will be live tweeting during the demo, so tune in @nostranapdx and tweet in questions or comments to Dario.

Special Dinner with Dario Cecchini at Nostrana
April 17 at 7 p.m.
Afterwards, Nostrana will open its doors to the public and host a memorable evening featuring dishes from Whims and guest chef Cecchini with wine from the fabulous estate of Fontodi in Panzano, Chianti Classico. This will be a fun and boisterous event in true Tuscan style with Portland Opera singers Valery Saul and Nicholas Nelson accompanied by Rodney Menn on a baby Steinway performing a selection of traditional Italian arias and duets. Under Cecchini's supervision, the Nostrana chefs will be put to the ultimate test as they prepare a multi-course dinner that highlights his favorite cuts of meat and signature recipes. See below for the full menu.

Antipasto Misto - an abundant table of cured meats & house charcuterie, antipasti salads and cheeses from Oregon and Italy

Zuppa Arcidossana - Ayers Creek chickpeas, sausage & spring greens soup in pork brodo

Risotto of Burro del Chianti, Dario's unctuous magic pork treat
Fava beans & their greens, fennel pollen

La Mia Arista - "The Best" pork loin - Dario's own - roasted porchetta style
Toscanino beans, rapini, chard & Ayers Creek polenta

Rhubarb crisp w