Sip & Savor with Chef Tony Priolo at Mariano’s West Loop

Chicago food lovers are in for an intimate and hands-on culinary experience as acclaimed chef Tony Priolo brings his signature Italian cooking style to the West Loop for a special Sip & Savor cooking class and wine pairing event.

Hosted at Mariano’s West Loop Tastemakers Kitchen (40 S. Halsted St., Tuesday, June 16, 6-7:30 pm), this immersive evening will blend classic Italian comfort food, storytelling, and premium wine in a relaxed, interactive setting. Guests will learn how to prepare one of Italy’s most beloved street foods, arancini, the golden, crispy risotto balls that are stuffed, shaped, breaded and fried to perfection.

Throughout the class, Chef Priolo shares tips from his decades of experience in Chicago’s Italian dining scene, including insights inspired by his acclaimed restaurant Piccolo Sogno, known for rustic Northern Italian cuisine and house-made pastas.

To complement the culinary experience, guests will enjoy curated pours from Ferrari-Carano, featuring elegant wines designed to pair beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the arancini. The tasting element elevates the evening into a full sensory journey, combining Italy’s culinary tradition with California winemaking craftsmanship.

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The experience is designed to be interactive and social, with all ingredients and materials provided. Guests will not only learn how to make arancini step-by-step but will also enjoy tasting their creations fresh from the kitchen, along with take-home recipes and chef tips to recreate the dish at home.

Proceeds from the event benefit Common Threads, supporting children’s food education and community wellness initiatives, adding a meaningful philanthropic layer to the evening.

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With its blend of hands-on cooking, wine education and Chicago culinary star power, Sip & Savor with Tony Priolo offers a rare chance to cook, taste, and connect in an elevated yet approachable setting. (To sign up and for more info, click here)