James Beard Nominee Lenny Russo of Heartland is Gather's October Featured Chef; Vincenzo Batulia of Campiello, Naples, Florida Featured in November
Minneapolis, MN, September 20, 2011 — Gather at the Walker Art Center will feature two-time James Beard Award nominee Lenny Russo, chef and co-owner of Heartland in Saint Paul, as its guest chef on Thursday, October 6. Russo is the latest addition to the unique chef-driven sampler series at Gather featuring prominent local and national chefs.
Gather features a happy hour and full bar with an innovative specialty cocktail menu every Thursday night. On Thursday, October 6, as with the first Thursday of every month, guests can sample two complimentary menu items by guest chef Russo. Present throughout the evening, Russo will be serving his culinary designs and be at Gather to chat with guests and answer any questions. Russo’s two featured items will then be offered for sale on subsequent Thursday evenings throughout October.
Russo and his wife, Mega Hoehn, opened Heartland, featuring North American Midwest regional cuisine, in 2002. The restaurant earned a “four star” review from the Star Tribune, and was named “Best Farm to Table Restaurant” by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine. Previously, Russo was Executive Chef at W.A. Frost and several other local restaurants.
Vincenzo Betulia, chef at Campiello in Naples, Florida, is a native of Sicily, and self-described “Italo-Americano” who started cooking in restaurants when he was 14. Betulia also hosts Italian cooking classes at Campiello in Naples featuring “true, honest, authentic Italian cuisine.”
Created and operated by D’Amico + Partners, Gather serves lunch six days a week (Tuesday–Sunday, 11:30 am–2:30 pm) and a small plates menu on Thursday evenings (5–9 pm), in conjunction with the Walker’s Target Free Thursday Nights. In addition to the event in Gather, Target Free Thursday Night on October 6, features programs throughout the Walker, including performances, artist talks, and gallery exhibitions. For more information, visit http://calendar.walkerart.org/tftn/index.wac
WHERE:
Gather at the Walker Art Center—1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
WHEN:
Chef Lenny Russo on site; free samples of featured items: Thursday, October 6, 5–9pm. Chef Vincenzo Betulia on site; free samples of featured items Thursday, November 3, 5–9pm
Happy hour drink and small plate specials: 5–7 pm every Thursday
Target Free Thursday Nights sponsored by Target