Chef Mario Batali Has Two Boston Appearances Coming Up

Chef Mario Batali. / Photo via Facebook

As November draws to a close, Eataly gets closer to debuting cured meats, Italian cheeses, and local seafood in Back Bay. But before it opens, the venerable chef behind the operation is passing through town to dish on the future of eating.

Chef Mario Batali, the orange Croc-wearing restaurateur behind Eataly, Boston’s Babbo Pizzeria, and other concepts from New York to Hong Kong—who’s also the author of 10 cookbooks, and a Food Network star—will be at Northeastern University on Friday, November 18. The culinary icon will talk with university president Joseph Aoun in the latest The Future of… discussion, which brings in established public figures to unpack topics like dating, transit, and media.

It’s no surprise that Batali, who runs a vast empire of restaurants with B&B Hospitality Group business partner Joe Bastianich, is set to lead the conversation on food. Past speakers in the Northeastern series include high-profile culinary expert Christopher Kimball, and Chris Lambert, the chief technology officer for Lyft.

A reception following the event will serve hors d’oeuvres inspired by recipes from Batali’s latest book, Big American Cookbook, which came out in October. In the book, Batali tackles American cooking region by region, with more than 250 classic recipes, including Boston cream pie, a Philly cheesesteak, and spicy seafood gumbo. Other notable publications from the chef include Italian Grill, and the James Beard award-winning Molto Italiano.

Batali’s tour of Boston doesn’t end there. He’s also stopping by Babbo Pizzeria on Saturday, November 19, to discuss his latest cookbook with James Beard award-winning journalist and Boston magazine food critic Corby Kummer.

The Future of Eating: A talk with Chef Mario Batali, 4-5:30 p.m., Northeastern University, East Village, 17th floor, Eventbrite.