Dinner hosted by Chef Mario Emilio Vitolo of Emilio's Ballato part of the James Beard House Dinner Series

For one night only, Chef Mario Emilio Vitolo, the second-generation chef-restaurateur behind the iconic Emilio’s Ballato, will take over the kitchen at the famed James Beard House for an intimate evening of refined southern Italian cooking and heartfelt hospitality.

Ballato’s, famed for its old-school charm, enduring recipes and a dining room notoriously difficult to get into, is a New York institution whose regulars include Taylor Swift and Barack Obama. This dinner offers a taste of Chef Mario’s elevated culinary vision, one that extends far beyond the Ballato’s menu.

Starting in the kitchen at just 10 years old, Chef Mario Emilio Vitolo has spent decades mastering every facet of the restaurant world - grounded in his family’s legacy and sharpened by hands-on training across the U.S., Europe, Japan and beyond. He is known by many for leading the dining room with unmatched command, orchestrating the tone of service with the same precision and care that defines his food. From stirring tomato sauce and perfecting tagliatelle to connecting with guests, Mario’s style blends disciplined technique with a heartfelt hospitality rooted in tradition.

For this exclusive dinner, Chef Mario and the culinary team will present a refined and authentic menu inspired by the island of Capri. Guests will indulge in elegant southern Italian dishes—pristine seafood, peak-season produce and vibrant herbal notes—that channel the spirit of the Amalfi Coast.

Set within the open kitchen of the Beard House, this rare evening offers a front-row seat to Mario’s craft, where every plate tells a story shaped by precision, heritage and a deeply personal touch.

With expertly paired wines from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Italian tradition and New York hospitality in an entirely new context.