As I mentioned earlier, the 2009 Chef’s Gala benefiting Heart of Florida United Way is Saturday at Epcot’s World Showplace. Besides sips and nibbles from myriad chefs and wineries, a silent auction will be held to raise money for the cause. A late entry to the auction table is a fabulous Italian dinner for six prepared by one of my favorite cooks, Mary Recchia Brown.

I have been fortunate to dine in some of the finest restaurants in the world, including several in Italy.

I’ve also had the great pleasure of dining in the home of Bob and Mary Recchia Brown, and those meals are among my most memorable. Simply put, Mary is an astounding cook (and those who know me know that I don’t make statements like that lightly).

So I’m pleased to endorse this extraordinary dinner in support of Heart of Florida United Way. And I’ve agreed to serve as guest host and dinner tour guide. I’ll even bring my homemade limoncello! The dinner will be served in the Brown’s beautiful home on a date to be determined by the winning bidder.

There’s still time to get tickets to the Gala, and I hope you’ll consider bidding on Mary’s Chef’s Gala Dinner. And this will take you to the Chef’s Gala Web site. By the way, you don’t have to pay admission to Epcot to attend. 

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the Magic game will be broadcast in the silent auction area of the gala, so you won’t have to miss a shot. Let’s hope Howard doesn’t either.