Le Virtú Celebrating La Cottora Festival

Tomorrow night, Le Virtú will host the traditional outdoor winter festival La Cottora. The festival, which is celebrated annually in Italy’s Abruzzo region, will include food from chef Joe Cicala along with guest chefs Sam Jacobson of Stargazy and Michael Strauss of Taproom on 19th. All of the proceeds from La Cottora will go towards Project H.O.M.E., the non-profit organization that offers housing and assistance to homeless men and women in Philadelphia.

At La Cottora, guests will gather around wood-burning fires and outdoor heaters in Le Virtú’s outdoor space, Il Campo, to watch as the chefs prepare the all-you-can-eat feast. Le Virtú’s own chef Cicala will prepare and serve an Abruzzese version of pasta e fagioli, Sagne e Fasciul’, over a fire-heated cauldron.  Michael Strauss of Taproom on 19th will show off his barbeque skills with his beef brisket paninis, giving guests a taste of his upcoming restaurant, Mike’s BBQ. Sam Jacobson of the English pie and mash restaurant Stargazy will serve sausage rolls and mini vegetarian pies.

There will also be authentic Abruzzese cookies and sweets from pastry chef Angela Ranalli-Cicala as well as Di Bruno Bros’ imported Italian cheeses and drinks like Abruzzese punch.

Throughout the celebration, Antonello di Matteo from DisCanto will perform with an Abruzzese bagpipe.

The festival begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $75 per person, which includes tax and gratuity, and all proceeds will benefit Project H.O.M.E. Admission is limited to 100 guests, so purchasing in advance is recommended. You can secure your spot by calling (215) 271-5626.

Le Virtu [f8b8z]