Whose voice embodies Halloween the most? For many of us it would the incomparable Vincent Price. Although younger generations might know him best for his voiceover in Michael Jackson’s Thriller, most of us will remember him chillingly from his horror films. What many may not know is that he was a noted gourmet cook who authored several cookbooks and even hosted a TV cooking show.

Just in time for Halloween, on October 27^th, the James Beard House will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the publication of A Treasury of Great Recipes by Mary and Vincent Price. Noted chefs who have had an affiliation with or who were influenced by Vincent have been asked to cook at what will be a spectacular event. Sarasota resident, Giuliano Hazan, was asked by Vincent’s daughter, Victoria Price, to participate. She said that late in life, when Vincent was ailing of emphysema and food wasn’t giving him that much pleasure, he greatly enjoyed a risotto Giuliano had cooked for him when he visited the family in Italy.

The enjoyment of food is a great equalizer, bringing disparate personalities together. Through cooking schools in Italy and in their homes, the Hazan family has been fortunate to meet gourmands from around the world. Vincent Price admired Giuliano’s parents and attended a course with Marcella Hazan, which resulted in a friendship. His daughter Victoria gave Marcella her father’s personal copy of the cookbook, complete with the notes that he had made.

 

It is sure to be a spectacular dinner, Giuliano will be making a fall harvest wild mushroom risotto and pairing it with Allegrini‘s award winning Amarone della Valpolicella wine.

 

Click more information or to attend the event.