There may be no frigate like a book to take us lands away, but most foodies will argue that taste buds do a fair job of transcontinental transportation. And so we invite neighbors to join us as we visit central Italy, a slow-food, sit-and-sip-and-eat foodie capital of the world, for a night of Tuscan tapas and Italian wine sampling.  

On Thursday Aug. 14, we’ll begin with prosciutto and fig crostatas and end with dark chocolate tiramisu on a culinary adventure we’re calling “A Night in Tuscany” for Alexander’s Highland Market’s second monthly wine dinner. Sommelier Jesse Casciaro and executive chef Scott Duplantis lead an exploration of Italy’s finest wines by pairing them with seven sumptuous courses.

A reception begins in Alexander’s Highland Market’s cafe at 6:30, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets ($65 per person) may be obtained by stopping by customer service or calling 225-615-7800. Ticket stubs can be used to purchase featured wines at discounts following the dinner.