By Lee McCall, Correspondent

Dinner performance is Feb. 21 in downtown Sarasota

The dining experience "How Italian Food Conquered the World," starring Italian recording vocalist Antonella De Angelis, is returning to The Francis in downtown Sarasota on Feb. 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Epicurean performer Robert Gaglio, noted for producing culinary tours of Italy, will be presenting the performance based on the book of the same title by John F. Mariani. Event includes a five-course dinner that will turn the book's "food for thought" into an actual feast. Ciao Bella is the production company.

Between courses, Giglio will narrate the author's theory of why Italian food has become so popular and will tell stories of each dish's origins intertwined with the angelic performance of De Angelis.

Joey Egan, the chef de cuisine for Modern Events, which is responsible for the TableSeide Restaurant Group's catering department including executing parties for The Francis, has overseen the impressive menu. It includes a grilled Caesar salad, chicken stracciatella, wild mushroom ravioli, veal saltimbocca and Luciana's Tiramisu.

Cost of the festive event is $95 per person, including wine, and reservations may be made at Italianculinarytours@gmail.com or by phoning 239-223-4548. The Francis is located next to Louies Modern Restaurant at 1289 N. Palm Avenue.