Food: How Italian Food Conquered the World Book Signing and Dinner

Shawn Cirkiel's new Italian spot the backspace has an interesting new booking on Friday, April 15 - or rather, book signing. Meet highly acclaimed food and travel writer, John Mariani, and receive a copy of his new book, How Italian Food Conquered the World, at a delicious dinner event hosted by the backspace. Mr. Mariani has been called “the most influential food-wine critic in the popular press” by the Philadelphia Inquirer. He is an author of seven books, as well as a columnist for Esquire, Bloomberg News and Cowboys and Indians. His newest book has already been greeted with rave reviews by the culinary and literary worlds: USA Today called it “such a tasteful narrative that it will literally make you hungry for Italian food and arouse your appetite for gastronomical history.” The book's focus is a historical journey through the ever-evolving traditions of Italian cuisine, and is a must-have on any foodie coffee table.

There is no better way to pick up your copy of Mariani’s new book than with a signature and conversation with fellow food lovers at Austin’s newest Italian gem the backspace. The high-quality but under-the-radar restaurant takes Italian cuisine seriously, and is a little European escape set just off of the bustle of 6th Street. They do pizza right (with an old-school wood-fired oven) and also delight guests with their espresso and wine offerings. For the special book signing event, the backspace will be offering a menu of selections including their legendary pizzas, artisan antipasti, Peroni on draft and Italian Wines.

Guests will leave the event with an autographed copy of Mariani’s new book, a wonderful meal and inspiration for the food critic in all of us. This all-inclusive evening costs $50 per person and reservations can be made online here.