Carla Pesono’s Taste of Italy, presented by The Italian Barrel

Inaugural Carla Pesono's Taste of Italy presented by The Italian Barrel will transform downtown New Orleans into an authentic Italian celebration featuring more than a dozen restaurants, drinks, Live entertainment, and a world-record-breaking antipasti board—all benefiting the Italian American St. Joseph Society.

Former television news anchor, MasterChef Season 13 Top 40 contestant, entrepreneur, and New Orleans-based food and lifestyle creator Carla Pesono is bringing her Italian heritage to life with the inaugural Carla Pesono’s Taste of Italy, an all-inclusive Italian food and drink celebration taking place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, on Fulton Street adjacent to Caesars New Orleans—featuring the World's Largest Antipasti Board.

The event will be a ticketed event, running from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with VIP Early Entry beginning at 6:00 p.m., and is expected to become Louisiana’s largest Italian food and drink event, bringing together the region’s top Italian restaurants, premium Italian beverages, live entertainment, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

Proceeds will benefit the Italian American St. Joseph Society, helping preserve and celebrate New Orleans’ rich Italian and Sicilian heritage through education, tradition, and community outreach.

World's Largest Antipasti Board

The centerpiece of the evening will be the unveiling of the World's Largest Antipasti Board, weighing nearly 200lbs, presented by Dorignac's Food Center, and the board was built by acclaimed Italian sculptor (King Cake Baby mascot creator) Jonathan Bertuccelli.

The current world record was established in 2016 by ASK Italian in London with a 10-meter (more than 32-foot) antipasti board featuring 16 kilograms of cured meats, 13 kilograms of cheese, and 13 kilograms of vegetables, stretching the length of the restaurant. Carla Pesono's Taste of Italy will unveil an even larger display, creating a breathtaking culinary centerpiece while showcasing New Orleans on the world stage.

A Taste of Italy in the Heart of New Orleans

Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from some of the region's favorite Italian restaurants while sipping Italian wines, Spritzes, Negronis, beer, and Limoncello throughout the evening.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
VIP Early Entry: 6:00 p.m.
General Admission: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Fulton Street between Lafayette and Poydras streets, New Orleans, LA

Tickets

General Admission: $100 (7:00–10:00 p.m.)
Includes unlimited food and beverage tastings.

VIP Admission: $150 (6:00–10:00 p.m.)
Includes one-hour early entry, unlimited food and beverage tastings, and first access to the World's Largest Antipasti Board.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carla-pesonos-taste-of-italy-tickets-1993349471930?aff=oddtdtcreator

Social Media: @tasteofitalynola | @carlapesono