Dining at the James Beard American Restaurant in Milan

I'm a huge Top Chef fan. 

It's one of my absolute favorite shows. 

I've seen every episode of every version of the show.

So when a list of some pretty major culinary talent started popping up on the Expo website I quickly took notice.

We checked the dates and bought tickets for dinner prepared by Chef Art Smith, whose client list includes Oprah, Lady Gaga and several big name politicians. 

He's known for his classic Southern cuisine and has appeared on Top Chef Masters and Top Chef Duels. 

I'm not really a big foodie, weird ingredients still scare me, and I once lived on turkey sandwiches for several weeks. And, by this I mean, just white bread and turkey.

So Art's food felt like a solid choice in my book. An ew.com article written about his food and Top Chef Duels episode quipped, "It's not high-concept. It's not fancy. But it's comforting, soulful, and delicious. And it's fried. That usually helps."

The evening starts with appetizers and the most spectacular 5th floor view of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

arrow pointing to the window where the first pic was taken

Several courses of dinner are served with bottomless glasses of paired wines.

buttermilk biscuits with pimento cheese and pancetta jam

gorgonzola cheese and local greens

fried chicken. omg.

And, of course, there is dessert. 

hummingbird cake with creme fraiche lemon gelato

The evening was well worth every penny spent.

You still have five months to take advantage of this great opportunity. 

I suggest you don't miss out.

some of the fun graphics leading into the restaurant

with Chef Art Smith

Dinner costs €120 per person and reservations can be made by emailing restaurant@USAPavilion2015.net Alternatively, you can purchase vouchers for the evening through Quandoo, but we were told by those in charge that this wasn't necessary. Given that I found the Quandoo system a little annoying I might skip this step in the future. 

Sunday Brunch is available for €45 and offers pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict, bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary's and much more.

More information about the James Beard American Restaurant in Milan.