An Opening Week Special Event at Bedrock Gardens
To celebrate the opening of the 2024 season at Bedrock Gardens, the host of the nationally televised PBS series Ciao Italia will host a special luncheon at Bedrock Gardens. Just in time for the growing season ahead, Esposito will share highlights from her newest book, Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook! Topics will include easy Italian-inspired recipes, seasonal flavors for delicious meals, and growing tips for simple home herb and vegetable gardens. "No green thumb necessary!” she promises.

mary ann esposito

Event Details
The lunch will be catered by Enzo Benzo of Berwick, Maine, and offer Italian-inspired picnic lunches featuring recipes plants and recipes from Mary's book, including her much-loved "PLT" (Prosciutto, Greens & Tomato) focaccia sandwich (or vegetarian option noted on Eventbrite). The meal will also include a vegetable side, dessert and sparkling botanical water.

Tickets (Limited Seating)
Tickets for the lunch are $65 for Members, and $75 for Non-members. Ticket price includes a signed copy of Mary Ann's newest book Ciao Italia Plant, Harvest, Cook! and a day pass to Bedrock Gardens that day. Seating is limited. Downpour date: Thursday, May 16.

The first round of seating will be held from 11AM to 12:30PM. Get Tickets to First Seating on Eventbrite Here.
The second round of seating will be from 1PM to 2:30PM. Get Tickets to Second Seating on Eventbrite Here.
About Mary Ann Esposito
Mary Ann Esposito is the creator and host of the nationally televised PBS series, Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito. This year, the series celebrates its milestone 30th year of production; making it America’s longest running television cooking series. Esposito is the author of 14 cookbooks including her most recent, Ciao Italia: Plant. Harvest. Cook! Numerous organizations have recognized Mary Ann for her efforts to preserve the traditions surrounding Italian regional food and culture. She received the Order of the Star of Italy Cavaliere award from the President of the Italian Republic as well as the Premio Artusi award for her work in promoting Italian food. The Italian Trade Commission further distinguished Mary Ann by naming her a Hall of Fame honoree. The Order Sons of Italy in America honored Mary Ann with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Culinary & Cultural Arts of Italy award. She holds a master's degree from the University of New Hampshire.

"We're very honored to welcome our friend Mary Ann" said Bedrock Gardens Executive Director and Author John Forti, who wrote the foreword to Esposito's book. "Gardeners, cooks, and anyone who loves Italian food will have a great time seeing Mary Ann and meeting fellow community members who share a passion for PBS and the work we're doing here at Bedrock Gardens."

Funds generated from the luncheon's ticket sales go to support Bedrock Garden's mission.