Chef Ken Frank continues the culinary celebrations with the second annual Fungi Forager's Feast on December 13, featuring renowned mycologist Dr. Gordon Walker
NAPA, Calif., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- La Toque, Chef Ken Frank's acclaimed restaurant in downtown Napa, welcomes the return of Italian Chef Carlo Zarri for its 13th annual Truffles & Barolo Dinner on November 20, celebrating the prized truffles and exceptional wines of Italy's Piedmont region.
The seasonal culinary lineup continues December 13 with the second annual Fungi Forager's Feast, featuring renowned mycologist Dr. Gordon Walker. Both events showcase Chef Frank's commitment to seasonal ingredients, culinary collaboration and exceptional wine pairings.
A Celebration of Truffles & Barolo: November 20
On Friday, November 20, La Toque welcomes back Chef Carlo Zarri of Villa San Carlo in Cortemilia, Italy, for its 13th annual Decadent Truffles & Barolo Dinner. Nestled in Italy's Piedmont region, celebrated for its prized truffles, hazelnuts and exceptional wines, Villa San Carlo reflects generations of culinary and winemaking traditions. Chef Zarri will once again collaborate with Chef Ken Frank on a five-course tasting menu showcasing the season's most sought-after truffles and the rich culinary heritage of Piedmont.
"This dinner has become a wonderful tradition at La Toque, and it's always a pleasure to welcome Carlo back to Napa," said Chef Ken Frank. "The truffles of Piedmont are among the most extraordinary ingredients we work with and pairing them with exceptional aged Barolos makes this evening particularly special. After 13 years, it's a celebration we continue to look forward to."
The evening begins at 5:45 p.m. with a reception featuring Alta Langa Brut sparkling wine and passed hors d'oeuvres, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Menu highlights include spinach flan with fonduta and black autumn truffle; Carnaroli risotto with Grana Padano and shaved white truffle; and short rib braised in Nebbiolo with roasted root vegetables and winter truffle.
Guests may enhance their experience with optional wine pairings or explore a special selection of aged Barolos from the Zarri family's private cellar. Collected over generations from neighboring vineyards, these rare wines will be available by the glass.
The five-course dinner is $240 per person, plus applicable charges. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional $125 per person. Reservations are required. Link to book tickets can be found here: https://latoque.com/menus/truffles-and-barolo-dinner-2026/
Fungi Forager's Feast: An Exploration of Wild Mushrooms: December 13
On Sunday, December 13, La Toque welcomes back renowned mycologist Dr. Gordon Walker, widely known as Dr. Fun Guy, for the second annual Fungi Forager's Feast. Author of Passport to Kingdom Fungi, Dr. Walker joins Chef Ken Frank for an evening dedicated to the fascinating world of wild mushrooms, exploring their culinary versatility, ecological importance and cultural significance.
The evening begins with a Champagne reception and an opportunity to meet Dr. Walker while enjoying mushroom-inspired hors d'oeuvres created for the occasion. At 6:00 p.m., guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu highlighting seasonal wild mushrooms and their distinctive flavors and textures. Optional wine pairings from La Toque's award-winning cellar will complement the experience.
Following dinner, Dr. Walker will host a conversation and book signing, offering guests an opportunity to learn more about the fungal kingdom. Copies of Passport to Kingdom Fungi will be available for purchase.
The Champagne reception and five-course tasting menu are $175 per person, with optional wine pairings available for an additional $125 per person, plus applicable charges. Link to book tickets can be found here: https://latoque.com/menus/fungi-foragers-feast-book-signing-event-sunday-december-13-2026/
Reservations for both culinary events are limited. For additional information and reservations, visit latoque.com.
About La Toque
La Toque is the signature restaurant of Chef Ken Frank, located in downtown Napa at the Westin Verasa. Recognized with a Michelin Star for over a decade and Wine Spectator's Grand Award since 2014, La Toque is celebrated for its French-inspired, seasonally driven menus and world-class wine program. The restaurant's seasonal menus are thoughtfully crafted, featuring ingredients sourced from a trusted network of local farmers, growers, and producers. At La Toque, every dish reflects a dedication to peak-season ingredients, sustainability, and ethically produced foods. For more information, visit www.latoque.com or @LaToque on Facebook and @LaToqueRestaurant on Instagram.
Media Contact
Ashley Teplin, Studio 707 for La Toque, 1 707-287-9727 101, [email protected], www.latoque.com
SOURCE La Toque
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