Michael Chiarello to Add Flavor to the Bay.

Chef Michael Chiarello, Food Network star, will bring the savory flavors of Italy to Tampa Bay in August, in the Apron’s Cooking School at Publix. The former restaurant owner and author of six cookbooks, including his latest, At Home With Michael Chiarello, has also established NapaStyle, a line of specialty foods and home and garden products. Although Chiarello was born in California under the culinary influences of his native Calabria, Italy, his heart’s in Florida. “Florida is practically my home state,” said Chiarello. “It’s where I started my restaurant career.” Florida also harvests one of Chiarello’s signature ingredients: citrus. “Citrus has always been one of my go-to ingredients,” said Chiarello. “I use zest, juice and whole citrus to brighten flavors and make my food pop.”

Chiarello’s Apron class will be on August 3 at the Shoppes of Citrus, and August 5 in Sarasota. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100, and must be purchased in advance, beginning June 19. For more information, call: Tampa 813-926-4465; Sarasota 941-358-7829.