SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsBuona Tavola to host Food NetworkTuesday, March 21, 2006The Food Network is coming to downtown San Luis Obispo today and Wednesday.Buona Tavola Ristorante, 1037 Monterey St., will be the backdrop for the Central Coast episode of "Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels." Ray's crew will shoot at the restaurant at 7 p.m. today and at 5 p.m. Wednesday. General manager Sofia Picazo said Ray's producer called the restaurant three weeks ago to ask for some information about Buona Tavola. The show already had a copy of the menu since "it sounds like a secret diner came in to dine with us," Picazo said. But they wanted to know more about the restaurant's history, the chef and what makes it stand out on the Central Coast, Picazo added. The restaurant was the only one to be selected in the county. Chef Antonio Varia said Ray, also the host of Food Network's "30-minute meals," chose Buona Tavola because "it's the kind of restaurant she likes." "I am very honored because I really like her show," Varia said. "She says she's not a chef, but she helps a lot of people learn how to cook." Ray may not be on hand for the shoot, but about six people from the crew will be there, Varia said. The crew will film Varia in the kitchen preparing several dishes, including Tortellini di zucca, risotto porcini, two salads and a mozzarella plate. On Monday, Varia said he was busy preparing his recipes. The restaurant is inviting San Luis Obispo County residents and visitors to enjoy dinner and become a part of the Food Network episode. The segment will air in about eight weeks. Buona Tavola can seat about 80 people. The San Luis Obispo restaurant opened in San Luis Obispo in 1992. A Paso Robles location opened five years ago. "We are ready, we are ready," Varia said. For reservations, call 545-8000. Read More
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