By JOHN TANASYCHUK

Chef Gordon Ramsey talks with Anna Vincenzo's owner Concetta 'CeCe' Menna. (Fox)

Round two of Chef Gordon Ramsay’s South Florida restaurant remake tour airs Friday on Fox TV’s “Kitchen Nightmares.”

Next up is Anna Vincenzo’s, a 10-year-old Italian restaurant in Boca Raton, owned by Concetta Menna. Ramsay came to Boca in the middle of July to help Menna reinvent her eatery, which is named after her maternal grand parents Anna and Vincenzo.

Menna, who grew up in her father’s Queens, N.Y. restaurant (Angelo’s in Richmond Hill), wasn’t exactly surprised when she saw the episode being promoted by Fox with a tagline that goes something like this: “A chef better at fighting than she is at cooking.”
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Events

National Pi Day, March 14, Morton’s The Steakhouse, 777 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Pi is something embraced by math geniuses, but pie is something we all can enjoy. In honor of National Pi Day, Morton’s the Steakhouse is offering Key lime pie for the special price of $3.14. (561) 835-9664.

Classes

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431

Cookie Blossom Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today. Tuition is $25, supplies included.

Intermediate Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m., begins Tuesday and runs for four weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Basic Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m., begins March 10 and runs for four weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Rolled Fondant/Gumpaste Class, 6-9 p.m. March 18. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. (561) 691-8550.

Whole Planet Foundation Prosperity Campaign, through March 31. Cashiers will be taking donations at registers for the Whole Planet Foundation. The Whole Planet Foundation seeks to unleash the energy and creativity of every human being it works with in order to create wealth and prosperity in emerging economies. Visit www.wholeplanetfoundation.org.

IN THE KITCHEN, Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www.inthekitchennow. com

Mangia Mama Italian Favorites, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday. Lenore’s favorites from The Mangia Mama Cookbook. $75.

Luck of the Irish, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Learn to make smoked salmon, Irish soda bread, boneless rack of lamb, colcannon, Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake and more! $75.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 2635 State Road 7, Wellington. (561) 904-4015.

Guest Lecture and Book Signing: Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat for Health, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday. Joel Fuhrman, M.D., is a board-certified family physician who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods. Learn how to lose weight naturally, live longer, prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, prevent cancer and reverse diabetes. Space is limited. Pre-registration required with customer service. Free.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000.

Whole Deal Demonstration, 6-7 p.m. Thursday. Learn budget-friendly tips and savings. Free.

Guest Lecture: Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat for Health, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday. Learn how to improve your health from a leading health expert.

Goodwill from the Grill, noon-3 p.m. Saturday. Grill out for a great cause. All proceeds will benefit the Whole Planet Foundation.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883

David Hirsch Moosewood, 6 p.m. today. Celebrity chef demonstration. $45.

Neanderthal Basics, 6 p.m. Thursday. A man’s cooking class. $35.

Sushi 101, 6 p.m. Friday. Learn the ancient art of sushi from beginning to end, including proper rice cooking and ingredient selection. $50.

Looking Beyond Red and White: Pairing Food and Wine, 6 p.m. Saturday. Pairing topics and demonstration. $45.

Knife Skills II, 6 p.m. Monday. Learn how to break down some of the most common cuts of meat, fish and poultry. $50.

Normally, a restaurant is judged by its food, service and overall atmosphere. But when it comes to Milan’s, a year-old Italian eatery in Boynton Beach, there’s a whole other set of criteria that comes into play.

What can you say about a restaurant menu that promises “ultra-fresh, authentic classical and modern Italian cuisine,” but lists the same standard dishes — veal Parmesan, sausage and peppers, baked ziti — you can find in any neighborhood red-sauce joint? Or about a gruff bartender who serves your drink promptly and efficiently but overdoes it with the attitude?

You see, these aren’t just matters of food or service, though I’ve got criticisms aplenty regarding those areas at Milan’s, too. Instead, we’re talking about larger issues of management, customer service and the basic desire to get things right.

Seriously, it’s been a while since I’ve visited a restaurant that seems so out of step with its customers — as if either, A) they don’t matter or B) they’ll keep coming back for more in any case.
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Good polenta is a meal in itself, but you can make a tasty sauce with mushrooms and not much more. (Los Angeles Times)

By RUSS PARSONS

In Italy’s Piedmont region, where polenta may be better loved than anywhere else on Earth, the cornmeal mush is a food of the fall. When the air turns crisp with the first frost and people await the arrival of snow, housewives labor over their cooking pots, stirring, stirring as coarse meal slurried in water gradually thickens and becomes sticky and delicious. To serve, it’s poured out onto a wooden board in a rich golden puddle like a harvest moon.

Cesare Pavese wrote about it in “The Moon and the Bonfires,” a nostalgic novel about a Piedmontese expatriate’s return home: “These are the best days of the year. Picking grapes, stripping vines, squeezing the fruit, are no kind of work; the heat has gone and it’s not cold yet; under a few light clouds you eat rabbit with your polenta and go after mushrooms.”

But there’s a much easier way.

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The tart but sweet mango lemonade at Vic & Angelo's (Gary Coronado / The Post)

This week’s bar: Vic & Angelo’s

The scene: This Palm Beach Gardens hot spot was the first to bring the Italian wine bar concept to our area a couple of years ago. And it’s still a huge hit, packing in crowds that range from young professionals to style-conscious retirees. The concept is casual — think a little wine, a little food and lot of fun. In the winter months, the scene often shifts from the indoor bar to the outdoor one, adding to the smart, festive spirit of the place.

Signature cocktail: Forget the long list of wines — served by the quartino (a small pitcher) — for a moment and have a Mango Lemonade ($11) instead. It’s the perfect South Florida refresher, combining flavors both tropical and thirst-quenching.

Other noteworthy libations: Some of the other recommended drinks make solid use of Italian spirits, from Campari in the classic Negroni cocktail ($12) to amaretto in the Bocci Ball drink ($11). But if Italian (or California-Italian) wines are your thing, you’ve definitely come to the right place: The Vic & Angelo’s list has dozens of selections. Read the full story

Events

A Tasteful Pursuit, 6 p.m. Jan. 28, The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach. Chef Daniel Boulud and several other award-winning chefs will gather and prepare a memorable meal. The multi-course, wine-paired dinner and auction at Café Boulud benefits Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization aimed at ending childhood hunger in America. Tickets: $300 a person; table-hosting opportunities are available for $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. (202) 478-6528.

Classes

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431

Basic Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Intermediate Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today; runs for two more weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Rolled Fondant/Gumpaste Class, 6-9 p.m. beginning Thursday and running for two weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, The Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens. (561) 799-2425

Comfort Foods, 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday. Join chef Greg Strahm for an evening of satisfying dishes. $60.

Mommy & Me Valentine’s Breakfast Party, 9-11 a.m., Feb. 14. Join chef Alicia Schaffer for a fun-filled morning of delicious breakfast treats. $50.

IN THE KITCHEN, Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www. inthekitchennow.com

Italian Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Thursday. $90.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 2635 State Road 7, Wellington. (561) 904-4015

Going Green with Carlos (ages 8-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m. today. Green Mission specialist Carlos Acosta, as he teaches children the importance of eating greens to be green.

Gluten Free Cooking, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday. Chef Joe will teach how to make an easy, gluten-free dinner.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000

Girls’ Night Out, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday. Enjoy a night of pampering away from home. $15.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883

Couples Cooking Series, 6 p.m. today. With your loved one, you can experience the wonderful world of fine cooking with this three-part class. $275 per couple.

International Garlic Lovers, 6:30 p.m. Thursday. True garlic lovers get new ideas from around the world. $40.

Food Heaven, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Lobster, crab, filet mignon and chocolate are some of the most decadent ingredients on any menu. Learn to cook a dish with all three. $55.

Brazilian Steakhouse, 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Learn basic slow roasting techniques. $45.

Italian Techniques, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday. An advanced-level class designed for those who have a high comfort level sautéing, chopping, slicing and dicing. Three-part class. $150.

The Basics of Culinary, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. This six-part series is for every home chef, regardless of experience level. Learn to prepare full menus while focusing on techniques used by professionals, including knife skills, sauces, sautéing, roasting, grilling and braising. $300.

Events

A Tasteful Pursuit, 6 p.m. Jan. 28, The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach. Chef Daniel Boulud and several other award-winning chefs will gather and prepare a memorable meal. The multi-course, wine-paired dinner and auction at Café Boulud benefits Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization aimed at ending childhood hunger in America. Tickets: $300 a person; table-hosting opportunities are available for $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. (202) 478-6528.

Classes

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431

Basic Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday . Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Intermediate Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today ; runs for two more weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Rolled Fondant/Gumpaste Class, 6-9 p.m. beginning Thursday and running for two weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, The Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens. (561) 799-2425

Comfort Foods, 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday . Join chef Greg Strahm for an evening of satisfying dishes. $60.

Mommy & Me Valentine’s Breakfast Party, 9-11 a.m., Feb. 14. Join chef Alicia Schaffer for a fun-filled morning of delicious breakfast treats. $50.

IN THE KITCHEN, Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www. inthekitchennow.com

Italian Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Thursday . $90.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 2635 State Road 7, Wellington. (561) 904-4015

Going Green with Carlos (ages 8-12), 4:30-5:30 p.m. today . Green Mission specialist Carlos Acosta, as he teaches children the importance of eating greens to be green.

Gluten Free Cooking, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday . Chef Joe will teach how to make an easy, gluten-free dinner.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000

Girls’ Night Out, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday . Enjoy a night of pampering away from home. $15.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883

Couples Cooking Series, 6 p.m. today . With your loved one, you can experience the wonderful world of fine cooking with this three-part class. $275 per couple.

International Garlic Lovers, 6:30 p.m. Thursday . True garlic lovers get new ideas from around the world. $40.

Food Heaven, 6:30 p.m. Friday . Lobster, crab, filet mignon and chocolate are some of the most decadent ingredients on any menu. Learn to cook a dish with all three. $55.

Brazilian Steakhouse, 6:30 p.m. Saturday . Learn basic slow roasting techniques. $45.

Italian Techniques, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday . An advanced-level class designed for those who have a high comfort level sautéing, chopping, slicing and dicing. Three-part class. $150.

The Basics of Culinary, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday . This six-part series is for every home chef, regardless of experience level. Learn to prepare full menus while focusing on techniques used by professionals, including knife skills, sauces, sautéing, roasting, grilling and braising. $300.

Events

• Wines of the Southern Hemisphere, 6:30 p.m. today, Total Wine, 11221 Legacy Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. Wine tasting class, 10 wines, take-home information, appetizers and special discounts on the wines of the evening. Purchase one seat for the class and bring a friend for free. (561) 622-7340
• Carnevale di Palm Beach Gardens, 6 p.m. Thursday, Zuccarelli’s Italian Restaurant, 5530 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. An evening of Italian culture, complete with live music, award-winning Italian cuisine, costumes and fabulous Carnevale entertainment. Enjoy savory tastings of Italian cuisine, desserts and fine wine. (561) 776-9889

Classes

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431

• Basic Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday ; runs for two more weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.
• Intermediate Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today ; runs for three more weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.
• Rolled Fondant/Gumpaste Class, 6-9 p.m. beginning Jan. 21 and running for two weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, The Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens. (561) 799-2425

• Dinner Party 101, 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday . Join chef Kenny Weintraub for a show-stopping menu sure to impress your dinner guests. $60.
• Comfort Foods, 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Join chef Greg Strahm for an evening of satisfying dishes that will warm both the heart and the stomach. $60.
• Mommy & Me Valentine’s Breakfast Party, 9-11 a.m., Feb. 14. Join chef Alicia Schaffer for a fun-filled morning of delicious breakfast treats. $50.

IN THE KITCHEN, Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www. inthekitchennow.com

• Mangia Mama Italian Favorites, 6:30 p.m. Thursday . $75.
• Sensational Seafood, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday . $80.
• Italian Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21. $90.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000

• Kids’ Club, 10-11 a.m. Saturday . Taste exclusive products and find out which one is your favorite. Ages 4-12. Free.
• Abby’s Kitchen Creations: Sicily, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday . Get back to family meals and enjoy this Sicilian-influenced Sunday supper. $10.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883

• Couples Cooking Series, 6 p.m. today . With your loved one, you can experience the wonderful world of fine cooking with this three-part class. $275 per couple.
• Tom Valenti, 6:30 p.m. Thursday . Celebrity chef demonstration and cookbook. $50.
• Havana Nights, 6 p.m. Saturday . Learn to cook Cuban food. $45.
• Italian Techniques, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday . An advanced-level class designed for those who have a high comfort level sautéing, chopping, slicing and dicing. Three-part class. $150.
• The Basics of Culinary, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday . This six-part series is for every home chef, regardless of experience level. Learn to prepare full menus while focusing on techniques used by professionals, including knife skills, sauces, sautéing, roasting, grilling and braising. $300.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000.

Cooking with Wine, 7-8 p.m. today. Learn to incorporate wine into cuisine. $5.

Vegetarian Delight, 7-8 p.m. Monday. Learn to cook creative and appealing vegetarian dishes. Free.

Healthy Weight Loss, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Learn how to lose unwanted pounds and keep them off using realistic tips and strategies. Free.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883.

The Shoestring Gourmet, 6:30 p.m. today. Learn to create some great, family-pleasing dishes that won’t break the bank. $35.

New Years Eve Gala, 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday. Join chefs for an informal event with great music and food. $65.

Sushi 101, 6 p.m. Friday. Learn the ancient art of sushi from beginning to end, including proper rice cooking and ingredient selection. $50.

Basic Kitchen Skills, 10 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. This class will focus on the essential skills, techniques, and fundamentals to pull off perfect meals. $45.

IN THE KITCHEN, Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www. inthekitchennow.com

Taste of Thailand, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6. $75.

American Steakhouse Classics, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12. $85.

Mangia Mama Italian Favorites, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14. $75.

Sensational Seafood, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19. $80.

Italian Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m. $90.

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431.

Basic Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. begins Tuesday and runs for four weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Intermediate Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. begins Jan. 6 and runs for four weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

Rolled Fondant/Gumpaste Class, 6-9 p.m. begins Jan. 21 and runs for two weeks. Tuition is $40 plus supplies.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Suite 110, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000.

Champagne: The Signature of the Holidays, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday. Specialty wine demonstration. $10.

Holiday Baking, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Learn secrets behind classic tasty treats. Free.

Be Merry with Sherry, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday. Taste some great food pairings and see what you can create with Sherry. $5.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens. (561) 691-8550.

Holiday Table, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 24. Whole Foods is now taking orders for all those delicious holiday goodies.

Extraordinarily Raw! With Renate Wallner, 5-7 p.m. today. Raw Foods demonstration. $20.

Holiday Baking Camp, 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesday through Dec. 23. Young chefs will learn the basics of baking, along with lessons in safety, sanitation and how to use the tools of the trade. $120.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883.

Holiday Bread Baking, 6 p.m. today. This class will help you expand your bread-baking skills and teach you how to make five delicious breads.

The Party to be Envied, 6:30 p.m. Friday. Learn great party recipes for the season. $40.

Gingerbread Houses, 10 a.m. Sunday. Class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. $50.

Dorm Room Dining, 10 a.m. Monday through Dec. 23. In this three-part series, learn some basic techniques and skills needed to create tasty but easy recipes. $100.

IN THE KITCHEN, Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www.inthekitchennow.com

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, 6:30 p.m. Thursday. An Italian Christmas Eve tradition.

Hors d’Oeuvres, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Learn to prepare tasty treats for year-round entertaining.

The Ultimate Dinner Party, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 28. A New Year’s Eve extravaganza.

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431.

Advanced Candy Molding Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today. Tuition is $25, supplies included.