Chef Gina Stipo, in town tonight, answers Fat City’s questions

It’s been two years since chef Gina Stipo last created a dinner with local chef Jasper Mirabile Jr. People remembered, though. The sequel, a “Tuscan Spring Dinner” tonight at Jasper’s, has been sold out for a while.

And Stipo remembers living in Kansas City, though it’s been awhile. “I was still in the corporate world then,” she says.

Stipo left the corporate world — and Kansas City — in her early 30s and made a major career change: “My hobby, in those days, was food. I made the decision to go to culinary school, and my life completely changed.”

She graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education, then moved to Italy, settling in Siena, where she lived and taught cooking classes and led culinary tours through Italy for 13 years. She moved back to the United States last year.

The Pitch spoke with Stipo by phone ahead of her KC visit.

The Pitch: Why did you choose Louisville to be your home base on your return?

Stipo: I had done a guest chef appearance there and fell in love with the city. It’s a wonderful food city.

Do you think Kansas City is a great food town?

It’s harder to find good, authentic cuisine in the Midwest, but yes, I loved the food scene in Kansas City when I was living here. I still miss restaurants that have gone, like the Bonne Bouchee bakery on the Plaza, the Prospect of Westport and the original Classic Cup, back when it was still in Westport. I still like to go for barbecue at Oklahoma Joe’s.

It’s called Joe’s Kansas City now.

Really? I don’t get back to Kansas City that often. A lot of things have changed. I like driving around the city now to see how much has changed.

Why did you leave Italy after 13 years?

It was time. Italy is beautiful, but I really missed life here in the United States. I still lead culinary tours in Italy. I have one coming up in May and one in June. I’m still teaching culinary classes and hosting private dinners.