UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A renowned chef will share her unique Greek cuisine Saturday, Feb. 9, at an event that supports central Pennsylvania’s public media station.

Diane Kochilas — a celebrity chef, TV cooking show host, cookbook author and cooking school owner — will bring her cuisine to the Centre region during WPSU Penn State’s 27th annual Connoisseur’s Dinner and Auction. The event supports the programming and operations of WPSU-TV.

“Sharing my cooking is about sharing my heritage,” Kochilas said. “It’s been a lifelong dream to share Greece and its culture, traditions and cuisine with my American compatriots. I hope people come away from the evening eager to cook healthier Greek food and travel to the birthplace of democracy.”

Tickets for the reception, dinner and auction cost $210 per person. The dinner will include:

• Soup: Saffron avgolemono soup
• Salad: Arugula salad with grilled halloumi and pears
• Main course (choice of one): Fragrant braised beef served with feta mashed potatoes or mashed potatoes with feta and Greek yogurt; cod fillet served with red-wine mushrooms and pan-seared, red-wine potatoes; or artichoke moussaka with caramelized onions and feta
• Dessert: Greek yogurt cheese cake with mastiha

Kochilas’ latest project, “My Greek Table,” is a 13-part cooking travel series on public television about Greece and Greek cuisine. She said her family, more than anything else, has inspired her cooking.

“My dad was a great cook, and I have very vivid memories of family meals as a kid,” she said. “Food’s the vehicle for sharing and experiencing all of life's ups and downs. Special foods are served for specific occasions — joyous and those of hardship or loss. Food comes with social and family values attached, and there's a whole cultural history in every dish in Greek cooking.”

Visit the WPSU website to learn more about the Connoisseur’s Dinner and Auction.