Former ‘Chopped’ contestant to cook at secret pop-up dinner

Venezuelan-born celebrity chef Giovanna Delli Compagni, a former competitor on Food Network’s “Chopped,” will serve a South American dinner with wine pairings for one night only in a secret Pittsburgh location. The Underground Kitchen (theundergroundkitchen.org) hosts its second Pittsburgh pop-up dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at a location that will be disclosed to diners a few days before the event. Ms. Delli Compagni, 33, is the sous chef of Asiate at the Mandarin Oriental in New York. As a child, she watched her grandmother prepare traditional South American meals from scratch and soon took over the responsibility. She studied at a culinary arts program in Arizona and then went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Underground Kitchen, founded by Pittsburgh native Micheal Sparks, is based in Richmond, Va. This dinner, “Viva Pittsburgh,” is its second event here. For information or tickets: theundergroundkitchen.org/events/.

Light Up Night

Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night kicks off the holidays on Friday. Festivities include tree lightings around the city throughout the day, plus performers and fireworks throughout the evening. Food establishments adding to the festivities include: Six Penn Kitchen, Downtown: Street-side treats including a warm dark chocolate fudge brownie topped with cookies ‘n cream ice cream and hot fudge for $5, plus homemade hot chocolate or warm apple cider for $2. Specials and full menu will be available on the roof, too. Street-side and rooftop service are scheduled from 5 p.m. to midnight. sixpennkitchen.com. US Steel Tower, Downtown: Blast!, a VIP party, features fine foods, beverages, entertainment and a tour of the building’s rooftop from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $100. days.com. Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Downtown: Food vendors will be set up for Light Up Night along Fort Duquesne Boulevard from 5 to 10 p.m.

Dinners

Raw Vegan Dinner Party: American comfort food, raw vegan style. 7:30 p.m. Friday at Heirloom Superfood Market, Strip District. $90. pittsburghjuicecompany.com. Pittsburgh VegFeast: Pittsburgh’s annual plantbased Thanksgiving dinner featuring vegan food from Fortuitea Cafe, Onion Maiden, Chip & Kale, Sugar Spell Scoops, Whole Foods Market and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at West View Banquet Hall. $32; $6 for beer wristband. justiceforanimals.bigcartel.com. Maine Shore Dinner: Legume serves up lobster, clams, Shaker dried corn, coleslaw, homemade rolls and pumpkin pie for its annual Maine feast. Seatings from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Legume, Oakland. $58. Reservations required: 412-6212700.