John and Lisa Marazzi's dinner parties will have a lot to live up to after Nov. 11, when the Fort Myers couple welcomes guests into their home for a meal prepared by celebrity chef Norman Van Aken of the famed Norman's restaurant in Miami. The unique culinary event is one of eight chef/vintner dinners slated for this year's Fort Myers Wine Fest.

And though he's still unsure of all the specifics, Van Aken promises something special for his Fort Myers debut. "We've never done an event in the area before," he says. "So we'll be sharing some of the dishes our guests have told us are their favorites."

Whatever the case, with the inimitable Van Aken at the helm, it should be well worth the $300 ticket price.

Among the others hosting the Wine Fest meals is Fort Myers artist Darryl Pottorf. Participating Gulfshore chefs include Harold Balink of Harold's on Bay, Jamie Tourtellot of Roy's, Danny Mellman of Bonita Bistro, Corey Fair of Zoë's and more. The two-day affair also features a wine tasting, food presentation and silent auction Nov. 12 at The Club at Renaissance, where those who didn't make it to one of the dinners can sample cuisine from many of the same chefs.

Wineries scheduled to take part include August Briggs, Silver Oak, Far Niente, Gargiulo and more. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Myers.

Fort Myers Wine Fest Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12. Tickets $250 for chef/vintner dinner (Van Aken dinner $300), $500 for the weekend ($550 with Van Aken dinner). For more information, call (239) 985-3550.

-Hobart Rowland