David Rocco, charming celebrity chef and Italian cook extraordinaire, is one of this year's participants in the Chef’s Challenge: The Ultimate Battle for a Cure, a star-studded culinary fundraiser in support of Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital. I caught up with him to ask him about his involvement with the charity, as well as get some of his best tips for easy entertaining and what it's like having dinner in the Rocco household. The Chef's Challenge is a culinary event that helps raise funds ($3 million thus far!)  to support care and research in women's cancers.  Each of the top 50 fundraisers are given the chance to take part in a culinary competition alongside celebrities and superstar chefs. David Rocco will be leading a team of hopefuls on February 8th. To find out more about the cause and how you can donate, visit https://www.chefschallengeforacure.com/ Jennifer Bartoli: What led you to be a part of this great cause? David Rocco: It’s my fourth year doing this charity event for Mount Sinai. It’s tons of food, tons of fun and it’s really competitive! We’ve raised millions of dollars for women’s cancer research, which is such an incredibly important cause. I’m happy to help in any way that I can. JB: What’s your strategy to lead your culinary team during the challenge? DR: We’ll have a meeting to determine everyone’s skill set and strategize to determine everyone’s job and then we’re going to give it our all. It’s all about teamwork and communication! JB: We know how much you love Italian food, so tell us, what’s a typical dinner like at the Rocco household? DR: A lot of yelling, a lot of laughter with a dash of dysfunction, but the food is what unites us all. JB: People are often wary of entertaining, but you make it seem so effortless. What are some of your best tips for deliciously easy entertaining? DR: Be organized, know what you want to make, prep beforehand and have fun! Having lots of wine doesn’t hurt, either. JB: As a Torontonian, can you share your favourite restaurants in the city to get really authentic Italian food? DR: C’mon, I’m a momma’s boy! Obviously my mom’s house is my favourite Italian restaurant, but it’s so hard to get a reservation. JB: We know you’re a music fan – what’s on your playlist these days while you’re in the kitchen? DR: Barney. I’ve got three kids! I lost the ability to control the stereo years ago. JB: Your favourite cheese of the moment? DR: Right this very moment, it’s Stilton. JB: And white wine? DR: I’m digging Prosecco this year. It’s the Italian sparkly that makes every day feel special! Catch David Rocco's new show, David Rocco’s Dolce India on TLN starting March 15th, 2014.