Festa Del Pomodoro at Mister Bianco

Overview

If you've never participated in a classic Italian sugo-making day (and always wanted to) or your family stopped the tradition because it was just too much of an effort, this sauce party shouldn't be missed.

With a second session just announced for Wednesday, March 19 due to an overnight sell-out, Kew's Mister Bianco is hosting a three-course Festa del Pomodoro (Tomato Day) dinner, during which owner Joe Vargetto will share some of his sugo-making secrets. You won't be making the sauce yourself, but you'll go home inspired to make a batch of your own after seeing his cooking demonstration and tasting it in a series of Italian dishes.

For $135 per person, guests will share a selection of entrees like focaccia with whipped lemon ricotta, then tuck into an array of shared mains that hero the humble tomato. On the menu are gnocchi with sugo, saffron cavatelli with mussels, roasted eggplant with zesty salmoriglio, and chargrilled zucchini with a fresh tomato salad. Before you head out the door, a sweet and crunchy cannoli will have you smiling.

Keen? Don't wait to book – there are only 20 seats for each session, with one already sold out. If you're quick enough to score a place, you'll be happy to know this feast also sees guests head home with a bottle of sugo made by Vargetto and his team. This might just be the perfect excuse to start your own sugo-making festivities at home – after all, tomato-growing season isn't too far away.

Kristoffer Paulsen