If you're ever uncertain about the massive contribution Italians have made to Australian society, just stop for a minute and think about your favourite foods. Pizza. Pasta. Salumi. Gelato. And don't even get us started on the booze.
The good news is you'll find all that and more at the Italian Wine + Food Festival this weekend. Taking over the Royal Exhibition Building this Sunday, May 29, this day-long gastronomic bonanza will welcome the proprietors and chefs from some of most beloved Italian eateries in town. We're talking Bar Idda, 400 Gradi and Rosa's Kitchen, to name but a few. There'll be cooking demonstrations, pasta-making classes and workshops with Victoria's top sommeliers.
Those looking to put what they learn into practice can swing by the festival food market and find all the ingredients they need to cook an Italian feast at home. And once you're done shopping you can kick back with a glass of vino — or perhaps an Italian aperitif of choice from the pop-up bar — and enjoy live Italian jazz in the wine garden.