The Council Of Italian Restaurants In Australia

Twelve Italian-Australian restaurateurs have formed a non-profit association for cultural and educational purposes, to promote the values of Italian food in Australia. They are now consulting with others in the industry, and friends, to broaden membership and decide together on a program of work.

CIRA’s founding members include: Armando Percuoco, Lucio Galletto; Giovanni Pilu, Marilyn Annecchini; Beppi, Norma and Marc Polese; Peter Zuzza, Vanessa Martin; Elio Cordaro; John O’Riordan; George Pompei, David Cowdrill and Danny Russo.

2010 Events

GUSTO Sydney Seafood School on 12th September 2010. 

Australia has sometimes been described as Italy's 21^st region. Since the arrival of half a million Italians between the 1940s and 1980s, our national dish has become ‘spaghetti Bolognese' and our national drink, cappuccino. But in adapting to the ingredients and tastes of a new continent, have the people who serve Italian food wandered too far from the source? This question will be explored at the 5^th annual Gusto, an Exploration of Italian Regions, an all-day event, featuring cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, kids' cooking classes and tastings from some of Sydney's leading Italian chefs, producers, provedores and importers. There will be 5 cooking demonstrations and 3 wine tasting workshops at $55/session or $200 for a one-day pass including 4 sessions and parking at Sydney Fish Market.

For full program of events click on following documents PDF or Word or email cira@cira.com.au.

The Gala Dinner Miramare Gardens on the 13th September 2010. 

The event will reach a grand finale on the evening of Monday 13 September with a formal 5-course dinner: "Mangiando Attraverso l'Italia" (eating throughout Italy). The dinner will be prepared by chefs from Buon Ricordo, Lucio's, Pilu at Freshwater, Ormeggio at the Spit, Manly Pavilion, Stella Blu and Pendolino, and held at Miramare Gardens in Terrey Hills.

For booking form click here.

The winner of the Young Talent award will be announced at the Gala Dinner.  For more information on the Young Talent award click the menu button on the right.

2010 Executive Committee 

President : Lucio Galletto

Vice President : George Pompei                                   

Treasurer : Lucio Galletto                                           

Secretary : Robert Goldman

Marilyn Annecchini                                        

Janni Kyritsis

Alessandro Pavoni

Armando Percuoco

Giovanni Pilu

Danny Russo

Nick Salerno