Exciting Italian regional feasts from both northern and southern Italy are happening in more than 20 leading Italian restaurants all over the city, on the first three Tuesdays - 2, 9, and 16, of September.  For further details, see below.

CIRA’s not to be missed annual signature event Gusto - an Exploration of Italian Regions takes place on Sunday 21 September, at Sydney Seafood School, Sydney Fish Market. A day-long celebration of traditional food and wine master classes, kids cooking, delicious tastings and exhibitions showcasing Sydney’s leading Italian chefs, producers, provedores and importers.  The line-up of gastronomic gods involved in Gusto month includes special guest chefs Guy Grossi of Melbourne’s renowned Grossi Florentino and Salvatore Pepe from Adelaide’s Cibo Espresso. And CIRA chefs, Armando Percuoco (Buon Ricordo), Alessandro Pavoni (harbourkitchen&bar, Park Hyatt); Beppi Polese (Beppi’s); Danny Russo (The Beresford), Lucio Galletto (Lucio's); Logan Campbell (Lucio’s), Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater), James Kidman (Otto), Joe Camilleri (Beppi’s); George Pompei (Pompei’s) Giovanni Spinazzola (Da Gianni); and Massimo Bianchi (Ucello at Ivy).

Decanting the drops are Italian wine maestros Michael Dal Zotto, responsible for the release of Australia’s first ever Prosecco; Mark Lloyd (Coriole winery) pioneer of Sangiovese in Australia; Matt Paul (Trembath and Taylor); Warren Proft (Chrismont); Joel Pizzini (Pizzini Wines); Marc Polese, wine importer and son of restaurateurs Beppi & Norma Polese; Piero Tantini (importer & international wine judge and educator), and Elio Cordaro (Italian wine aficionado).

Gusto master classes and wine workshops at Sydney Seafood School cost just $55 each; or $165 for a one-day pass which includes 4 sessions and parking at Sydney Fish Market.  Kid’s classes are $15 per child. Tasting tickets are $30 for a book of 10 tickets. ‘Cena di Primavera’ dinner is $165 a seat for all food, wine and entertainment or $1,500 for a table of 10.

Booking forms for Gusto master classes, wine tastings, kid’s classes and tasting tickets (Program of Events and Booking Form ) can be faxed direct to Sydney Seafood School on 9004 1144 or call 9044 1111.

Gusto month climaxes in CIRA’s signature dining experience ‘Cena di Primavera’ which translates to dinner in spring: a one off chance to be wined and dined by the cream of Italian chefs. This extravagant festival feast of five courses and matching wines is prepared live from a demonstration kitchen at the center of the Miramare Gardens dining room in Terrey Hills by the celebrated CIRA chefs, on the evening of Monday 22 September.  Funds are raised for local children’s charity Bear Cottage.  ‘Cena di Primavera’ dinner bookings can be made direct to Miramare Gardens on 9450 2000 or by downloading booking form (Gala Dinner Booking Form).

Media Enquiries:
Amber Forrest-Bisley
M: 0404 454 110 E: amber@fasttalking.com.au

Italian Regional Feasts 

The Rocks
harbourkitchen&bar, Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road, Chef: Alessandro Pavoni, Region: Brescia, Cost $85 pp - Five courses , $130 with matching wine, Bookings: 02 9256 1661

North Sydney
L'Incontro Italian Restaurant, 196 Miller St, North Sydney, Chef: Orazio D’Elia, Region: Capri, Cost: $95 – Five courses, Bookings: 02 9957 2274

Woolloomooloo
Otto Ristorante, Area 8, No.6 Cowper Wharf Road, Chef: James Kidman, Region: Veneto, Cost: $38.00 - Lunch special, crab and caviar risotto with a white wine, Bookings: 02 9368 7488