A taste of authentic Italy in Sydney at Don Fred

Posted: 24/11/2023

Imagine stepping into a vibrant, bustling street in Italy, where the air is filled with the tantalising aroma of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Now imagine experiencing this right in the heart of Sydney. Welcome to Don Fred, the newest gem on King Street in Newtown, that’s redefining the city’s culinary landscape. Opening its doors in February 2023, Don Fred has carved out a unique niche in Sydney’s food scene, offering a 100% plant-based menu that doesn’t compromise on the classic Italian flavours we all adore. The mastermind behind this innovative concept is Lorenzo Petrachi, former Restaurant Manager of Gigi Pizzeria, who has poured his passion and expertise into creating a dining experience like no other. As you walk into Don Fred, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight into a classic 1970s Paninoteca Bar in New York. The design choices are a nod to Petrachi’s Uncle Alfredo’s journey from Italy to New York in the early 60s, where he opened his own panino shop in the Bronx after overcoming numerous personal adversities. The burnt yellow walls, authentic Italian tiles, and brown timber tables resonate with the nostalgia of a bygone era, creating an ambience that’s both inviting and enchanting. But Don Fred is not just about aesthetics. Quality is at the heart of everything they do. Every ingredient used is ethically sourced and as fresh as can be, ensuring that customers enjoy the best plant-based alternatives available in the market. Petrachi sources local produce and ingredients, but also stays true to his Italian roots by… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, SYDNEY

Tags: best Italian Sydney, Don Fred, Don Fred Sydney, italian restaurant sydney, italian sydney, Where to go Italian Sydney

Art of perfect pasta: a guide to authentic Italian cuisine

pexels cottonbro studio 4057750 pasta bowl table hands

by James Banham

Posted: 11/11/2023

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the secret to great pasta lies in simplicity and quality. At 400 Gradi, they have honed the pasta-making process to create mouth-watering dishes that our patrons simply can’t get enough of. Remember, the key to perfect pasta is attention to detail, patience, and love for the process. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring the charm of Italian cooking right into your kitchen!

Category: LIFESTYLE, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD

Tags: 400 gradi pasta class, how to cook pasta, pasta

Italian restaurant in Melbourne: Officina Gastronomica Italiana

by James Banham

Updated: 25/09/2023

This spring heralds an exciting transformation for the cherished espresso bar and bistro, Officine Zero, located in Prahran. The venue will undergo a complete rebirth, taking on a new avatar as Officina Gastronomica Italiana (OGI). The refurbishment will expand the establishment’s physical space, while also introducing an evening menu, seamlessly transitioning patrons from daytime to nighttime. Emilia-Romagna native Claudio Casoni, the proprietor, ensures that OGI stands as a testament to true Italian authenticity and craft. The pasta, traditionally made or “fatta in casa” by a Turin native, Gabriele, along with exquisitely hand-picked Italian artisan wines curated by Florentine Front of House Manager, Armando, contribute to OGI’s authentic Italian atmosphere. Casoni envisioned more than just an espresso bar when he first opened Officine Zero in 2014. His dream was to create a venue for sharing his passion for Italian crafts, sustainable producers, and classical hospitality with the local community. With this expansion and the renaissance of Officina Gastronomica Italiana, this vision is about to become a reality. Upon entering, patrons will be welcomed by a central bar, coffee, and food counter, whether they’re visiting for a morning dose of espresso or an evening glass of wine. In true Roman style, patrons can enjoy their meals at tables arranged on three sides of the room, bathed in the vibrant energy of the bustling village beyond. The entire gastronomic journey is navigated under the amiable guidance of the front-of-house manager, Armando Al khatib, whose warm Italian-style hospitality has been a cornerstone of the venue’s sustained success. Head chef… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD

Tags: Best Italian Melbourne, Melbourne Italian restaurants, Officina Gastronomica Italiana, OGI

We’re calling it, this is the best Italian restaurant in Sydney

by Danielle Kirk

Posted: 08/04/2023

This is a huge call, but we’re willing to make it. The best Italian restaurant in Sydney is Casa Mia Osteria in Newtown. We’ve tried a lot of them, but this intimate joint at the end of King St has blown us away with it’s authentic Roman dishes and delicious Italian wines. Casa Mia translates to “at home”, and that’s exactly how you feel entering their doors. The team are the epitome of generous Italian hospitality and make thoughtful recommendations. Casa Mia Osteria is the personal project of two friends who have known each other from back in Italy, Andrea Nazzari (from Tetsuya’s, Rockpool Bar & Grill, and Baccomato Osteria) and Valerio Boncompagni (previously executive chef at Baccomato Osteria). Boncompagni cooks everything in-house including the sourdough, focaccia and salumi. After learning how to make salumi from his uncle during his childhood in Toscana, he developed a passion for cured meat that he marinates with nearly 15 different herbs and spices and of course with no addition of preservatives. Depending on the days, you may taste Pancetta, Wagyu bresaola, capocollo, Lamb prosciutto, finocchiona, mortadella, nduja (a spicy pork spread), guanciale (pig cheek), and more. You’ll get something new every time you dine and in true Roman style, nothing is wasted, so come with an open mind. One of their best items on the menu has to be the wood-fired pinsa Romana (Roman pizza), which are cooked in the traditional way and more oval in shape. The dough is made from three types of flour and rested… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD

Tags: best Italian restaurant in Sydney, italian food, italian restaurant, roman food

Where to get authentic Neapolitan pizza Melbourne

by James Banham

Updated: 20/01/2023

This year on 9 February, the country celebrates National Pizza Day. So if you need another reason (not likely) to smash a pizza, then get excited, because this one’s sanctioned by the motherland itself. Italy, if you didn’t figure that out. The award-winning Melbourne restaurant brand 400 Gradi is celebrating the day in full force, pumping out their Italy-approved pizzas for Melburnians. 400 Gradi was the first ever Australian pizza chain to sell traditional Neapolitan pizza, which needs to adhere to the guidelines of the True Neapolitan Pizza Association in order to be allowed to sell it. The brand was recently voted one of the best pizzas in the world in the 50 Top Pizza Award Night in Madrid, where Johnny di Francesco’s popular pizza was ranked 6th in the world. Guests visiting the restaurant on National Pizza Day will have the opportunity to try this traditional Italian pizza along with a range of other options with high-quality Italian ingredients. So, get onto it and make a booking!

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, MELBOURNE

Best food festivals around Italy: where to go

by James Banham

Posted: 17/09/2022

Italy is the home of pasta. The birthplace of pizza. The refuge of cannoli and the haven of tiramisu. And that’s just covering a few regions! As the world gets increasingly food focused, Italy’s reputation has just taken over, giving us not just the image of Italy as a foodie’s paradise, but direct-from-the-source-type places where we can get all the produce we’d ever need. Think Eataly! To honour the beautiful country that is Italy and to get excited for the full calendar year of food events and things to do around the country, we’re taking a look at the best and biggest food festivals around the country to add to your diary. And why. JANUARY, gennaio Sagra della Sfincia di Priescia, Montelepre, SICILY All about the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, sfincia di priescia, this annual festival takes place on 6th January in the Piazza Principe di Piemonte. FEBRUARY, febbraio Battle of Oranges, Ivrea, PIEDMONT Get your cameras ready because the Battle of Oranges must be seen to be believed. An epic three-day food fight which runs from Sunday until Shrove Tuesday every year, this festival is all about flying fruit in a re-enactment of a skirmish dating back to the 12th century. MARCH, marzo Feast of San Giuseppe, CAMPANIA, SICILY, LAZIO Across southern Italy on March 19th, Italians celebrate San Giuseppe with myriad versions of zeppole, the more-ish crispy fried dough balls which are a popular street food throughout the south. Ask for the melt-in-your-mouth Zeppole di San Giuseppe – and don’t even try stopping at just one…. Read More

Category: EUROPE, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Best food tours Italy, Food festivals in Italy, italian food, Italy food tours, Pizza festivals, What to eat, What to eat Italy

There’s a new pizza must-go: 400 Gradi opens in Mildura, Victoria

by James Banham

Updated: 06/06/2022

Up north from Melbourne by about 6 hours’ drive, there’s a country town called Mildura. Known for fruit orchards, it’s probably pretty low on the list of places you’d expect somewhere like 400 Gradi, the Italian food and drink providore to open. But, prepare to be surprised. To launch the new 400 Gradi venue, founder Johnny Di Francesco has partnered with co-owner and local resident Michael Sarrou, who previously ran Mildura’s Fasta Pasta for 17 years. The new 300 capacity restaurant brings 400 Gradi’s famous Italian cuisine, including its once crowned world’s best Margherita pizza and much-loved favourites, to the region with all the best Italian inspired items you’d expect from a restaurant chain with now 7 locations. The interiors embrace 400 Gradi’s signature Italian luxe aesthetic with subtle greenery, terrazzo countertops and tables, and plush upholstery. The new space, outfitted by Dean Dyson Architects, includes two dining areas, a bar serving cocktails, and two private function rooms catering for 50 and 70 guests respectively. For more and to book, head to the 400 Gradi website.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE

Christmas cannoli treats in Melbourne

by James Banham

Posted: 03/12/2021

Cannoleria, the cannoli royalty in Melbourne is ensuring that everyone will have a sweet December and Christmas this year with its limited edition Christmas range. From GIY (Garnish It Yourself) ricotta filled panettone that includes a gluten free version to a Christmas Tree Kit that’s perfect for kids and Panettone infused Flavour of the Week Cannoli throughout December, it ‘cannoli’ mean it’s time to be festive! Complete with two flavours this Christmas, the Panettone available, plus a delicious gluten free Pandoro. · Pistachio Panettone: traditional panettone layered with pistachio ricotta and coffee ricotta, comes with pistachio spread and cannoli shell crumbs · Rocher Panettone: traditional panettone layered with hazelnut ricotta and chocolate ricotta, comes with white gianduja spread and cannoli shell crumbs · Gluten Free Pandoro: gluten free traditional pandoro layered with traditional Sicilian ricotta, comes with a vegan chocolate and hazelnut spread and icing sugar For more and to buy some while you can, head to their website

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Cannoli, Christmas cannoli treats in Melbourne

Iconic Surry Hills Italian restaurant Mille Vini relaunches this October

by James Banham

Posted: 21/10/2021

Stop what you’re doing. Italian wine, cocktail and dining venue, Mille Vini will reopen its doors on Crown Street this Thursday, 21 October, after an extensive interior facelift and new menu and drinks offering. With a new menu and fresh new name and look, Mille Vini’s new menu has a strong emphasis on classic recipes from all Italian regions, with handcrafted pasta. Some of the signature dishes include poached octopus salad, battered zucchini flower, truffle pecorino with blossom honey and a selection of freshly made crostini stracciatella. The food is genuine, simple and beautiful, with the goal for the venue to create an evocative combination of culinary philosophies and techniques from around the globe, while respecting the Italian classics. Mille Vini is set within a historical building from 1840s. It has received fresh interiors and beautiful design to compliment the completely reinvented food and drink offering. The ambient and elegant moody dining area layered with velvet drapery and brass and crystal chandelier, creating a luxe and romantic European aesthetic. The overall look and feel is nostalgic, sophisticated and cultured. For more and to make a booking, head to the Mille Vini website. Find it at 397 Crown Street, Surry Hills Monday – Thursday: 5pm – late Friday – 4pm – late Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – late

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Get your coffee and cannoli delivered around Melbourne

by James Banham

Posted: 23/07/2021

Because coffee and desserts are life and because Melbourne’s a miserable place of lockdown hell, there’s some good news! To try to lift Melburnians spirits this week, Cannoleria has announced a Caffè e Cannoli Kit for delivery across the city, including Geelong! In collaboration with Roast Art @ Home, the specialist of at home coffee roasting, Cannoleria has created the perfect lockdown moment or gift for a loved one “Caffè e Cannoli” made the true Italian way in the comfort of home! The kit’s $60 and contains all the goodies, like:– 1 X Bialetti Moka Express espresso maker Italia tricolour (RRP value $69.95)– 1 X Bag of freshly ground coffee by Roast Art @ Home (170g Amalfi blend)– 1 X Cannoleria DIY Cannoli Kit (RRP value $23.00) Order online while you can!

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Cannoli, Cannoli Melbourne, Coffee Melbourne, Get your coffee and cannoli delivered around Melbourne

Category: ITALIAN FOOD