A celebration of authentic Italian food, drinks, live music, and entertainment launches onto the Noosa scenes from 26-28 August with the augural Italian Food & Vino Festival.
Noosa Waterfront Restaurant executive chef Andrea Ravezzani, the tour de force behind the festival, invites everyone to join in and celebrate Italian culture through a delicious culinary experience set against the backdrop of the spectacular Noosa River.
“We have carefully curated a deliziso mix of food and drink with overwhelming support from local, national and international businesses including Ferrari Trento, Inalca Food & Beverage Australia and our plantino (platinum) partner, Absolute Providores to fill the belly and feed the souls of all our guests,“ he said.
“We have authentic Italian delights on offer from the best Noosa restaurants including local favourites 250 Grammi, Trattoria Benati, Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar and Ohana Dining to name a few… trust me, you won’t be leaving hungry.
“Our friends at Segafredo will be on hand for all of your coffee needs, and dessert lovers will be spoilt for choice with authentic cannoli thanks to La Cannoleria and fresh gelato from Little Ray of Sunshine Gelato. Our partners at Heads of Noosa and Seabourne Distillery will ensure you don’t go thirsty either with their range of locally crafted beers, gin, and aperitifs, or you can experience excellent Italian wine or sip on Aperol cocktails at the Aperol Bar. We even have a delicious range of non-alcoholic options available from Sanpellegrino.
“What more could anyone want? Bellissimo.”
The official Festival opening party will take place at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar on Friday 26 August to kick off the weekend. Expect one epica cocktail party with divine canapes by restaurant owner and Executive Chef Andrea Ravezzani, a four-hour drink package featuring Campari cocktails, a Malfy Gin Bar and entertainment by popular singer and songwriter, Mick Danby.
The main event, Festival Day, starts at 11am on Saturday 27 August at the Noosa Woods Parkland (at the end of Hastings Street), with something for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Among the live entertainment program, festival guests can also enjoy the ancient Roman game of bocce, led by the Queensland Bocce Federation. Bocce is the third most played sport in the world after soccer and golf, and is closely related to the game of bowls.
Alongside this, popular Italian chefs will demonstrate their skills in Nonna’s Kitchen, presented by ILVE & Winning Appliances with MC, Sunshine Coast foodie, Martin Duncan.
For others who would like to sit back and relax, there is Roberto’s Piazza. Supported by the team at Settlers Cove, Roberto’s Piazza is the beating heart of the festival providing a place to join with friends and family to eat and drink and delight in the live entertainment on the main stage.
The sold out Ferrari Long Lunch will be a treat for foodies who will experience a carefully curated four-course menu by Italian celebrity chefs featuring a specialty dish, Tuna Ribbons with Bagna Cauda from local favourites, Lucio’s Marina.
“This dish is the bringing together of a few ideas to make something novel yet familiar,” said Lucio’s Marina owner, Matteo Galleto.
“Raw yellowfin tuna is one of the most prized fish and we’re so lucky to have it available on our doorstep. We wanted a dish that can really showcase the amazing quality of tuna available to us.
“Bagna cauda is an anchovy butter sauce traditionally used as an accompaniment to vegetables but also makes an amazing pasta sauce. We make a creamier bagna cauda inspired sauce and use the tuna itself as the pasta of the dish.
“The result, a beautiful tuna dish with the raw tuna being complemented by richness and saltiness of the bagna cauda while being lifted by the crushed macadamias and lime zest that we finish it with.”
The closing party for the Italian Food & Vino Festival takes place on Sunday 28 August at Lucio’s Marina, providing the perfetto way to end the weekend with drinks and dancing on the riverside with host, Matteo Galleto, son of Lucio.
A seafood trattoria, Lucio’s Marina continues family traditions from Northern Italy, combining quality local catch with Italian culture.
Highlighting the region’s offering, the team has designed a menu that will transport you to coastal Italy with a nod to the original menu of Lucio’s, the famous Sydney restaurant run by Lucio Galletto. Including signature Lucio’s Marina canapes, a four-hour beverage package including an Aperol Spritz bar, free flowing Heads of Noosa beer and some favourite wines.
With a special guest appearance by Lucio himself, this is the perfect way to end your Festival weekend.
To purchase tickets for the Italian Food & Vino Festival, go to italianfoodandvino.com
