THAT’S AMORE CHEESE RICOTTA FESTIVAL 17 MARCH 2024
That’s Amore Cheese will hold its fourth edition of its renowned Ricotta Festival in less than two weeks, on Sunday 17th March 2024, at its headquarters in Thomastown. And, it’s still Australia’s only ricotta festival. The one-day family-friendly event will be bigger and better than ever, with more culinary delights from food stalls, drinks bars, local marketplace vendors, entertainment for all ages and demonstrations from Melbourne’s favourite chefs, including Guy Grossi with his son Carlo, Darren Purchese and Andrea Cozzolino (founder of Little Naples Pizzeria), hosted by Cameron Smith.
Food lovers and those who simply love a great day out will be spoiled for choice with so much on offer! Guests will savour a serve of ricotta calda on arrival and before wandering around the stalls and purchasing food and drinks of their choice, being led by the scent of fresh ricotta! There will be a taste of Italy in every bite with a Sicilian style charcoal bbq and arrosticini, pizza, ravioli, cannoli, panzerotti, porchetta rolls, gnocchi and much, much more, with many new vendors this year. This year, there is a brand-new demonstration and masterclass stage, brought to attendees by Puopolo, where radio presenter Cameron Smith will host an array of experts for guests to see in action and learn from chefs such as Guy Grossi and Darren Purchese.
The That’s Amore Cheese Ricotta Festival is on 17 March 2024 (10am-4pm) at 66 Latitude Blvd, Thomastown. General Admission tickets are $15 (includes a serve of hot ricotta and entry) with free entry for kids under 12.
Visit https://thatsamorecheese.com.au/ for tickets and more information.
D.O.C OPENING IN ST. KILDA THIS MARCH
This March D.O.C is venturing to St. Kilda, expanding to a seventh location in the Saint Moritz residences on The Esplanade. Partnering with GURNER Group, the new location for the iconic Melbourne brand comes in line with their 20th anniversary. Since 2004, the household name has refined a modern and approachable take on old-school Italian hospitality. Originally starting as a Lygon Street staple, the Italian restaurant will soon boast a portfolio of seven venues.
D.O.C is renowned for its authentic dine-in and takeaway experience encompassing all elements from the food, drink, atmosphere, and service. The new restaurant stays true to the popular tried and tested offering – and will feature an all-inclusive menu with pizza as a central staple. Opposite the St. Kilda seaside, the luxurious space will seat just over 100 diners and features a semi-open kitchen, beachside-adjacent outdoor dining and a limited spots chef’s bench.
This time around the menu transports guests to modern-day Italy, boasting a list full of contemporary renditions created with the very best of uniquely imported produce — divided into three sections; Antipasto, Primi and Secondi. The menu also joins old favourites, with the best of both signature pizza and pasta offerings from their flagship venues and the addition of a long-awaited main course menu.
The new location will bring some exclusive items; like Campanelle pasta served with Duck and Montenegro Ragu or a range of exclusive pizza specials and Secondi exclusives include Beef Tagliata. D.O.C St Kilda will also serve signature dishes like Pizza San Daniele, their Spaghetti Al Pomodoro and famed Rucola salad.
There’s also a bar menu that will include House Focaccia and, of course, fresh locally sourced oysters. It’s only fitting that the seafood offerings don’t stop there, with dishes like Fritto Misto and a daily market fish gracing the menu. For the sweet tooth; desserts will see moorish homemade artisan gelato with unique daily flavors like Balsamic and Grilled Peach or Frangelico and Hazelnut. On the drinks menu, guests can select from top-shelf wines from the cellar with a focus on the best of white and sparkling to adjoin the new seafood offering. If cocktails are more your thing, hero items include the Spritz D.O.C or the signature Negroni.
D.O.C St. Kilda, 14 – 16 The Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC, 3182 opening soon. To keep up to date on the opening, visit https://docgroup.net/ or Instagram: @doc_gastronomia
