best Italian food, wine and service

oldest cities in Italy, and home to some of Italy’s most famous dishes.

This tradition will be celebrated at the Food and Wine Degustation at Piccolo Cucina on Thursday, July 27 from 6pm to 10pm.

Home to some of the oldest cities in Italy, the south is filled with treasures, from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the Trulli of Alberobello, across to the Gulf of Taranto and around to the Strait of Messina. With three seas, volcanoes and olive groves as far as the eye can see, Calabria, Sicilia, Puglia, Basilicata, Sardegna, Campania, and Molise are the homes of some of Italy’s most famous dishes.

“Our friends at Piccolo Cucina will be preparing a menu showcasing dishes from ‘the food bowl’ of Southern Italy.

“With wines to match these regional dishes, this ‘Festa del Sud’ promises to have you dancing a pizzica and tarantella like a local.”

A traditional Italian restaurant located in the centre of Cairns, Piccolo Cucina takes pride specialising in handmade pasta and hand stretched pizza. They support their local quality producers and their seasonal ingredients.

Mr Dangelico said he couldn’t wait to try all the dishes, but his choice would have to be Pesce spada alla Messinese (swordfish) served ‘al cartoccio’ with a loose tomato sauce with green olives, capers, basil and salsa verde, a traditional dish originating from Sicily.

Book now for these never to be repeated evenings at www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au of friendship and love of hospitality you’ll be sure to have a ‘bellissima esperienza’.

At Pistacchi, Frank said he was most looking forward to Carciofo Ripieno al tartufo (stuffed artichokes, with breadcrumb, cubed Prosciutto San Daniele served on a pecorino and truffle sauce).

On Wednesday July 26 Flynn’s Italian is proud to have partnered with the Cairns Italian Festival to bring you an authentic evening of Northern Italian food and wine.

From 6pm you are invited to indulge in the authentic four-course degustation menu with paired wines that celebrate the best of the region.

Northern Italy’s cuisine is known for its use of high-quality ingredients, including truffles, cheese, cured meats and hearty classic dishes.

When asked to choose, Mr Dangelico said his favourite dish would have to be the antipasto starter (gorgonzola and aged 24–month prosciutto di San Daniele, heirloom tomato, walnut, baby rocket, balsamic glaze, served with sourdough) paired with Villa Sandi Prosecco DOCG “Il Fresco” NV.

Crystalbrook Collection Area General Manager, Luke James is delighted to have Flynn’s Italian join the Cairns Italian Festival for the second year running.

“We value our connection with the Italian community and embrace the opportunity to share our interpretation of Italian flavours,” he said.

Other classics included in the northern Italy menu are Risotto ai funghi, and Lombardia veal osso buco.

Southern Italy is home to some of the