A day of celebrating ricotta with food, drink, entertainment, cooking demos & masterclasses – Sunday 17th March –
That’s Amore Cheese will hold its fourth edition of its renowned Ricotta Festival in less than two weks, 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. So, what’s on the menu?
FOOD
That’s Amore Cheese – Gnocchi sorrentina, burrata salad, porchetta rolls
Puopolo Artisan Salumi – Handcrafted salami & cured meats from Australian pork and beef
Little Naples Pizzeria – Italian style woodfire pizza
Pausa Pranzo – Sardinian style pasta and paninis
In Pasta – Ravioli
Abruzzo Lab – Abruzzese arrosticini
Wonder Pies – Pies & chips
U’fuculari – Sicilian style charcoal barbecue
Il panzerotto – Deep fried pockets of dough with tasty fillings
Senza Wellness Food – Gluten-free doughnuts
Boca Gelato – Italian gelato cart
Cannoleria – Freshly filled ricotta cannoli
Natfood – Strawberries with chocolate drizzle, crema caffè, soft drinks, water
Gippsland Jersey – Milkshakes
DRINKS
Vino Bambino Lambretta spritz & wine bar– Italian wines, selection of spritz and beer
Coffee cart – Barista coffee by Monte coffee
Imbue Distillery – Locally distilled spirits & cocktails
Stomping Ground – beers
San Bernardo – water, Italian soft drinks
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:
- Giorgio Linguanti (Owner of That’s Amore Cheese) & Dario di Clerico (Owner of Cannoleria) – How to make ricotta & ricotta cannoli
- Guy Grossi (chef, personality & owner of multiple restaurants in Australia) alongside his son Carlo – Orecchiette with zucchini & ricotta
- Darren Purchese (chef, author & judge on The Great Australian Bake Off 2023) – Ricotta, Almond and Plum Cake with yoghurt
- Andrea Cozzolino (two times World Pizza Champion) – Pizza
- Pia Gava (cook, author & MasterChef Australia 2017 contestant) – Ricotta Gnocchi
- Charlie from Puopolo Artisan Salumi – Salumi masterclass
Entertainment is covered with live performances all day varying from live band Siesta Cartel Band, dancing from Melbourne School of Tarantella and modern beats from DJ Stefano Marciano. 3AW will also be joining in the fun with live crosses throughout the festivities.
The whole family will enjoy the day, with kids sure to love the popular petting zoo, mobile play centre and face painting. Plus, the Carlton FC footy van will be getting everyone involved with goal kicking and prize giveaways.
The food deliciousness doesn’t have to stop after the Ricotta Festival with the Local Marketplace vendors selling an array of delectable treats to take home including:
Pistachio Papi – spread and desserts
Il Baronello – Panforte, wild baby figs & vincotto products
Battisti – Italian specialty food, pasta & EVOO
Bippi – Italian style chilli and condiments
Backyard Honey – Raw local honey and honeycomb
Barkly Smokehouse – Smoked small goods
Acide – Pickles, ferments, mustard and raw vinegar
That’s Amore Cheese – Cheese tasting, show bags and merchandise
Tickets are priced $15. Kids under 12 are free (no ricotta included).
What: That’s Amore Cheese Ricotta Festival – Australia’s only ricotta festival returns for its fourth year!
Who: That’s Amore Cheese, Cannoleria, food & drink pop-ups, local producers, chefs and entertainers
When: Sunday 17th March, 10am – 4pm
Where: That’s Amore Cheese, 66 Latitude Blvd, Thomastown
Why: To celebrate (and eat) delicious ricotta dishes as well as enjoy other amazing food and drinks in a celebratory atmosphere!
Price: $15 General Admin (tickets include a serve of hot ricotta and entry)
Free entry for kids under 12
Tickets available via the website and are selling fast!
That’s Amore Cheese
66 Latitude Blvd, Thomastown, VIC, 3074
https://thatsamorecheese.com.au
That’s Amore Ricotta Festival thanks event partners Puopolo Artisan Salumi, Little Naples Pizzeria, Senza Wellness Food, Vino Bambino, Harcourts Rata & Co.