Tours of Tuscany

Tours of Tuscany
Join this small group tour and immerse yourself in the current of sensation for a week of food, wine and culture in Tuscany.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Sicilian Kitchen - Literary dinner

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Sicily has often been called the pearl of the Mediterranean and is famed the world over for its spectacular landscapes, passionate people, rich flavors and bold earthy wines.

Spizzico Ristorante and Michele Di’Bartolo, author of The Sicilian Kitchen invite you to a special celebration of Sicily. Join us for a sumptuous 4 course Sicilian dinner and a book reading and signing of The Sicilian Kitchen.

Proudly Supporting The Official Italian Week - An Initiative of the Italian Consulate.




Antipasto
Antipasti e pane condito
(A selection of traditional Italian antipasti and pane condito)

Primo
Maccheroni con sugo
(Traditional homemade Sicilian pasta with a tomato sauce)

Secondo
Cotolette e pepperoni rossi
Parmigiana alla melanzane
(Veal with roasted red capsicum and eggplant parmigiana)

Dolci
Torta di ricotta e mustarda Siciliana
(Ricotta cheesecake and Sicilian grape jelly)

$86 per head including Wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee included
Copies of The Sicilian Kitchen will be available for purchase and signing by the author – RRP $49.95


When:- Monday the 1st of June starting at 6,.30pm
Where:- 721 Main Street,Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Cost:- $86 per head including Wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee included
Book on line:- QTix

Monday, March 30, 2009

Bella Cosi Modern Italian Restaurant

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James McLean bursts out of the Bella Cosi restaurant kitchen with a happy grin on his face. He is a person at ease in his environment. Calm, almost laid-back one would think, despite the clearly busy scene within the front-of-house. He is the perfect embodiment of a young chef who has found his place in life!

McLean, who came to Brisbane from Cairns, has been working with Italian food for eight of his 13 years in the profession. He completed his apprenticeship at La Fontana, and then worked as head chef at Al Porto, Matilda’s Restaurant at Dunwoody’s before taking up a position at Mangostin’s for a few years. He recalls these positions with a wide smile. He was then finally attracted to Bella Cosi in Chermside.

The restaurant’s quality-for-cost is a distinguishing factor as it has become established on the north side of the city.

The day-to-day experience of running this fine little restaurant is handled by James and enables him to create a rather unique Italian scene. He relishes the opportunity of taking all his Italian cooking skills and mixing them into the dishes which he prepares which make up the tantalising and fairly extensive Italian menu which he shares. Customers are particularly drawn to James’ special Scallopini Al Fungi (main, $28.50).

James, who is trained to create the simple but effective flavours of traditional Italian food really enjoys the delights of risottos and pastas. A quick look at the décor of the restaurant shows again the simplicity and style of the dining experience offered by the outlet: uncluttered, good dinnerware, white napkins, no fussy centrepieces can get a foot in the door here – the focus is on food. The minimalistic décor, simple lines and interior colouring, which includes the traditional Italian red, is neat, streamlined with a special ambience in the evenings created by candlelight and good choice of traditional and contemporary Italian, Latin and soul music. He has recently launched a specifically Italian range of wines.

‘I’ve taken the best of the Italian food range, given it my own favoured twist and happily offer it to our clientele. The newly created Italian menu is really comprehensive. Yet James says that the restaurant is prepared to look after local corporate groups who need a standard Aussie breakfast for a quick brainstorming session before getting to the office. To date the restaurant is wearing the global economic scenario well as the word spreads regarding good value for money. By way of example, the main dish of Prawn & Mushroom Risotto – fresh prawn cutlets, saffron, button mushrooms and pine nuts finished with Parmesan cheese and herbs at $18.50. Bellissimo! The number of satisfied diners rises daily.

‘I love working with seafood’ says James and his tasty Risotto di Mare bears witness to this statement – sauteed fresh black mussels, Mooloolaba prawns, baby calamari and swordfish goujons finished in white wine with Napoli sauce and herbs. ‘Once you have good quality ingredients as your basis, you know their worth and you don’t have to play with them too much when cooking.’

James took up the position at Bella Cosi to bring quality dining to the North side and to share his passion for exceptional food, wine and service with like-minded people of all ages. There is no need to travel far and wine for great food as Bella Cosi is conveniently and centrally located in the heart of Chermside.

James and his team look forward to your visit. Benvenuti!
Phone: 3123 5678
http://www.thechermside.com.au/bellacosi.html

Friday, March 27, 2009

Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products Turns Forty!

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2008 marks the 40th birthday of one of Brisbane’s best-loved Italian family businesses, Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products. Angelo Cazzolato first started hand-making pasta under his house at New Farm in 1968. Since then, the business has steadily grown to become Queensland’s largest award-winning pasta producer.
Born in Northern Italy, Angelo was nineteen when he immigrated to Australia in 1952.

He started out finding seasonal work—picking pears in Shepparton and grapes in Griffith, and cutting cane in Bundaberg. He planted pine trees in Gympie, made tyres for Dunlop in Melbourne, and then, after driving trucks for Transfield in Kuranda, took over as their cook and stayed on, cooking for the camp of workers for the next two years. Whilst working on the Snowy Mountain Project in 1963, he received a medal for setting a world record in tunnel drilling – 552 feet in one week!

After marrying Val in 1964, Angelo took her to Italy to meet his mother. In Italy, they saw a little shop selling fresh pasta and inspiration struck. In 1965, they bought two small pasta machines that they brought back with them on the boat to Australia, with their first baby on the way.

For the next few years, Angelo ran a restaurant in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and used the two small pasta machines to make fresh pasta that he would serve on the daily menu. After the restaurant was sold, Angelo worked as a cook for Transfield at Swanbank for a few months before he started working full-time, making pasta under his house in New Farm. In 1968, Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products was born.


From day one, the business was a success: after he delivered his first batch of fettuccine to Sala’s delicatessen, the product was so popular it sold out that very morning. In fact, Angelo was so busy making pasta that he didn’t have time to pack it. Delicatessen owners used to visit his home to weigh and pack their own fettuccine to take to sell in their shops.

Angelo moved the manufacturing operation to a factory in Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley in 1975 and again, his first batch of pizza bases sold out within an hour at the local fruit shop. The business continued to grow and in 1992, Angelo moved Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products around the corner to their current site on Doggett Street: the big red factory, a landmark in the neighbourhood.

Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products is truly a family business. Angelo still makes pasta on the factory floor and is joined by his wife, Val, who, having raised their five children, works constantly to grow the business. Three of the children work there too: Anita, Donna and Michael, Angelo’s right hand—he buys all the fresh vegetables for their pasta from the markets.
"The product speaks for itself," says Angelo, who takes pride in using only natural ingredients and 100% durum semolina flour. No preservatives are added to any product and the fat content is surprisingly low. Angelo uses an array of fresh herbs and spices to flavour his pasta products, including organic rosemary which he grows himself on a property at Dayboro, he affectionately calls "the farm".

Over the years, Angelo’s range has grown as customers have suggested new products they would like to see added—such as spinach and ricotta filled products and pasta sauces. There are now more than 30 different products, including Angelo’s Boutique Pasta range. Each product has been tested on Angelo’s five children and only after he has given it the tick of approval himself.
"If my father wouldn’t eat it, he wouldn’t sell it," his daughter, Donna, said. "His standards are very high and today, he still does a lot of the pre-production preparation and oversees each stage of the manufacturing process. No matter what Dad puts his hand to, he’s very good at making it a success."

Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products has won many awards for their pasta products at the Sydney Royal Food Show and won the Pasta Championship for the 100% Durum Wheat Fresh Pasta category in 2003. Today, they supply the food service industry including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, delicatessens and even corner stores. Angelo’s is now supplying Hog’s Breath Café Australia, the largest home-grown restaurant chain in Australia and New Zealand, with their Ricotta and Spinach Filled Tortelloni.

"For the first time in 19 years, we have introduced pasta on our menus across Australia and NZ," says Manfred Lorber, Director of Food Services for Hog’s Breath Cafe Australia. "It didn’t take us that long to find the ideal supply partner. It was very important to us to provide our customers the most authentic experience possible. Angelo’s Pasta was the natural choice. Angelo’s has a reputation for producing the best and most consistent pasta in the Industry."
Hog’s Breath Cafe is very proud to team up with this renowed Italian family who share the same values as Hog’s Breath Cafe to produce flavourful food with passion and attention to detail.
In forty years, Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products has certainly come a long way. Angelo attributes determination and hard work as the secret recipe of his success. Says the veteran pasta-maker, "I’ve been around. I’ve worked hard all my life and I still do."

The Queensland Orchestra

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“A great orchestra uplifts the sounds of the every day, beckoning people to share the exaltation of great music.” Johannes Fritzsch, Chief Conductor, The Queensland Orchestra

The Queensland Orchestra, under the guiding baton of Chief Conductor Johannes Fritzsch, is renowned for its high quality, breath-taking performances of both classical and modern compositions that engage audiences of all musical tastes, interests and ages.

As the largest performing arts company in Queensland employing 88 full-time musicians and the state’s only professional symphony orchestra, The Queensland Orchestra plays a vital role in Queensland’s cultural community, giving over 100 live performances across 47 weeks each year to more than 100,000 people.

The Queensland Orchestra’s annual season attracts high-profile international and national artists and is made up of seven contrasting concert series featuring everything from Beethoven to the Proms, plus a number of Special Events supporting high calibre artists such as Ben Lee, José Carreras and Roberta Flack.

Each year, the Orchestra also undertakes a regional tour delivering a free community engagement programme and conducts an extensive state-wide education programme that connects with 30,000 students, from pre-school to university level.





The Orchestra also presents innovative corporate workshops engaging the business sector to think outside of the box about leadership and team work.

In addition to its own programme, The Queensland Orchestra performs for major arts festivals, direct broadcasts and recordings, and supports state and national opera and ballet companies.

"A formidable benchmark." The Australian, 2008

"The appointment of Maestro Fritzsch marks another milestone in the
development of the Australia's symphonies." ArtsHub Australia, 2007

"The performance was simply staggering...if this is how our orchestra's going to play regularly, then all that can be said is bring it on." Martin Buzacott, Limelight, April 2007

"This orchestra can really swing." Ben Folds, September 2006

“…The Queensland Orchestra's continued flourishing under the poetic sensibilities of its Chief Conductor, Johannes Fritzsch, the sunshine state is staking its claim.” Diana Jenkins, Weekend Australian, October 2008

MAESTRO 4
Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony
8pm, Saturday, June 6
QPAC Concert Hall

Conductor Eivind Aadland
Pianos Silver-Garburg Piano Duo

Mendelssohn Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage Overture, Op.27
Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos in E flat, K.365
Grieg 2 Norwegian Melodies Op.53, No.1 Norsk
2 Norwegian Melodies Op.63, No.2
Cow-keepers Tune and Country Dance
Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 Op.90 in A Italian

The forecast is for perfect conditions on land and sea, from Norway to the Mediterranean. Mendelssohn evokes a perfect sea journey in his Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage and Grieg basks in simple rustic pleasures in Norsk and Country Dance. The sultry heat and vibrant colours Mendelssohn experienced during a sojourn in Italy inspired his joyous and exuberant Italian Symphony, with its whirlwind tarantella finale. The fine weather extends as far as Salzburg, where the internationally acclaimed Silver-Garburg Piano Duo revel in the glorious sunshine of Salzburg’s favourite son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos.

Book now through Qtix.com.au or call 136 246

Tickets from $50






Book online: QTix

http://www.thequeenslandorchestra.com.au/

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Brisbane News Italian Week Media Partner

As Brisbane’s premier lifestyle magazine, Brisbane News is delivered to the cream of the city’s residential suburbs. Its compelling mix of informative, entertaining and uplifting stories is read by 268,800 readers. Covering the best of the good life – food, fashion, the arts, travel and homes – with credibility and flair since February 1994, Brisbane News is committed to quality journalism, stunning photography and producing what many have called Brisbane’s “lifestyle bible”.

More Info: http://www.brisbanenews.com.au/

Zosia Kilmartin

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18 year old rising star, Zosia Kilmartin, is a classically trained singer, who is currently studying under the direction of world renowned opera singing sensation Ms Lisa Gasteen.

One of the highlights of Zosia’s career, to date, is her recent appearance at the annual Opera on the Mountain open air concert in May. This event featured Zosia along with 10 of Australia’s top opera singers including Andrew Pryor, Romano Dragoni and Katheleen Proctor-Moore.

Zosia has also performed The Flower Duet from Lakmé on the Concert Hall Stage of the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. Furthermore, Zosia recently performed the Kaddisch from Deux Mélodies HébraÏques by Ravel in the Brisbane City Hall.

In addition to this, Zosia’s music frequently appears on radio’s 4EB and SBS. In addition to this, Zosia's music frequently appears on radio’s 4EB and SBS and in October of 2008 Zosia even sang for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in his electorate

Check out her website at http://zosiakilmartin.com/

Spizzico Ristorante Pizzeria

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Spizzico restaurant has now been operating for 18 months by Angelo and Silvana Di Bartolo. The restaurant industry is not news to the pair after owning previous restaurants. Angelo has been in the restaurant industry for over 25 years which gives him a perfect idea of what customers want. Angelo and Slivana’s background of Sicilian gives them an ideal plateau of what they need to know about the style of cuisine they offer.
Angelo’s resume speaks for itself after cooking for customers including politicians, entrepreneurs, sports personalities, media personalities, Italian states men and believe it or not, the Sicilian royal family. He also has knowledge of all regional cuisines from Italy as he has worked with the best in the country. In addition, he also did a stint in the mother country (Italy) when his brother in law had a restaurant in Sicily (Giardini, Taormina) therefore increasing his knowledge and passion for Sicilian cuisine and lifestyle. And with Silvana’s bubbly and welcoming personality, Angelo and Slivana make the perfect team. Spizzico also caters for special functions and occasions and it gives an opportunity, with expertise, to create a fine dining experience to ensure the customer’s maximum satisfaction.

Address: Southern Cross Apartments,
721 Main Street,Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Phone: (07) 3391 7077 Fax: (07) 3392 3250

Monday, March 23, 2009

Profile of Michele Di’Bartolo

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Michele Di'Bartolo was born and raised in Brisbane. After spending time in both Sicily and London, she has now returned to Brisbane where she works as a lawyer.

The Sicilian Kitchen is her first book and was shortlisted for the Manuscript Award in the 2006, Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards.

Also, the following are recent developments:
-The Sicilian Kitchen has won First Best Cookbook in Australia in the International Gourmand Awards; and
-Allen & Unwin have published Michele's short story, Bread and Lemons in a book entitled Grandma Magic to be released in April 2009.

The Sicilian Kitchen by Michele Di’Bartolo

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THE SICILIAN KITCHEN. Michele Di’Bartolo
Lantern… rrp $49.95

Everything is good. The sun is out, the lemon in my palm is intoxicating, my stomach is full of spaghetti and eggplant and everyone I love is living happily within calling distance of each other. If only it would just stay this way…

Born and raised in Brisbane, Michele Di'Bartolo longs for the Sicily she has come to know through her grandmother's evocative stories and the enduring rituals of her kitchen. When Michele first visits Sicily, she finds herself immersed in the chaotic brilliance of life on the island of her forebears.Michele discovers Sicily's stark beauty, unfathomable bureaucracies, mad drivers and an intricate maze of family relationships. She revels in the company of her cousin Gracie, from whom she learns the courting rituals of the Sicilian male, and wonders at the ability of the island's citizens to enjoy life so fully, despite their material privations and the frustrations of trying to make a living in a place that closes down, every day, for three hours after lunch.

Beautifully told, The Sicilian Kitchen is a heartfelt memoir that explores the eternal theme of belonging. The story is interwoven with traditional Sicilian recipes passed from mother to daughter and stunning photographs, as Michele shows how to make the perfect margarita pizza, traditional Sicilian pasta al forno and shares Nonna’s secret recipe for Sicilian vanilla custard.
The Sicilian Kitchen is a special celebration of culture, family values, romantic love and the role of food in shaping our days and strengthening the ties that bind.Michele Di’Bartolo was born and raised in Brisbane. After spending time in both Sicily and London, she has returned to Brisbane where she works as a lawyer. The Sicilian Kitchen is her first book and has been shortlisted for the Manuscript Award in the 2006 Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Arrivals+Departures Media Promoters for Italian Week

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A+D trains a distinctly Australian lens on travel, extravagance and artsworldwide. Find sharp editorial and chic, occasionally cheeky, images over 200 fullgloss pages. Read capsule information on anything from collecting contemporaryBeijing art to USB gadgets to dining in Darwin. Dive into select longform pieces bybroadsheet writers. View photo essays on Brooklyn street art, central Australianarchitecture or the markets of Phnom Penh. A+D is a handbook for cultureand a guide to smart indulgence.

The upcoming May/June edition of Arrivals+Departures discovers Dubai and the opulence of the Middle East, 'Lords of the Skies' and the fight for ultimate supremacy, beautiful Tropical North Queensland in 'Style', our special feature magazine, Mumbai, Merimbula, Manly + more ... see Italian Week featured in On Arrival Brisbane and indulge with our BONUS lift-out Tastes of Italy.tv magazine. www.arrivalsanddepartures.com.au


Monday, March 16, 2009

Calendar of events

Tuesday 12th May 2009
Media Launch @ Marca restaurant Italian influenced casual dining restaurant offers licensed, family friendly dining and authentic Italian touches to our food and customer service. Antipasto menu changes daily and is based on the chef's choice of ingredients for that day ... a unique experience. Try one of our authentic Italian pasta dishes and/or our desserts made by Sicilian pastry chef and co-owner - Mario Cali Shop 1, 299 Sandgate Road, Albion

Tuesday 26th May 2009

Opening Treasury Casino event

La Traviata: Verdi, Opera Queensland
La traviata retains a special place in the hearts of opera lovers. The tragic plight of Violetta Valéry, the beautiful Parisian courtesan who sacrificed her love for Alfredo when morally blackmailed by his father, drew from Verdi some of his most poignant and memorable melodies. 7.30pm


Highlights of Romeo and Juliet.Radio 4MBS in conjunction with Italian Week presents highlights of Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare most famous ‘couple’ come together in spite of the from the unlikely rivalry of the Montague’s and Capulet’s. During Italian week see scenes from the "balcony scene" .. See the famous swordfight scene and be enthralled by Italian Passion and Romance
When:- Queen Street Mall Stage 12.30pm and 1.30pm





Dinner from Lucca, ToscanaCortina restaurant, cnr Sandgate & Buckland Rd, Nundah Village.
Sponsored by the Tuscan Acssociation together with the restaurant owners/chefs Vittorio & Barbara Greco and will feature authentic dishes from the provincial city of Lucca.





Wednesday 27th May 2009


L'Aperitivo @ Bella Cosi Modern Italian Restaurant is proud to host L'Aperitivo, your host James McLean invites you to an evening of all things Italian with Music, Fashion and Italian Elegance. Be entertained by the delightful Zosia Kilmartin. See the latest Italian Style shoes from Tom Gunn Designers. Cost of tickets is $59 per person which includes food, wines and entertainment. Numbers are strictly limited so book NOW! From 5.30pm till 9pm Bella Cosi Modern Italian Restaurant 22 Thomas Street, Chermside Brisbane.

Read More and Book Online Bookings only available online here.




Jan Powers 'Il Mercato'
Italian Markets with entertainment
Italian Markets featuring food and music as Queen Street Markets take on a distictly Italian Feel
When;- 10am to 6pm
Free Event - no booking required.

Italian Week Cup
As part of Italian Week 2009 celebrations, Brisbane City Football Club ‘Azzurri’ at Spencer Park Newmarket, will stage a tournament of ‘Calcetto’ 5-a-side Football , proudly supported and sponsored by Di Bella Coffee. The tournament will consist of 2 groups of 4 teams, playing in a round robin of 10 minute halves. Teams are to be made up of adult males, females or mixed and be named any region of Italy. Registration fee is $200 per team. Read More
Thursday 28th May 2009


Barista Course at Di Bella
If you are a coffee enthusiast and want to learn more Di Bella Coffee will be running “The ultimate coffee experience” coffee appreciation courses. The course is suitable for hospitality workers, café owners, coffee aficionados and the general public. Numbers strickly Limited Normally $150.00 Italian Week promo $75.00

More Information - Book Now


La Traviata: Verdi, Opera Queensland
La traviata retains a special place in the hearts of opera lovers. The tragic plight of Violetta Valéry, the beautiful Parisian courtesan who sacrificed her love for Alfredo when morally blackmailed by his father, drew from Verdi some of his most poignant and memorable melodies. 6.30pm


Read More and Buy Tickets


Highlights of Romeo and Juliet.
Radio 4MBS in conjunction with Italian Week presents highlights of Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare most famous ‘couple’ come together in spite of the from the unlikely rivalry of the Montague’s and Capulet’s. During Italian week see scenes from the "balcony scene", Romeo sneaks into the Capulet courtyard and overhears Juliet on her balcony vowing her love to him .. See the famous swordfight scene and be enthralled by Italian Passion and Romance When:- Queen Street Mall Stage 12.30pm and 1.30pm




Friday 29th May 2009
Fashion Parade Queen Street Mall 6pm , 7pm 8pm

Barista Course at Di BellaIf you are a coffee enthusiast and want to learn more Di Bella Coffee will be running “The ultimate coffee experience” coffee appreciation courses. The course is suitable for hospitality workers, café owners, coffee aficionados and the general public. Numbers strickly Limited Normally $150.00 Italian Week promo $75.00


Saturday 30th May 2009

Fashion Parade Queen Street Mall 12m , 1pm and 2pm

Co.As.It. Annual Italian Week Ball - La Dolce VitaJoin the Italian Ambassador and The Consol of Italy for a Black Tie Ball.
Dress Formal Attire Tickets $130.00 (4 course dinner and drinks) Master of ceremonies Lou Greco Entertinment of Alfio and music by Undercover Cool Commencing 6pm Sofitel Le Grand Ballroom 249 Turbot Street Brisbane Booking call 33525755 0419 555 047


La Traviata: Verdi, Opera QueenslandLa traviata retains a special place in the hearts of opera lovers. The tragic plight of Violetta Valéry, the beautiful Parisian courtesan who sacrificed her love for Alfredo when morally blackmailed by his father, drew from Verdi some of his most poignant and memorable melodies. 1.30pm



Highlights of Romeo and Juliet.Radio 4MBS in conjunction with Italian Week presents highlights of Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare most famous ‘couple’ come together in spite of the from the unlikely rivalry of the Montague’s and Capulet’s. During Italian week see scenes from the "balcony scene", Romeo sneaks into the Capulet courtyard and overhears Juliet on her balcony vowing her love to him .. See the famous swordfight scene and be enthralled by Italian Passion and Romance.
When:- Queen Street Mall Stage 12.30pm and 1.30pm



Pasta and Gelato tastings - Angelo's Fresh Pasta Products9am – 11.30am One of Brisbane’s best-loved Italian family businesses, Angelo’s Fresh Pasta Products. Angelo Cazzolato first started hand-making pasta under his house at New Farm in 1968. Come and share this experience on Saturday 30th May from 9am – 12 noon with pasta and gelato tastings. Angelo's Fresh Pasta Products, 22 Doggett St, Fortitude Valley, (07) 32528687 Free Tastings


Sunday 31st May 2009

Sunday concert Lineup

11.00am
Official Opening

11.15am

Zosia Kilmartin

18 year old rising star, Zosia Kilmartin, is a classically trained singer, who is currently studying under the direction of world renowned opera singing sensation Ms Lisa Gasteen.One of the highlights of Zosia’s career, to date, is her recent appearance at the annual Opera on the Mountain open air concert in May. This event featured Zosia along with 10 of Australia’s top opera singers
.

11.35amAlex Ranieri15 year old Alex Raineri is a Brisbane based pianist and composer. In December 2008, Alex was awarded a Distinction in his 'Trinity College of London' LTCL exam. In June 2008, Alex performed Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' with the Queensland Orchestra in the keyboard finals of the 'ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards' under the baton of Pietari Inkinen.


12.00pm

Dominique Fegan (soprano) began her singing studies at a very early age as she had the (mis)fortune to have been born the youngest child of a singing teacher! In 1986 she won a coveted place to study drama with the Royal Queensland Youth Theatre and went on to perform with operatic societies in and around Brisbane.
Dominique Fegan appears courtesy of Opera Queensland



12.50pm

Highlights of Romeo and Juliet. Radio 4MBS in conjunction with Italian Week presents highlights of Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare most famous ‘couple’ come together in spite of the from the unlikely rivalry of the Montague’s and Capulet’s. During Italian week see scenes from the "balcony scene", Romeo sneaks into the Capulet courtyard and overhears Juliet on her balcony vowing her love to him .. See the famous swordfight scene and be enthralled by Italian Passion and Romance

12.50pmItalian Fashion Week Highlights and showcases - Fashion EventDesigns are so amazingly wearable and the depth of quality of color and style across all types of designer is so strong. These mouth-watering displays make the celebration of Italian Fashion Week a real delight this year. Featuring multi award winning Elio Moda and a host of leading Italian Designers and Italian Inspired designs. See the latest styles and designs, introduction by Milan based professor of design at the European Design Institute. A must for all fashion lovers and those inspired by design.
1.25pmItalian Waiters Race
Waiters and waitresses representing Italian restaurants in Queensland will gather in The Queen Street Mall to compete in a relay race with a difference—the runners have to carry glasses of wine on a tray without spilling a drop.The waiters’ race, or Corsa dei Camerieri in Italian, is one event of the Tastes of Italy to be held over the weekend. It will feature waiters and waitresses mostly from Italian restaurants.


1.45 pmMarco Evans live from Italy
Marco Evans grew up in a very musical household. His grandmother, father and his aunt are all singers, musicians and performers. Marco is multifaceted; he is foremost, a singer/songwriter/producer working on his debut album. He is also constanly on call as a singing teacher and vocal coach. He runs his own recording studio and is currently working with the finest singers and musicians in the country.




Paolo Diotti Live from Italy
Pianist, composer, arranger and producer, Paolo studies music since age 5 and has arranged and composed music for theatre: “In alto mare” di Slawomir Mrozek (1994), “Cibo” di Carla Vistarini (1995), “Guglielmo e la moneta d’oro” di Mino Milani (1996), Paolo is the winner of two schorlarships by the world famous “CET” musical institure of Mogol:


2.25pmLisa Hunt
Lisa began singing in that great African American tradition, the gospel church, there was laid the foundation of her soulful singing style. In Italy she has been the featured vocalist on tour and recordings of ZUCCHERO Sugar Fornaciari for over 15 years and has worked with a range of artist from Andrea Bocelli, and Luciano Pavarotti. You can check out her on Pavarotti and friends.




Italian Motor Expo in Reddacliff Place
Italian Motor Expo 2009 - Sunday 31st May 11.00am to 4.00pm Queen Street Mall and Reddacliff Place The Italian Motor Vehicle Clubs showcase Classic and contemporary Italian Motor Vehicles. Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini's. The respective motor vehicle clubs put on display a range of Italian motor vehicles, motorbikes and scooters from private collections, dealers and distributors. FREE EVENT




'A Night in Sardinia' at Cosi Ristorante Italiano featuring Angelo's Fresh Pasta Products One Night in Sardenia hosted by Cosi and Angelo’s Fresh Pasta – Enjoy an evening of Sardinian cuisine and entertainment along with fabulous wines. Clayfield Courtyard, 699a Sandgate Rd, Clayfield Booking s Essential
When:- Sunday 31st May 2009 from 6pm to 9.30pm. Cost:- $75.00 per person including Wines, Mineral Waters and Soft Drinks Numbers a strictly Limited so BOOK NOW




Monday 1st June 2009
Book Launch and Sicilian Dinner at Spizzico Restaurant
Spizzico Ristorante and Michele Di Bartolo , author of The Sicilian Kitchen invite you to a special celebration of Sicily. Join us for a sumptuous 4 course Sicilian dinner and a book reading and signing of The Sicilian Kitchen. From 6.30pm 721 Main Street, Kangaroo Point Booking essential Numbers strictly limited -




Barista Course at Di BellaIf you are a coffee enthusiast and want to learn more Di Bella Coffee will be running “The ultimate coffee experience” coffee appreciation courses. The course is suitable for hospitality workers, café owners, coffee aficionados and the general public. Numbers strickly Limited Normally $150.00 Italian Week promo $75.00





Tuesday 2nd June 2009

Official Festa della Repubblica event
The consulate of Italy hosts it official Italian National Day event. Festa della Repubblica (literally Festivity of the Republic) is celebrated in Italy on the second of June each year. The day commemorates the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government, following the Second World War.

Barista Course at Di Bella
If you are a coffee enthusiast and want to learn more Di Bella Coffee will be running “The ultimate coffee experience” coffee appreciation courses. The course is suitable for hospitality workers, café owners, coffee aficionados and the general public. Numbers strickly Limited Normally $150.00 Italian Week promo $75.00




La Dolce Vita on The MallMusic - DJ/Musician (Italian Australians) - playing a mix of Italian contemporary songs and some energetic commercial world renowned songs. Football - Some QLD Roar players/Coach. Calcetto Tables - play against the A-League player. FIFA tournament (playstation) FREE EVENT