VIP Invitation - ICCI Melbourne Cocktail Launch Event
The Italian Chamber of Commerce Melbourne Cocktail Launch Event was a huge sold out success, part of the True Italian Taste, held at the iconic Port Melbourne Yacht Club.
With world class views we were treated to world class cocktails and delicacies, in the first ICCI event of the year. Thanks to all the amazing Event Partners for a magnificent evening, such as @prossecodoc, @lavazzaaus, @birramoretti, @sanpellegrino_aus, @pantalicacheese, @zero.gradi, @400gradiaus, @aranciniart @abruzzolab and @twelvebottles.
The World's Best Bartender Orlando Marzo inspired us with a Cocktails Masterclass, highlighting the authenticity of Italian beverages and how to combine them into delicious cocktails. Orlando also shared with us the epic stories behind classic Italian cocktails.
It was a night of connection, inspiring speeches and eating and drinking the best of Italian food (what a spread on the long table!) and beverages including Espresso martini (made with authentic Lavazza coffee), Americano, Spritz and Negroni, along with Italian beers.
A treat was the famous Neapolitan Pizza from renowned Italian chef Johnny di Francesco, owner of the famous restaurant chain 400 Gradi, with paddles of wood oven pizza in abundance. He also provided the famous gelato from Zero Gradi in the iconic gelato cart, a huge hit on a summer night.
So many amazing food choices.
We were also treated to authentic Italian flavours inspired by the region and heart of Abruzzo delivered by @abruzzolab. Always passionate about cooking, Michelle Di Pietro, owner of Abruzzo Lab, started her chef career in 2006 in Melbourne with the desire to discover "la Cucina Italiana", specifically Abruzzese, and she decided to leave Melbourne in 2012 on a search for her heritage in Abruzzo. After 6 years she came back to Australia bringing the "Abruzzese" food adventure with her and opened Abruzzo Lab Street food in 2017 and Abruzzo Lab - Arrosticini Bar in 2018.
We also heard an inspiring speech from Lord Mayor, Sally Capp and other dignitaries, and welcomed the new Consul General of Italy in Melbourne, Mrs Hanna Pappalardo to the Italo-Australian community. Thanks to Veronica and the team at ICCI for an exceptional event.