That’s a’Mare: Food of the Italian Coast

For one night only on 13 January the Michelin-trained master of regional Italian fare, Alessandro Pavoni will join forces with Melbourne’s Guy Grossi, Pilu at Freshwater’s Giovanni Pilu, and Jacqui Challinor of NOMAD to take diners on a tasting exploration of Italy’s coastline at That’s a’Mare: Food of the Italian Coast, presented by Celebrity Cruises.

Welcome to That’s a’Mare: Food of the Italian Coast, presented by Celebrity Cruises; a celebration of the finest seasonal and sustainable Australian produce and Italian ingredients by four of the most awarded chefs in the country. This incredible, once-in-a-lifetime event focuses on regional Italian cuisine – as if you had boarded a luxury Celebrity Cruise and sailed around one of the most abundant coastlines of the globe. You’ll enjoy one of Celebrity Cruises’ refreshing ‘Celebrity Spritz’ cocktails on arrival, before enjoying multiple courses that both showcase the simplicity of Italian cuisine while expressing authentic regional flavours.

True to Celebrity Cruises’ dedication to diversity, inclusion and ethical food sourcing, you’ll experience food from an array of the country’s best chefs. In the kitchen will be Alessandro Pavoni, the superpower behind two-hatted institution, Ormeggio at the Spit, and his just-opened, uber-luxe restaurant, a’Mare. He’ll be wowing guests with his [already] legendary trofie al pesto (pesto pasta) along with everybody’s favourite dessert, Tiramisu. Joining Pavoni, will be Executive Chef of NOMAD, Jacqui Challinor who will present her incredible entree. Jacqui joined NOMAD in 2013 upon its opening, successfully earning the establishment a Good Food Guide hat that it still proudly wears to this day.

No Italian feast is complete without legendary Melbourne chef Guy Grossi, who’ll be wowing your tastebuds with his dish, ‘pasta pasta pasta’. At last count, Grossi has five restaurants across Melbourne and Perth; his institution, Grossi Florentino Upstairs has two hats, while the Roman-inspired Garum (Perth) has one. Also in the galley is Sardinian chef, Giovanni Pilu, of two-hatted Pilu at Freshwater, who will be making porchetta; the jewel in the crown of Sardinian cooking.

Presenting the evening is none other than the fabulous Jane de Graaff; presenter, food and lifestyle writer, editor and podcaster who regularly chats to the country’s top culinary talents. She’ll be bringing her absolute joy and passion for all things food to this magnificent event.

Held at a’Mare, you’ll be utterly in awe of Pavoni’s Italian restaurant. Like a dining room onboard one of Celebrity Cruises’ new luxurious vessels, a’Mare is the pinnacle of modern, creative design, with a timeless interior that’s at once approachable and glamorous – and that also champions local and sustainable produce above all else. With its breathtaking views across to Balmain, a’Mare has all the spectacle of a Michelin-starred European restaurant – with the friendliness and familial feel of a neighbourhood trattoria. And just as a holiday aboard a Celebrity Cruise lets you fully immerse yourself in culture, contemporary style, excitement and relaxation, your tastebuds will have an absolutely amazing culinary vacation of Italian dining.

As a proud partner of Sydney Good Food Month this year, Celebrity Cruises will be sharing what sets the luxurious Celebrity experience apart from the rest, making them the most revered culinary offering at sea. Get ready to challenge your perceptions of a cruise holiday, as Celebrity Cruises pushes boundaries to a new tantalising level.