That’s Amore Cheese Ricotta Festival

That’s Amore Cheese will host the fourth edition of its renowned Ricotta Festival at its headquarters in Thomastown on Sunday 17th March 2024 and it is 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
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 delicacies from Pistachio Papi, Il Baronello, Battisti, Bippi, Backyard Honey, Barkly Smokehouse and Acide.

Early bird tickets are available for $10 until 10th February before General Admission tickets sell for $15. Kids under 12 are free (no ricotta included).

That’s Amore Ricotta Festival thanks event partners Puopolo Artisan Salumi, Little Naples Pizzeria, Senza Wellness Food, Vino Bambino, Harcourts Rata & Co.