Gourmet Traveller August 2021

MICHAEL HARRY writer Slice of heaven Doing a round-up of Melbourne’s best new pizzas was a delicious challenge for food writer Michael Harry, who sampled several slices all in the name of research. “Delivery pizza was my go-to treat during lockdown, but nothing beats one fresh from the oven,” he says. His regular order? The Double ‘Roni from Carlton’s Capitano, which balances Americana red sauce with full-stretch cheese and plenty of pepperoni. ANDREA VIGNALI AND DAVIDE BONADIMAN chefs Perfectly al dente From housemates to business owners, Vignali and Bonadiman are the chefs behind Al Dente Enoteca, a lockdown hustle turned permanent restaurant and deli. For our winter Italian issue, we asked the pair – who hail from Veneto and Robbiate in Italy’s north – to share the recipes from the year that changed the course…

Studio Billie Bring a touch of sculptural serenity to any room with these elegant hand-poured candles from Studio Billie. Made in Sydney, they make the perfect gift to brighten anyone’s day. studiobillie.com Bippi Italian Style Chilli This fiery, textural condiment comes courtesty of Ben Circosta, a third-generation Italian living in North Melbourne. Inspired by a traditional family recipe, Bippi is as warming as a big kiss from nonna. bippifoods.com Alessandro Viola Note di Bianco An afternoon visit to Canberra’s excellent Paranormal Wines introduced us to this delightful Italian drop by Sicilian winemaker Alessandro Viola. Made from the little known grillo varietal, the Note di Bianco is as refreshing as a quick dip in the Med. @paranormalwines Orange, NSW Sampling the delights of Orange (including an afternoon at Printhie’s excellent cellar door) reaches new heights with Crooked Compass…

I spent the start of the New South Wales lockdown torturing myself by watching endless episodes of a reality television series set on the Amalfi Coast. Outside, a sodden blanket of grey cloaked Sydney. Inside, I was basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean and dreaming of eating frutti di mare in Positano. Like many Antipodeans, I have only experienced Italy in summer; long, hot days spent wandering cobbled streets, stopping for gelato in the shade and sipping Spritz at sunset. Of course, there is more to Italy and its cuisine than endless sunshine and seafood. And given none of us will be escaping under the Tuscan sun any time soon, this year, we decided to explore a different side of Italy. Hence, we present the Winter Italian issue. From handmade…

Aløft With so much exciting food on offer during Hobart’s Dark Mofo festival, it was impossible to avoid doubling up on meals throughout the day. Exhibit A: this crunchy-creamy treat of coconut, coffee, honeycomb and fig, which punctuated the end of our second dinner of the evening at Aløft. Pier one, Brooke St, Hobart, Tas. Karlie Verkerk, deputy editor Baduzzi Australia may have more Italian restaurants than New Zealand but I’ve yet to find one that can top Baduzzi’s crayfish polpette. Sweet, tender and perfectly seasoned, they are an icon of Auckland’s dining scene with good reason. Jellicoe St, North Wharf, Auckland Joanna Hunkin, editor The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania With its rough-hewn sandstone walls and preserved tin ceilings, you can literally feel the past at this historic harbour-front hotel. Fiona Donnelly, Qld…

VICTORIA Melbourne’s love for a well-made sandwich continues with the arrival of Bala Sanga and Matteo’s Delicatessen. The latter is part-café part-grocer, providing panini packed with mozzarella, mortadella, olives and meatballs; alongside shelves of Italian pantry staples and freshly piped cannoli. Meanwhile Balaclava welcomes Bala Sanga from the chefs behind the neighbouring Pretty Little. From the garage shop you’ll find nostalgic toasties (like the triple cheese, with Comté, aged cheddar, Emmental, confit leek and pickled onion pressed between light rye; or the Thomo with beef cheek, sauerkraut, smoked raclette and pickles) and fresh ones (try the cuzzy with soft white loaf, curried egg, red onion and endive). In the CBD, restaurateur Chris Lucas has announced Grill Americano will open at 101 Collins Street in October. The 145-seat Italian-inspired bar and restaurant will…

After a hiatus last year, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Gourmet Traveller’s annual Restaurant Awards, with finalists to be announced in our October issue. With support from Visit Victoria, we’re bringing the event to Melbourne for the first time in more than 10 years, with a special awards dinner to be held at Andrew McConnell’s Gimlet at Cavendish House. On the night, we’ll reveal the winners of six individual awards, including Best New Restaurant, Best New Talent, Restaurant Personality of the Year, Best Wine Bar, Best Destination Dining and Chef of the Year, as well as the ultimate accolade in Australian dining – Restaurant of the Year. The winners, along with Australia’s Top 80 restaurants, will be profiled in our Celebration Special this November. GREENER PASTURES Queensland has long been…