Nothing but the best of Italy, with 143 wine label exhibitors and renowned South African and Italian chefs of Gauteng. Officine Italia was a proud participant of “Vino in Piazza”, between November 30th and December 2nd 2018, shared with prestigious partners: The event was presented by the Consulate General of Italy in South Africa, Italian Trade Commission (ICE) in Johannesburg, the Italian-South African Chamber of Commerce and My Italian Link magazine.
The first edition of Vino in Piazza was a great celebration of food from the “boot” in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The event set itself as an exciting demonstration of how to complement perfect imported wines with recipes by great chefs of South Africa.
Wine producers from all around Italy proudly displayed their best bottles. Reds, whites and rosés from Passito to Prosecco, Spumante to Sangiovese and the Forse Nobile: Barolo, Brunello and more. A unique variety of wines and sophisticated preparation methods ensured a tasting experience that impressed. What’s more, we hope to find many of these 143 wines on the local market and in our partner restaurants very soon.
Moreover, eleven chefs took turns to cook up delicious bitefuls. The choice was broad between amazing antipasti, tapas treats with Edulis Porcini mushrooms, fresh mozzarella di Bufala with olive, rosemary and onion crumb; homemade pasta parcels in Rosato sauce, slow roasted Ossobucco, Burrata with Truffle, Oxtail and dry Ricotta cheese Ravioli, Zanetti Parmigiano, and traditional Sicilian Cannoli, all paired with the fine wines of Italy.
The Chefs: Orazio Cremona (Belfiore), Gianni Mariano (Mastrantonio), Bartho Saayman (Piza e Vino), James Diack & Rausharn Griffin (Coobs), Luca Toni (Assaggi) Paulo Santo (Santo & Santo) and Claudio Uccello (Fumo). Together with the wine producers, they described the distinct characteristics of their wines and proposed exceptional pairings for the experience.
Vino in Piazza was but a taste of the Italian flavours to conquer Johannesburg in the months to come. Ahead of the next edition of the festival, Officine Italia will take you on a Culinary Journey with the language, cultures and traditions of Italy. To launch Chefs’ Concierge, the latest chapter of An Italian journey, Officine Italia will be hosting Italian Inspired events: “The Italian Plate” culinary experiences, “Private Tastings” throughout the year. Together with Chefs Enrica Rocca, Luca Toni, James Diack and Claudio Uccello, just to name a few, you will learn the A – Z of Italy’s culinary traditions and international twists to millenary recipes.
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