Cairns Italian Festival debuts La Docle Vita long lunch

From a night at the opera to delectable dishes, there will be something for everyone at the Cairns Italian Festival this weekend.

Ollie's Italian restaurant at the Cairns Marina has partnered with the Cairns Italian Festival to host Ollie's La Dolce Vita long lunch this Friday. Ollie's Italian head chef Giuseppe Morabito plates up duck ravioli in the kitchen. Picture: Brendan Radke

Kicking off with Opera in the Tropics on Thursday night, the Cairns Italian Festival will run from July 24 to August 3, with a variety of free and ticketed events, including the festival’s inaugural long lunch.

Ollie’s Italian restaurant manager Natalia Cocholilo said the venue would host the festival’s first long lunch, La Dolce Vita, on July 25, featuring a six-course menu curated by host chef Giuseppe Morabito and guest chef Dario Manca.

“There will be some grilled octopus, fish, steak, sides, and we’re going to finish with some nice homemade Italian cannoli and some limoncello … and every course is going to have their matched wine,” Ms Cocholilo said.

Ollie's Italian restaurant at the Cairns Marina has partnered with the Cairns Italian Festival to host Ollie's La Dolce Vita long lunch this Friday. Ollie's Italian head chef Giuseppe Morabito has partnered with Dario Manca of Brisbane's Attimi restaurant to produce a six course lunch with matching wines. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The idea is so people can enjoy, take their time, and not be rushed – you just stay, chill and talk.”

Guest chef Dario Manca, owner of Attimi restaurant in Brisbane, said attendees could expect a modern Italian menu.

“It’s a contemporary idea, it’s not really a traditional take on any traditional dishes, it’s more a fun part – how can we maximise everything we have?” Mr Manco said.

Festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo said he was excited to debut the “highly anticipated” event.

“It’s a chance for our community to come together and enjoy and unforgettable afternoon of Italian hospitality, fine food, flowing wine, and great conversation, all set against the tropical backdrop of beautiful Far North Queensland,” Mr Di Bartolomeo said.

The festival includes a variety of events and activities, including La Festa food and wine festival, a masquerade cocktail party, a soccer cup and more.

The sold-out lunch will run from 11.30am to 4pm.

For more information, visit the Cairns Italian Festival website.

Originally published as Cairns Italian Festival debuts La Docle Vita long lunch