Adventurous diners joined us for a lavish Italian-style long lunch with incredible food, flowing wine and good company.

Across two leisurely afternoons, guests were invited to take a seat at our table and enjoy a family-style long Italian lunch for our first event of 2020. Two hours before the feast was set to begin, guests received a text message to reveal the secret location of the lunch: the picturesque Osteria Coogee.

At 1pm, diners began to fill this bright, light-filled dining room, ready to dive into the best of Italian cuisine brought to life with the freshest Australian produce. On arrival, guests were treated to a bespoke Sevilla Gin & Soda cocktail courtesy of Tanqueray. As guests found their seats and chatter flooded the room, it was time for the long lunch to begin.

The team from Osteria Coogee curated a bespoke menu taking guests on a culinary journey from the north of Italy to the south. To start, Milano-inspired whipped ricotta, bottarga and grissini were served along with the refreshing Sicilian-inspired Crudo, white tuna tartare with olive and nduja mayo. The menu continued with the flavourful Melazana parmigiana showcasing fresh eggplant, parmesan and a rich napolitana, inspired by the cuisine of Abruzzo in the east of Italy.

For mains, guests enjoyed nourishing bowls of handmade gnocchi with Diamond clam, gamberi and tomato along with roasted Porchetta, traditionally seasoned and rolled, inspired by the west region of Roman. To finish this lavish feast on a sweet note, guests dined on the classic Italian dessert of Tiramisu, influenced by the north region of Milano.

Throughout the three-course lunch, guests sipped their way through juicy glasses of rosé, pinot grigio and grenache courtesy of our wine partner, Riot Wine Co.

View all of the photos from the event here.