Join us for our final event of Viva Italia at the Realm Hotel Ballroomand experience a wonderful Italian dinner.

Enjoy a trip back in time as Debora Di Centa and her fellow dancers take us on a journey inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

Lose yourself in the music and kick up your heels as DJ Joe (Joe Pelle) takes us through some of Italy’s best known and loved songs.

The evening will include silent and live auctions. Items for auction include a weeks’ vacation in the Chianti wine region of beautiful Tuscany, artworks, and a wine tour for ten.

Money raised will provide a scholarship for an ANU student of Italian Language and Culture to travel and study at the University for Foreigners in Siena.

$`120 per person, plus booking fee

MENU

Pre-Dinner

Heirloom carrots, radish, purple cauliflower, olives, baby vegetables, fennel, fava bean dip and olive oil

Served with house focaccia

First Course

Ravioli Mugellani

Tuscan style potato ravioli with pancetta, artichoke, shallots, sage & ricotta Salata

Main Course

Abbacchio alla Romana

Slow roasted Lamb cutlet and shoulder, lemon & rosemary kipfler potatoes and peas

Confit chicken ‘Puttenesca’

Chicken, capers, olives, basil, ricotta gnocchi, cavelo nero

Dessert

Torta al Limone

Limoncello sponge layered with vanilla mascarpone cream, lemon curd, and fresh blueberries.

 (Alternatives for vegetarian, gluten free dietaries on the night)

Viva Italia in Canberra proudly presents...

SOMBODY TO LOVE

SOMEBODY TO LOVE is an hilarious, all-star romantic comedy that reveals the innermost thoughts & uncertainties of an Italian couple on their awkward first date.

Rome, present day. Recently separated philosophy professor and father-of-one Piero (Breaking Up In Rome's Edoardo Leo) has arrived for dinner at the home of Lara (Pilar Fogliati), a talented furniture restorer. Lara has just ended her own relationship with a married man; indicative, she feels, of her tendency towards dead-end romances.

As the two begin to get to know each other, they must also navigate their competing inner voices - whether instinctive, romantic, logical or impulsive - that guide their emotions and decisions. Over the course of the evening, Piero and Lara’s hidden desires and quirks gradually come to light, along with their hearts’ unmistakable desire to find a perfect match. Their heads, however, may have other plans…

SOMEBODY TO LOVE swept over 2.5 million moviegoers off their feet to become Italy’s #1 box office hit of 2025.

Arguably the date-night movie of the year, this is fresh, uproarious and crowd-pleasing entertainment at its best.

$25 - includes a welcome drink

Chef Christophe and Josephine are thrilled to present a unique event as part of the Viva Italia in Canberra Festival.

While Chef Christophe is known for his expertise in French cuisine, his Italian wife, Josephine, has undoubtedly influenced his culinary repertoire.

Together, they’ve curated exclusive gourmet tours to Calabria, Italy, as well as to Griffith, NSW.

They are passionate about sharing la dolce vita with you and invite you to join them for a special Italian 3 course lunch event on Sunday, April 19th in Bungendore.

$95

BYO Beverages

Enjoy Nonna’s lunch at Antica Ricetta, Manuka.

This traditional Italian meal is characterised by love, high-quality ingredients, and a long, leisurely dining experience.

 MENU – Served Banquet Style

Primi

• Risotto Funghi Porcini (Mushroom Risotto)

• Pasta al Forno (Baked Pasta)

Secondi

• Salsiccia e Pepperoni (Sausage and Pepperoni)

• Pollo e Patate al Forno (Chicken and Roast Potatoes)

Dolce

• Cannoli

Bring a group of friends for a day spent discovering the Canberra district’s best vineyards.

Welcome to Tour del Vino! Join us for a delightful day starting at the Italian Cultural Centre in Forrest where you will be welcomed with pastries and coffee before heading off on a private mini-bus.

First stop is Mount Majura Wines where you will enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by antipasto platters. Take a stroll through the vineyard where will hear from an expert and learn about the winemaking process.

Then we are off to Dionysus Winery & Woo Chocolate at Murrumbateman where you can continue your journey with a unique chocolate tasting experience accompanied by a glass of sparkling, white or red wine.

Last stop is Shaw Estate Vineyard which is the perfect place to finish with a wine tasting while enjoying an Italian lunch deeply rooted in Italian tradition while celebrating local and seasonal ingredients.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the beauty and taste of our Tour del Vino.

Programme

9:30am to 10:15am: Meet and Greet with Pastries and Coffee – Italian Cultural Centre 80 Franklin Street Forrest

10:30am to 11:45am: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Mount Majura Vineyard, Majura ACT

12:45pm to 1:30pm: Chocolate Tasting – Dionysus Winery & Woo Chocolates, Murrumbateman NSW

 2pm to 4:00pm: Wine Tasting, Lunch and Games – Shaw Estate Wines, Murrumbateman NSW.

4:00pm: Depart Shaw Estate Wines

5.00pm: Arrival Italian Cultural Centre, FORREST