*SOLD OUT* Lagotto x Gowings presented by QT

Photography by Isabella Moore

ATTENTION PASTA-LOVERS. MELBOURNE’S BEST-KEPT-SECRET ITALIAN RESTAURANT IS COMING TO GOWINGS FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Lagotto, voted one of the “Ten of Melbourne’s favourite hatted Italian restaurants” by Good Food, is coming to Sydney for a one-off exclusive: Lagotto x Gowings presented by QT.

“Everyone ought to be talking more about this spot, and this chef.” – Besha Rodell, chief restaurant critic for The Age and Good Weekend.

In the Good Food article, “Ten of Melbourne’s favourite hatted Italian restaurants (and one that’ll surprise you)”, Lagotto is featured. Could it be the best Melbourne Italian restaurant you’ve never heard of? We think so. Pasta lovers – get ready because Lagotto, with its Mid-century Italian chic vibe, is the best-kept secret restaurant in Melbourne.

Head Chef, Matteo Fulchiati will join Sydney’s OG culinary stalwart, Sean Connolly, in the kitchen at Gowings on Wednesday the 12th of March where the pair will produce a bespoke three-course dinner with snacks, matched wines, and two Campari cocktails to start and finish the evening. The dinner will have a focus on pasta, with both chefs bringing their best of the best dishes to the event.

The event will also include Sydney artist Mikey Freedom – who was commissioned to design an artwork for the occasion. Mikey’s art will be used across the event, including in the menu design. Scroll down to read more…

This is an event for food lovers, Italophiles, and those who rue how cool Melbourne’s food scene is.

MENU* REVEAL

Campari soda in a bottle with orange slice – served on arrival

SNACK
Salt cod  ‘Baccala’ breakfast radish (Gowings)
Focaccia, smoked malted butter (Lagotto)
Campari and Soda

ENTREE
Scallop rosti, mussel cream, trout roe, chives (Lagotto)
2023 Torbreck ‘The Steading Blanc’ MVR

MAINS
Lasagne, Mount Barker Duck, Porcini Mushrooms Cappuccino (Gowings)
Saffron paccheri, Skull Island prawns, prawn bisque (Lagotto)
2022 Torbreck ‘The Steading’ GSM

SIDES
‘Signore Cardini’s’ Caesar salad made tableside (Gowings)
Heirloom tomato, black garlic, anchovy, macadamia (Lagotto)

DESSERTS
Fig leaf and buffalo milk gelato, strawberry granita, strawberry jam (Lagotto)
Gowings Choc Ice Hazelnut Semifreddo, Salted Caramel (Gowings) 
Negroni – Campari, gin, vermouth with orange slice

Ticket Price: $149pp
Ticket inclusions: Three-course meal plus snacks, two paired wines, two Campari cocktails
Dietaries: Pescatarian and vegetarian upon request

*Menu items are subject to change based on availability

MIKEY FREEDOM

As part of this event, Sydney multidisciplinary artist Mikey Freedom was commissioned to design an artwork. Food lovers will be familiar with Mikey’s work featured in some of Sydney’s favourite restaurants including Bastardo, Topikos, and Shell House. Mikey’s design from the artwork will be replicated across the event, including the menu design, so that everyone will experience a piece of artistic interpretation of the event. Mikey says the inspiration for the artwork is “about that moment, being in a crowd or loud room, music sounding off and dancing, people and things whirling about, drinks and glasses clinking”. Read more about his inspiration and creative journey below.

What was the initial spark or idea that led you to create this piece?

Creating work that contains a sense of movement and yet contains still life is something I like exploring. This focus I’ve maintained, which is seen within this work also, allows me to explore compositions that rely on a sense of balance and play.

Are there any personal experiences or emotions that influenced this artwork?

I carry with me a sense of nostalgia, I try to bring the best of past with me in whatever I’m doing. So it’s not as much personal experience but about the experiences I wish to keep in enjoying between art & the hospitality world.

Did any particular artists, cultures, or historical events inspire elements of this work?

I’m at the point where the many influences or sources of inspirations I’ve gathered have melded within or to produce my own style, so while I continue to be enamoured by the work of many artists and designers, theres a sense of purpose or feeling that carries as much importance now.

What message or feeling were you hoping to convey through this artwork?

It’s about that moment, being in a crowd or loud room, music sounding off and dancing, people and things whirling about, drinks and glasses clinging and then you find your self still – you pause, observing the environment and place your in – truly knowing or connecting with the space in time your experiencing. It’s moments like these I sought to capture – out of body.

Does food, drink, dining or being social influence your work?

Yes, thats a strong part to it, I love the intersection of all of it, when I allow it all inside my motivation to create, its like I get to be graphic designer, illustrator & fine artist all in one, perhaps once upon a time there was no distinction & having these elements as influence makes my work that more relatable I hope?

If this artwork could tell its own story, what would it say? 

What are you waiting for, an invitation? Don’t wait – jump in, live life!