Banchetto at The Italian Mildura

Last Saturday, great friends of mine were in town on their way to Mundi Mundi, and we decided to treat ourselves to a proper Italian feast at The Italian Mildura, an excellent little space run by Sandra and Brad and wow, did they roll out the food stuff. Banchetto is basically the Italian way of saying.

"Sit down, shut up, and let us feed you"

We chose the menu that included wine pairing that was predominantly beautifully selected Italian wines, light and refreshing.

Kingfish ceviche was to start and was perfection with Brad cutting the fish to the plate and dressing it with wonderful fresh citrus, including local Blood Orange and fennel.

Dish after dish kept landing on the table like gifts from the food gods. Gnocchi, when people say little pillows of air, well, these were the best I have ever eaten and trust me, I lived in Italy off and on for a while. The main dish was beautifully slow-cooked goat with local organic green beans, potatoes, and olives. My friends couldn't believe how great the beans tasted, cooked like someone’s nonna was watching over the kitchen.

What I love about the Banchetto is that it forces you to relax and go along for the ride. No menu decisions. No food envy. Just wave after wave of Italian goodness, the kind of meal that makes conversation louder, laughter easier, and belts one notch tighter.

Sandra and Brad take great pride in bringing dishes that Italians won't turn their nose up to!! They will nod with approval.

If you haven’t done the Banchetto yet, stop mucking around and book it. It’s hands down one of the most joyful ways to eat in Mildura. Just don’t plan on doing anything productive afterwards, you’ll be too busy dreaming about the next round.

Grazie, the Italian. You got us good.

https://theitalianmildura.com.au/