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[title]Nobody does summertime with as much passion, sophistication and flair as the Italians. But don't despair if your mates are off jet-setting in Europe this winter – you can still experience a taste of Italy from home in Sydney. Whether it's hosting a pizza party, ticking off some Italian masterpieces at the AGNSW or elevating your afternoon aperitivo with a golden Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Sydney has all the ingredients for a magical Italian-inspired summer. Here are five ways to transform your season from bleak to chic...
1. Date night at home with some of Sydney's best pasta
Carbs and cheese are the ultimate cure for your winter blues. Plan a date night from the comfort of your couch with takeaway from Sydney’s top pasta spots. The Italian Bowl in Newtown is the closest you’ll get to the punchy tastes of Florence with its pick-your-own pasta and sauce adventure including regional sauces like Siciliana, Napolitana and carbonara. You can also get a bit fancy at home with Passeggiata’s weekly changing pasta specials or Fabricca’s deluxe, ready-made pasta packs. Light some candles and turn it into a mini aperitivo moment with a chilled Peroni Nastro Azzurro. With its smooth texture and subtle hints of citrus, the beer is a perfect pairing to a rich and creamy bowl of pasta.
2. Go on an Italian designer fashion crawl
Strut your style on the streets of Sydney with a shopping adventure that rivals the glamour of Milan Fashion Week. Start at Westfield Sydney where you can browse the latest 2023 summer collections at Prada, admire the handcrafted bags and accessories at Gucci, and explore the vibrant craftsmanship of contemporary clothing at Versace. Enjoy a truly elevated shopping experience by booking an in-store appointment at any of these high-end luxury fashion houses.
3. Tick off some Italian masterpieces at the AGNSW
You can bet your backpacking mates in Europe will be spending huge amounts of time staring at 500-year-old paintings, churches and museums. So when the FOMO hits, head to the AGNSW where you can admire some fine pre-20th century Italian paintings. Be transported to Venice's most famous square with Giovanni Antonio Canaletto's ‘The Piazza San Marco, Venice’, which captures the church of San Giorgio Maggiore and St Mark's Basilica. Other must-see masterpieces include Giulio Cesare Procaccini's 'The Dead Christ on the Cross with Saints Mary Magdalene, Augustine and Jerome, and Angels', as well as Bernardo Strozzi's ‘The Release of Saint Peter’. Best of all, admission to the Gallery’s permanent collection is completely free.
4. Pizza party!
Bring a slice of Italy home by hosting a pizza party with your nearest and dearest. There seems to be a pizzeria on every street corner in the city so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect slice. Via Napoli and Gigi's Pizzeria top the list for traditional Neapolitan pizza. However, if you're feeling adventurous, try the clam pizza at Bella Brutta, the "return of the Mac" cheeseburger-inspired pizza at Pocket Pizza, or build your own box of slabs from the Roman-style newcomer Ta Ta Ta Pizza. Complete your Italian feast with a refreshing Peroni Nastro Azzurro and relish in the fresh, clean finish that perfectly cuts through the richness of melted cheese. Buon appetito!
5. Drink Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Experience another pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship this winter with Peroni Nastro Azzurro – the blue ribbon beer of Europe. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an Italian icon in its own right, having grown from a small family brewery in 1963 to be the UK’s number one premium beer brand. Their beers boast a delicate balance of bitterness and citrus, and a fast, clean finish, which makes it a perfect pairing for any Italian feast. And you can imagine with each golden sip that you’re being transported to the heart of an Italian summer, whether it be the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany or the colourful streets of Rome.