The exclusive Italian Long Lunch dining event is being held on Sunday June 2 at authentic Italian eatery Cucina Vivo at The Star Gold Coast. We all know the Italians have nailed the art of slow living, and the culinary event is embracing this reality with a procession of delicious dishes that will roll out across the afternoon. Think of it as a way to take some time out and savour sumptuous food, sip fine wines and enjoy great conversation – in true Italian style – as you overlook the sparkling tropical pool just a stone’s throw away.

Start off your afternoon with a (sea)foodie’s dream primi course complete with slow grilled Freemantle octopus with an ink emulsion, tomato-braised southern gould squid stuffed with scallops and prawns, as well as whipped cod roe topped with crunchy potato crisp. By this point, your tastebuds will already be singing as you take in the fresh and spicy flavours of the Calabrian Coast. After a few more sips of wine and plenty of laughs amongst loved ones, you’ll be excited to see the secondi dishes arrive. We’re talking fileja pasta with nduja and prawn, spiced Fraser Island spanner crab with woodfired focaccia, whole wood-oven baked baby barramundi, finocchio served with garlic and orange, and cipolla rossa (smokey charcoal grilled red onion). Have you really had an Italian experience unless you nibble on some dessert? After lingering over your first two courses, finish off the hat trick with a series of delectable Italian sweets as you reflect on a beautiful afternoon of living life slowly.

The Italian Long Lunch at Cucina Vivo kicks off at 12:00 pm on Sunday June 2. Tickets can be purchased online.