Finalmente ragazzi, it’s back – one of Melbourne’s newest and most exciting food festivals, The Melbourne Tomato Festival will be returning for an even juicier line up than it’s inaugural event last year.
Sourcing bottles, early mornings to the market for tomato buying, tomato juice stains everywhere…as a former contributor to countless tomato making days myself, this is an event that is close to my heart and an honour to my heritage. It is initiatives like these that allow us to preserve customs and traditions, nurture community and allow us to be educated at a grass roots level, by the makers and producers themselves.
How we grow our food and where it comes from has been a way of life for the Italo-Australian community who’ve preserved their culture from the soil up through the unwavering love and tending of their veggie gardens. The Tomato Festival is just one way to get back to nature, find out more about where our food comes from and learn more about the food process, while giving passata making a good crack.
At this year’s Melbourne Tomato Festival, goer’s can expect a gathering of local farmers selling produce, speakers, agriculturalists, cooking demonstrations, Italian food, artisan producers, special guests, history, workshops, entertainment and of course passata making.
Melbourne Tomato Festival 2016 – What you need to know
Where: Edendale Community Farm, Eltham
When: 21st February, 2016 – 10am – 4pm
People: Guy Grossi, Matt Wilkinson, Scott Pickett, Liz Egan, Karen Martini, Colin Fassnidge, Dani Valent, Hilary McNevin
Things to Do/See/Eat: Prahran Market, Melbourne Farmers Market, Tammi Jonas – Jonai Farms & Meatsmiths, Nick Rose – AFFSA, Rosalin Virnik – Artisan House, Andrew Kelly – Small Batch, Bar Idda, Woodstock, Dolci Momenti, L’ Arrosticino, Books for Cooks, Polito Woodfire Ovens, Diggers, Capi drinks bar, Punt Road Wine Cider and Beer, 400 Gradi, That’s Amore, Enoteca Sileno, Home Make it, Elyros, Arancini Art, Gelato Tino, Territory Coffee, Cavallini, Salumnisti, Passata making & much more.
(Images supplied by Melbourne Tomato Festival)
Tickets: Pre-purchased here until sold out. ADULTS $25, CHILDREN (6-13YRS) $10, 5 & UNDER FREE
Facebook: Melbourne Tomato Festival
Twitter: @MelbTomFest
Instagram: @melbournetomatofestival
Consciousness: This year’s Festival will be held at Edendale Community Farm. This location was chosen by the Festival team because of its principals of Environmental Education featuring sustainable living practices for the whole community. Through the purchase of festival bags, ticket holders will be given the opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for SECONDBITE who provide access to fresh, nutritious food for people in need across Australia.
Notes: The Melbourne Tomato Festival is a cash-only event.
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Melbourne Tomato Festival 2015 Wrap Up
