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All Taste No Waste Dinner Series


Electrolux and OzHarvest have teamed up with some of Australia’s best chefs to bring you the All Taste No Waste Dinner Series! On September 21, I’ll be creating a one-off menu with Mitch Orr inspired by food waste reduction. We’ll be transforming some of the most commonly wasted foods into delicious meals, with all proceeds from the evening being donated to OzHarvest. Book tickets

Massimo Mele’s down to earth approach to Tasmanian produce


There seems to be a trend in Tasmania, to celebrate the single item in festival form. Tasmanian chef Massimo Mele has returned home after working extensively abroad. He believes in single item festivals and is working to highlight producers around Tasmania growing local delights. Listen here

Munch On Tasmania With Massimo Mele


Join Tasmanian born chef Massimo Mele and Jamie, as they take you on a munch through Tasmania. Massimo explores food and the people that produce it through storytelling. The goal is to support the Tassie community of farmers so we can create the very best food experiences in the world. Watch here

Massimo and the Huon Salmon Family


Massimo heads far south in Tasmania to visit the Huon Salmon farm. While he is there he is taken out on the water to learn how the fish are farmed and just how much care is taken in looking after not only the fish but their quality. Later that night Massimo and the team get a chance to cook a meal for the farmers and learn more about them and why they love their job. Watch here

Massimo introduces the team to craft beer


Massimo visits Willie Simpson and Catherine Stark from Seven Sheds Brewery. Located in Railton, Willie and Catherine grow their hops on-site using organic methods, local honey and where possible, local malts. When we talk of community, quality and provenance no one does it better than these guys. Watch here

Meet The Grower Heads to Shima Wasabi


Massimo and Luke visit the Shima Wasabi farm in northern Tasmania. this is the largest wasabi farm outside of Japan in the southern hemisphere. Watch here

Massimo Mele at Dark Mofo Winter Feast 2018


Massimo wowed us at last year’s Winter Feast with his devilish barbecued cheese delights. Well this year he’s back with Peruvian chef Alejandro, who performs all manner of culinary wizardry with fire and traditional ingredients. Watch here

Massimo Mele cooks at the MND Fundraiser in Launceston Tasmania


Hosted by Jackson Volkswagen, in conjunction with Grain of the silos and Spicer Thoroughbreds, guests enjoyed Tasmanian food and wine, prepared by TV chef Massimo Mele. Watch here

Goat Shoulder Two Ways By Massimo Mele


A goat, two chefs, and a whole lot of talent. A yummy day in the office. Watch here

Massimo talks about Tasmanian Produce, Community, Provenance and Quality


Massimo talks about his vision for Grain of the Silos. Massimo took the entire restaurant and hotel management team on a tour of Tasmania. Massimo’s goal is to educate the team and also to support the local community of farmers. It is about quality, provenance and community. Watch here

Massimo meets with Wayne Adams from Erinvale Potato Farm in Tasmania


Meet Wayne Adams from Erinvale Potatoes. Wayne’s family has been farming in the beautiful Tamar Valley for almost 50 years. Massimo gets some insight on their incredible potatoes, including Kipfler and Dutch potatoes. Tasmania is famous for the humble spud and Massimo is keen to see them on the menu. Watch here

Massimo Mele Visits Ghost Rock Vineyard in Tasmania


Justin Arnold, chief winemaker, and owner of Ghost Rock Vineyard & Cellar Door, as he takes the Grain team behind the scenes, discussing his passion and process behind producing their award-winning Catherine sparkling. Watch here

Massimo Mele visits Langdale Farm


Run by Oliver and Fiona Stocker, Langdale Farm is a farm, food and agri-tourism business, with a focus on producing incredible pork producers using traditional methods. We’re thrilled to have their products feature on the Grain menu! Watch here

Massimo meets the Brewers at Seven Sheds Brewery


Massimo visits Willie Simpson and Catherine Stark from Seven Sheds Brewery. Located in Railton, Willie and Catherine grow their hops on-site using organic methods, local honey and where possible, local malts. When we talk of community, quality and provenance no one does it better than these guys. Watch here

Massimo meets Jon Healey from Pyengana Dairy


We talk to Jon Healey, a fourth-generation dairy farmer and operator of Pyengana Dairy and Real Milk about the process behind their award-winning cheese. The Healey family has been producing English-style cheddar cheese in the Pyengana Valley for over one hundred years. Very proud to have had an opportunity to walk through with Jon and learn more. Watch here

Massimo meets the team from Robbins Island Wagyu Tasmania


An incredible behind-the-scenes look at the everyday work life of the team from Robbins Island Wagyu. Each work day the team take a 6km boat trip out to Robbins Island to tend to the farm, and throughout the year, bands of local horsemen swim the cattle through saltwater channels at low tide to move them peacefully between grazing areas. Watch here

Massimo Meets David Henderson from Old School Farm in Preston, on Tasmania’s stunning north-west coast


Using biological farming principles, the team at Old School Farm grow an abundance of amazing seasonal vegetables from some of the state’s richest chocolate brown soil. Watch here

My Journey…. Massimo Mele


Massimo shares his journey chatting with his biggest mentor, his father… Watch here

Massimo Visits Blackman Bay Oyster Farm


Born in Tasmania with family roots in Italy, Massimo has thrived on being able to explore the produce and culinary techniques of both cultures. His passion for sharing fresh quality food has been the key to his success. Watch here

Massimo Mele: Produce Driven


Tasmanian born, Naples bred, celebrity chef Massimo Mele embodies the best of Italy and Australia. As Executive Chef at La Scala On Jersey, this apotheosis of Aussie-Italian flows through to the Woollahra restaurant and cocktail bar that showcases modern Italian philosophies and Australian produce. Read more

Dine in style at Launceston’s newest luxury hotel


Launceston, Tasmania’s second city and the gateway to the Tamar Valley, has a new five-star hotel and top-notch eatery with the opening of the Peppers Silo Hotel and the Grain of the Silos restaurant overlooking the water in Invermay. Read more

Grain of the Silos’ menu showcases Tasmania’s produce


Creating a connection between Grain of the Silos and Tasmanian producers is a priority for the restaurant’s head chef and food director. Months of research led to food director Massimo Mele taking head chef Peter Twitchett, general manager Shannon Exelby and developer Errol Stewart on a produce tour of the state. Read more

Going against the grain: New Silo restaurant boasts gourmet local menu


You’ll be eating more than just grains when you visit the brand new Grain Restaurant at the Peppers Silo Hotel. The restaurant’s menu boats a wide array of gourmet local produce, bound together in a locally made leather cover. Food Director of Grain of the Silos, Massimo Mele, joins Brian Carlton live on location this morning to discuss everything the new restaurant will have to offer. Listen here

Dark Mofo Winter Feast


Massimo wowed us at last year’s Winter Feast with his devilish barbecued cheese delights. Well this year he’s back with Peruvian chef Alejandro, who performs all manner of culinary wizardry with fire and traditional ingredients. Book tickets

Masterclass: gin-cured salmon with chef Massimo Mele


I went to a masterclass recently, hosted by Huon Salmon, where chef Massimo Mele totally debunked the myth that curing salmon at home is hard. Actually it’s quite the opposite, and I’ve cured salmon fillets every week since! Read more

A Pursuit of Passion – Chef Massimo Mele


Chef Massimo Mele is one of Australia’s most widely recognised Chefs. Born in Tasmania with family roots in Italy, he has thrived on being able to explore the produce and culinary techniques of both cultures. His passion for sharing fresh quality food has been the key to his success. Read more

Top 10 tastiest Tasmania food tips


With a huge range of culinary hotspots, Tasmania truly is a destination worth savouring. And who better to help you enjoy every bite, than Australia’s very own mealtime magician, award-winning chef Massimo Mele! we’ve asked him to share his top ten tastiest Tasmanian food tips. What a mouthful. Read more

Chef and television personality, Massimo Mele has found his compass point, and it’s due south


Chef and television personality, Massimo Mele has found his compass point, and it’s due south. No surprise then that he has returned to his hometown, Hobart, and we’re glad he did. It’s going to be fun watching what he does, and he’s got some great projects coming up. Massimo is a top chef with a big heart. And that might have something to do with his heritage – a warm sunny country far away… Read more

CEO CookOff


I’m participating in OzHarvest’s 2018 CEO CookOff, where top CEOs, chefs and companies work together to make a difference to Australia’s most vulnerable and reduce food waste. We’d love your support in helping our organisation reach our fundraising goal! Every $1 donated to OzHarvest means they can deliver 2 meals to those in need. Read more

Top Chef returns from Sydney to be with his family


Given the last 18 months he has been flying back and forth from the island state, the opportunities that have arisen have been timely. “It’s time”, he says, “my little boy is growing up so fast and I am getting married in the last week of February and there is so much happening in Tassie at the moment.” Read more

Renowned chef to be a part of Silo Hotel restaurant


Sydney’s loss is a big gain for Tasmania, with renowned chef Massimo Mele announced as a consultant for Launceston’s soon to be opened Grain Restaurant at Pepper’s Silo Hotel. Born in Tasmania, Massimo said he had no regrets about relocating back to his home state over the Christmas period. “It’s time, my little boy is growing up so fast and I am getting married in the last week of February,” he said. Read more

Summer food series 2: Massimo Mele


Massimo teaches us how to make the perfect spring/summer dish. Read more

Tassie Scallop Fiesta


Check Massimo out on stage in Bridport for the inaugural Tassie Scallop Fiesta on August 5th. Massimo loves to support local produce and cook in season, and what better place to do it than the opening of the Tasmanian scallop season. Book tickets

Massimo Mele lead Grain of the Silos opens


Massimo Mele has always been an avid proponent of Tasmanian produce, and as Food Director of the recently opened Grain of the Silos restaurant in Tasmania’s north, he now has the states newest premier venue to champion the states producers and their produce from. The restaurant and cafe is now open offering breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

To find out more about Grain visit grainofthesilos.com.au

Chef Massimo Mele discovers Tasmanian produce ahead of Grain of the Silos opening


After working on the mainland and overseas, renowned chef Massimo Mele has returned to his home state of Tasmania. He will take up the role of Food Director for the soon-to-be opened Grain of the Silos restaurant at Peppers’ Silo Hotel and has been touring the state meeting local producers ahead of the restaurant opening. Read more

Popina becomes Salt Meats Cheese Sydney


Popina restaurant at Circular Quay was one of the more eclectic culinary pairings of 2016, a quirky co-production between the Italian-leaning Salt Meats Cheese and North Bondi’s Shuk cafe. But that business partnership is over and the city restaurant it produced is about to be put on the scrap heap after just seven months. Massimo Mele, the former Hugos and La Scala chef, will oversee the transformation, joining the restaurant as a co-owner. Read more

Electrolux Pyrolytic Multifunction Duo Oven


Entertaining large groups or feeding the family is now effortless. The Electrolux Pyrolytic Multifunction Duo Oven is ideal for catering parties and preparing a feast. Its stylish intuitive interface and Pyrolytic self-cleaning function makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Read more

Salt Meats Cheese replaces Popina Kitchen in Gateway Sydney


Salt Meats Cheese by Massimo Mele is located within Gateway Sydney at Circular Quay, in the site formerly known as Popina Kitchen, which was a joint venture between Salt Meats Cheese and North Bondi’s Shuk cafe. Read more

Discover Massimo Mele


Electrolux Ambassador and chef, Massimo Mele, was born in Tasmania, then raised in Naples, Italy, where his culinary journey began. Read more

Indecisive eaters in the group?


Salt Meats Cheese just opened in Circular Quay, and it is everything that you would imagine, and then some. The interiors are gorgeous and the food is delicious. Indecisive eaters in the group? Read more

Cooking with steam and hot air in the Electrolux FullTaste Steam Oven


Cooking with steam and hot air in the Electrolux FullTaste Steam Oven creates faster and tastier results at home by locking in the natural flavours of the dish. It means whether your baking, roasting or grilling you’ll achieve unbelievable results every time. Read more

Salt Meats Cheese has gone in a different direction for its latest (and biggest) venue.


You’ve probably heard of Salt Meats Cheese — the hospitality group has blown up in recent years, and now it has six venues across New South Wales and Queensland. The latest SMC to join the clan is a flagship store inside Circular Quay’s Gateway dining precinct. Read more

Potato croquettes… you had me at hello!


Sydney Food Sisters enjoy these little morsels of deliciousness cooked by Chef Massimo Mele. Read more

Electrolux FreshPlus Refrigeration with Massimo Mele


Bring refrigerated luxury to your home with the beautiful Electrolux FreshPlus French door fridge. The doors open up to a spacious LED lit interior with a state-of-the-art FreshZone crisper that keeps food fresher for seven days. Whilst the ultra slim water dispenser ensures you can effortlessly enjoy refreshments whenever you need it. Read more

Chef Massimo Mele on the Amalfi Coast, Italy


Celebrity chef Massimo Mele lists the best ways to enjoy the magical holiday beaches of his childhood in Naples. Read more

5 new restaurant menus to try in Sydney this month


Family-owned Salt Meats Cheese doesn’t only have a new menu, it’s got a new flagship restaurant entirely. Located in Sydney’s new hotspot across from Circular Quay, Gateway, the restaurant by Massimo Mele takes a modern approach to classic Italian fare . Read more

Audi Q5 and SQ5 Hobart Launch


“My role as Chef Ambassador for Audi Centre Hobart means helping launch new model releases. The best part is getting to test them out,” Massimo said after catering for the launch of the all-new Audi Q5 and SQ5. See the event photos.

Massimo moves back to Tasmania


After an international career, Tasmanian-born chef Massimo Mele has decided to move back to the island with his partner and young son.

“You get to experience a whole lot more because there’s so much more time to do it — you’re not stuck in traffic,” Mele tells The Weekend Australian.

Massimo will split his time ­between Tasmania where he organises pop-up food events and launches for Audi Centre Hobart; Sydney, where he is preparing a venue launch; and on the road nationally as an Electrolux Australia ambassador.

“I still really enjoy Sydney as well,” he says. “They’re just very different.”

Read the full article here.

Massimo teams up with Ashgrove Farm and TasTAFE for Winter Feast


Massimo Mele, Ashgrove Farm and TasTAFE joined forces at a showcase stall at Winter Feast. Two Sydney chefs, Matt Adams from Northern Tasmanian restaurant Timbre, TasTAFE students and Massimo, grilled Ashgrove Lancashire cheese over hot coals. The grilled cheese was served in bread with ham and mushroom truffle paste. Thousands of visitors enjoyed the Tasmanian food and produce on offer at Winter Feast during the Dark Mofo festival.

Taste of Port Douglas


Join Massimo in a foodies paradise with a jam packed program of dinners, tastings, chef demonstrations, master classes and more, all in the most beautiful locations. More information about the event is available here.

Farm Gate Festival


Massimo headlines the inaugural Farm Gate Festival in Tasmania when it kicks off in November 2017. “Here in Tasmania, you know that the produce you’re buying in the markets has been trucked in that day from farms just a few kilometres away – and you’re probably buying from the producer as well,” he says of his home state’s culinary culture. Book tickets

Electrolux Experience Centre launch


Massimo was on hand in his role as Electrolux Ambassador to showcase the range at the Electrolux Experience Centre launch. James Wells from Appliance Retailer reports.

Noosa Food & Wine


Join Massimo Mele at aromas noosa and enjoy his 4 course menu showcasing food of the Amalfi Coast, paired with matching wines from Yering Station of the Yarra Valley. Book tickets

Dark MOFO: get ready to feast


Join Massimo at the Dark MOFO/City of Hobart Winter Feast, where he will grill Ashgrove Farm Lancashire cheese over charcoal with a team of chefs, accompanied by up-and-coming cooks from the north-west coast (with BBQs specially designed and made by TasTAFE students). Book tickets

News from Electrolux


Massimo knows his way around the kitchen. Here, he shares why he chooses Electrolux.

No more guessing. The new glass full-colour Intuitive Oven Interface makes cooking easier than ever. Check it out.

The amazing Hob2Hood  function connects your compatible Electrolux Induction Cooktop with the 90cm Wall Mounted Canopy Rangehood for seamless infrared connectivity.  Watch here.

Bring refrigerated luxury to your home with the beautiful Electrolux FreshPlus French door fridge. Find out how here.

Massimo’s Huon Salmon recipe


Not everybody knows about Tasmania’s incredible produce, however Electrolux ambassador and Tasmanian-born Italian chef, Massimo Mele tells us that it’s regional produce-focused. Tasmania may be famous for its abalone, but you’ll also find great olive oil produced along the North West coast, beautiful fresh fruit harvested in the South and some of the best pinot noirs being made in Australia. Watch here.

Exploring Tasmania


Let Massimo take you on a journey to Port Huon.

MindFood interview


My first food memory was when I was five in Italy. It was my birthday and in July it’s the middle of summer in Italy, so we were all at the beach. The entire family were there – my parents, cousins, aunts, you name it! Everyone would bring a dish and all I remember was tucking into my mother’s meatball lasagne – even cold it tasted delicious. Read more

Make pasta with Nonna Maria


Nonna Maria shares her pasta-making expertise. Thanks Electrolux for capturing this special moment. Watch the video.

 

Good morning, Massimo!


Massimo shows us real Italian with hand-rolled macaroni pasta on The Morning Show. Check it out here.

Melbourne Tomato Festival


I am looking forward to catching up with my good friend Guy Grossi and the people of Melbourne for the annual Melbourne Tomato Festival. Enjoy food and drinks from great producers including Gelato Tino, Bar Idda, Estelle, That’s Amore and more. I’ll be doing demonstrations, along with some of Australia’s best chefs, including Karen Martini, Colin Fassnidge, Frank Camorra and of course, Guy Grossi. Book tickets.

 

FEAST – Dine in the Vines


Eat, Drink, Dance.

FEAST is a long boozy lunch in the vineyard featuring delicious local produce, prepared by guest chef Massimo Mele. Come along and enjoy the live music by Liam & Co. and Bond Disco, while feasting on an array of dishes and award-winning Home Hill wines. Book tickets.

Date: Saturday, 18 February 2017 from 1:00pm to 7:30pm

Venue: Home Hill Winery, 38 Nairn St, Ranelagh, Tasmania

 

Festival of Nonna


You’ve read it right. The Festival of Nonna starts this week. Sandhurst Fine Foods has teamed up with Sydney celebrity chefs and their grandmas to host a two-week Festival of Nonna. Running from 17-27 November, the festival will host dinners along with workshops celebrating Italian heritage and flavours. Read more

Massimo’s guide to Tasmania’s Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail


Tasmanian born, Italian chef Massimo Mele takes time out to explore the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail in the island’s North West, sniffing out huge truffles, unique breweries and cheesemakers along the way. He shares his top picks and hidden gems. Photography by Jeremy Simons. Read more

Italian feast winner announced


The winner of Massimo Mele’s Italian feast competition has been drawn.

Olivia Collins of Brighton East, Victoria has been announced as the winner of a shared Italian feast cooked by Massimo for six people in her home.

“There was an overwhelming response to the competition with some very creative responses,” Massimo said.

Many of Massimo’s memories of growing up with his Italian family are centred upon shared feasts, and it is this concept of coming together around the table to share food and stories that has shaped his successful Tutti a Tavola events.

“That, to me, is one of the best things about food. Sharing it with others. So I couldn’t think of a better prize than a shared feast, and I can’t wait to get cooking in Olivia’s kitchen.”

A Taste of Summer


A celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s fantastic summer produce, a Taste of Summer features four courses with matching wines by Adriano Zumbo, Massimo Mele, and Jules Santisi. The trio are joining forces at Maravista Farm, a stunning 250 hectare working macadamia farm in the Noosa Hinterland. Book now for the November 26 event.

It’s time…Mutti winner announced


Congratulations to all the finalists in the Mutti Pomodoro Australia Perfect Dish competition. Watch the video to find out the winner.

Helping Amatrice


Hi friends. I’m very humbled to be joining great Italian chefs Rosa Mitchell, Johnny Di Francesco and Guy Grossi for a special dinner to help those affected by the earthquake in Amatrice, with a four course feast at Merchant Osteria Veneta in Melbourne. Guy Grossi has long been a huge mentor to me through my career and feel very privileged to be cooking alongside him at a his restaurant for a very special event. Book now to show your support.

 

The Godfathers – delicious.


“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon!” said Massimo, of an Italian feast prepared by seven of Australia’s best Italian chefs. Watch the video and read the article.

 

Tutti A Tavola Tazmania pop-up in Sydney.


Massimo will join Australia’s leading gourmet providores, Salt Meats Cheese, in the series of Tutti a Tavola chef’s table events. The theme over the two nights is inspired by Massimo’s latest trip to Tasmania and will include salmon caviar from Huon Aquaculture, fresh octopus from Stanley and Pure Black beef from the north west coast. The menu will be paired with House of Arras and Bay of Fires wines and Seven Sheds Brewery beer. Bookings for Tutti A Tavola Tazmania can be made here.

 

 

Take a seat at chef Massimo Mele’s table next month


Mele will be guest chef at Hunter Culinary Association’s seasonal lunch at Margan Restaurant on September 12, where he will demonstrate how to cook in harmony with the seasons. This will be followed by canapes and a three-course, wine-matched menu from head chef Jonathan Heath and the Margan team. Read More

Italian Wine and Food Festival


“I’ve always stayed away from doing festivals and regional Italian food. Mine is not classical style, it’s very Italian-Australian. Those old rules where you can’t put cheese with seafood are all out the window. If it’s delicious, people will love it, that’s all that matters,” Massimo says ahead of the Italian Wine and Food Festival. Buy tickets or read more.

Taste Of Melbourne 2016


You can catch Massimo at the Electrolux Chef’s Secret tent later in the year at Taste of Melbourne 1o-13 November. Stay tuned, more info to come.

Massimo Mele’s Perfect Mutti Dish


Over the coming weeks, chef Massimo Mele will be sharing his perfect Mutti recipes. We’d like you to do the same for a chance to win a cooking holiday for two in Tuscany, with two runners-up enjoying an exclusive cooking experience for two with Massimo at his new Sydney restaurant. Read More

 

Graze the region


Held at Tall Timbers Hotel in Smithton, the Graze the Region dinner showcased some of the finest produce the north-west coast of Tasmania has to offer. Massimo worked with farmers and local seasonal produce to create a five-course degustation experience, complemented with matching wine, beer and cider. Read more.

 

 

AICD lunch with David Gonski


Following the success of his Audi Q7 launch at Audi Centre Hobart, Massimo was invited back to create a “Merry & Bright” Christmas feast. The Australian Institute of Company Directors lunch, held at Audi Centre Hobart, featured guest speaker David Gonski. Massimo delivered a shared feast for 130 guests, partnering with Domaine Simha wines. See more photos.

A new brand ambassador for Audi Centre Hobart


Following many successful catered events, Massimo joined Audi Centre Hobart as their inaugural brand ambassador. Look out for Massimo in an Audi on one of his frequent visits to Tassie.

Tutti a Tavola at Stefano Lubiana


Massimo Mele’s acclaimed Tutti a Tavola made its debut appearance in his home state. Held at Stefano Lubiana Osteria in the scenic Derwent Valley, Massimo’s shared feast of Italian fare and Tasmanian produce was a highlight of Hobart’s 2015 food calendar. The infamous Mamma Maria even delighted the crowd with a guest appearance. Read More

Professional Chef Diary: Massimo Mele’s Cooking Tips — Best Home Chef


Massimo Mele talks to Best Home Chef about growing up in his parents’ kitchen and what we should do to get kids into the kitchen. Read More

Celebrity chef Massimo Mele to take over CBD restaurant Verandah after leaving La Scala


The mystery location of chef Massimo Mele’s next restaurant has been revealed as CBD favourite Verandah.
The Elizabeth St venue will undergo an overhaul early next year before being relaunched in February with a new look and new menu. Read More

Pasta e Fagioli Soup


Picture this: it’s cold outside – I’m sure fellow Aussies will have no trouble imagining this. You see the golden light in your house through the window and you can immediately imagine the warmth from the heater. You rush towards it fumbling with your keys in your haste to open the door. Your fingers are clumsy and knotted. When you open the door you are greeted with the sight of a pot simmering away on the stovetop and the aroma of a hearty Italian stew cooking away. Read More

Audi Q7 launch


To launch Audi’s all-new Q7 at Audi Centre Hobart, the showroom was transformed into a vibrant restaurant. Massimo created a sit-down shared feast in the spirit of ‘family dining for a family SUV’.   See more photos.

Italian Street Feast @ Willing Bros Hobart


Willing Bros Wine Merchants, North Hobart’s hippest vino joint, played host to an Italian Street Feast. Massimo’s second Tutti a Tavola event in Hobart attracted a large crowd, all enjoying the delicious food and of course the Aperol spritz. Watch the video

Made From Scratch: ferretti pasta with fresh tomato sugo


“There’s a fine line between rustic and lazy, and the Italians have figured it out,” says chef Massimo Mele while he rolls a piece of dough around a skewer. He is showing Not Quite Nigella how to make ferretti pasta, a hand rolled pasta from southern Italy. Ferretti translates to “wire” and each pieces is traditionally shaped using wire or knitting needles. The beauty of the hand made version is that no two pieces are alike; each curves and rolls in its own unique way. In Italy women gather, sitting on chairs and talk and roll the pasta and at the end of the day, each one takes a portion of the pasta home with them. Read More

Top chefs get hands-on with Electrolux appliances at Taste of Sydney


Three months after its successful sponsorship of the poshest picnic Diner en Blanc, Electrolux returned to Sydney’s Centennial Park to sponsor another high profile event, Taste of Sydney in partnership with Electrolux. Read more.

Yes Chef – Episode 10


Yes Chef is an Australian Saturday cooking series on Network Ten . Check out Massimo Mele as he cooks up his favourite goat dish. Click here to watch the video.

Massimo Mele cooking up a storm on The Circle


Check out Massimo Mele on-set with the gang from The Circle. Tuna and angel hair pasta and nutella pizza on the menu Click here to watch the video.

Tasmania’s Massimo Mele comes home to cook


Massimo Mele picked up a bunch of spinach and couldn’t believe his eyes. Nor could he believe its refrigerated state a couple of days after buying it from Hobart’s Farm Gate Market: still so green, so alive. While he can’t credit his entire move to Tasmania to spinach, the chef admits it’s an example of the emerging food scene that lured him back. Read more

Byron at Byron annual Champagne Dinner


The restaurant tonight is playing host to 86 guests for the annual Champagne dinner. This is a fantastic event as it is put on by the Champagne Bureau rather than one house of champagne and there is a very generous amount of champagne poured all night. The champagne is matched with food by Tasmanian born Sydney based chef Massimo Mele whose challenge was to match Italian food with French champagne. He is cooking with The Byron at Byron Head Chef Gavin Hughes and the media partner is Country Style magazine. Designer and artist Lisa Madigan is in charge of decor.  Read More

WitcheryMan has pared back its designs with ”real men” in mind.


On Monday night Witchery revealed a revamped design direction with a dinner at Neild Avenue restaurant in Rushcutters Bay, which was attended by men from different walks of life who have been recruited as brand ambassadors. Sports agent Richard Briggs, Hugo’s executive chef Massimo Mele and builder Dan Reilly are among 10 ”W.Men” who have been charged with using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs to give updates about their daily lives, while incorporating WitcheryMan into their wardrobes. Read More

Chef Chat: Massimo Mele


One of Sydney’s most lovable chefs (thanks to his cheeky grin) has recently announced he is back in the kitchen – Chef Mele is now the Executive Chef at La Scala on Jersey. Here he is bringing his modern takes on traditional Italian dishes – andiamo a mangiare! Read more

Massimo Mele – Noosa Food & Wine Interview


Read Massimo’s interview with Noosa Food & Wine. Read more

Chef Interviews – Secret Foodies


Massimo Mele was surrounded by great Italian food from an early age. He used to watch his mother, nonna and aunties cook in the kitchen every day. We recently caught up and had a chat with Massimo about when he decided to become a chef, his popular pop-up event Tutti A Tavola, what to expect at his Big Day Out Italian Street Food Cart and where he loves to eat, drink and play around Sydney. Read more

Chef Massimo Mele on the Amalfi Coast, Italy


Celebrity chef Massimo Mele lists the best ways to enjoy the magical holiday beaches of his childhood in Naples. Read more

Chef Massimo Mele dinner with Italian Street Food at Salt Meats Cheese in Alexandria


Massimo Mele is hosting a one-off dinner showcasing Italian street food at Salt Meats Cheese in Alexandria on Friday night. The former Hugos chef, who was raised in Naples and has appeared on My Kitchen Rules and Ready Steady Cook, says the enu for the evening is an ode to food of his childhood. Read more

La Scala on Jersey


There’s a nifty new package on offer at the newly reinvented La Scala in Jersey Road. No, it’s not the BYO Monday promo, which allows you to dust off that bottle of red under the stairs and bring it in. Nor is it their Dine Free On Your Birthday offer, or their Children Under 12 Years Dine Free deal.

Instead, it’s a grill-marked, folded-over pizza that’s half calzone and half piadina, plumped up with a creamy, smoky, totally moreish ham and ricotta cheese filling ($15) and served with a splodge of good tomato sugo. Read more

Chef Massimo Mele’s Top 11 Food Joints From Bali to LA


The Sydney chef, who owns Massimo Mele Catering, shares his top global food destinations, from Naples to NYC. Read more

Mele’s final notes at La Scala


Chef Massimo Mele will leave Woollahra’s La Scala restaurant this week, after the sale of the Light Brigade Hotel from which the restaurant operates. Read more