ITALIAN food and good wine are made for each other, and a genuine slice of Italy is coming to the Magnolia on Saturday night August 31 when Tony De Pasquale will share his family’s passion for authentic dishes full of love and the freshest ingredients.

The son of post-war Italian immigrants, Tony was raised on a farm in the orchards and market gardens of Werribee during the 1960s and learned from an early age the value of a good work ethic.

His mother also taught him to cook at age 10.

“She’d say, 'You need to learn how to cook, or you’ll go hungry',” Tony recalled.

“When you get home from school, prepare dinner before joining us in the paddock."

He was told to make sure the kitchen was spotless when he was done.

Tony notes there was no dishwasher, no mains water – just one sink, a wood-fired stove, tank water, and wood-fired hot water.

Tony remembers his parents working in the market gardens seven days a week as a child, and children were expected to carry out adult duties, too.

His family was part of a community comprising other immigrants like them, and food was central to any celebration and social event.

Tony also remembers his mother sharing her excess vegetables with the Australian lady next door, who reciprocated with a sponge cake, a new taste experience for his family.

“I grew up with what you grow is what you use and various flavourings such as chilli, peppers and salt were added,” said Tony.

He continues to be inspired by the southern Italian cuisine of his youth and loves nothing more than cooking traditional food for family and friends.

Tony worked as a real estate agent but never lost his passion for the food he grew up with.

He is used to preparing meals for a large group of up to 50 people on a set menu.

Sharing this love of cooking is his son-in-law Paul Skafte, who will be on hand at the Magnolia dinner, as will other family members.

Tony was given the opportunity to prepare a special five-course menu at the Magnolia when his friend Murray Wallace, who moved to Mansfield more than three years ago, suggested it to winemaker Ros Ritchie.

Ros and her staff will match the wine list to the food served on the night, including a specialty of stuffed calamari and other unique dishes.

Tony is passionate about sharing the background behind each course and will tell diners about the traditions of each recipe as they work their way through the menu.

The menu has been designed to offer a dining experience that one would not get in a restaurant.

The evening will include a welcome aperitif on arrival.

To add to the mood, Italian music, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, will be played, and dancing afterward will be encouraged.

Bookings are essential.

Contact Ros Ritchie Wines on 0457 535 988.