Discover endless pasta-bilities for National Linguine Day on Thursday, September 15 as we celebrate all things Italian and saucy.
These flat noodles, similar to fettuccine but narrow like spaghetti, have a name meaning ‘little tongues’ in Italian and originate from the Liguria region of Italy – famous for being close to the ocean and its delicious cooking.
Here are four more fun facts about linguine and five restaurants to get your pasta fix on Thursday:
•Al dente pasta not only tastes better, it keeps you fuller for longer; this is because it takes longer to digest than overcooked pasta.
•The average Italian eats about 27.25 kg of pasta per year.
•Most dried pasta are only made with two ingredients – semolina flour and water. Fresh and some dried varieties are made with eggs, but the standard stuff is just a paste of flour and water.
•The three most popular pasta shapes are spaghetti, macaroni and penne.
Look for the glowing blue neon sign on Liebig Street in Warrnambool to find Bojangles Pizza Restaurant. This well-loved Italian local dining destination oozes Tuscan charm, with a terracotta frontage, vibrant wall murals, potted greenery and wooden ceiling beams; along with an à la carte menu showcasing all your favourites from pizza and pasta, to salads and decadent dolci.
Drop by on Thursday night for a plate of your choice of pasta, topped with prawns, chorizo, diced tomato, chilli, onion, smoked paprika, lemon, olive oil and parsley; best enjoyed with a glass of red.
Gracing the Perth dining scene with vibrant flair is Julio’s Italian restaurant, nestled in an historic Hay Street building dating back to 1902. Carefully restored, Julio’s charms with a mix of warm, old-world touches where brick walls are adorned with black and white photos, while modern liveliness can be found in a polished timber decor and contemporary fireplaces.
Live, laugh and celebrate linguine on Thursday with a tap beer, or glass of wine to go with amatriciana linguine for just $25 – available for lunch and dinner.
Situated in a basement on Melbourne’s most famous laneway, Cecconi’s Flinders Lane is a modern-day classic Italian restaurant, influenced by its heritage from the country’s north. Long a staple on the city’s dining scene, Cecconi’s offers elegant and relaxed dining at white-clothed tables under glowing pendents, while the marble-topped bar boasts an extensive selection of wines and spirits.
After a starter of seared scallops, pea purée, crème fraiche, fennel pollen and purple potato crisp, twirl your fork around linguine with seafood, garlic, chilli and herbs.
Life is about exploring pasta-bilities at Chef-hatted Broadbeach Italian restaurant Orzo, on Oracle Boulevard. Sister venue to Social Eating House & Bar, Orzo oozes sophistication from indoor and outdoor dining ideal for soaking up the GC lifestyle at blond wood table settings, while checking out the action from an open kitchen.
A muted colour palette makes for a relaxed vibe as you sip a cocktail and ponder a coastal Italian fusion menu, with pasta plates such as linguine, with clams, white fish, King prawns, zucchini and housemade oyster sauce.
Shining a spotlight on simple Italian cuisine served in alfresco surrounds, discerning Spring Hill foodies stop into Osteria Roma on Wickham Terrace for relaxed and flavoursome dining. An outdoor terrace beckons on balmy Brisbane days to catch up with family and friends; just a short walk from Roma station, this restaurant is perfect for waking up to brunch, an after-work drink, or recharging after exploring the city.
Celebrate in style on Thursday with linguine al gamberi – chilli garlic prawns, cherry tomato, marinara sauce and capers; before a divine dolci of cannoli, filled with whipped ricotta, bitter chocolate and pistachio nuts.
For more restaurants to get your linguine on, click here.
