In anticipation of our September Italian issue, which is on sale now, delicious. managing editor Shannon Harley spent a long, boozy afternoon with the godfathers of Italian-Australian cooking. Getting Guy Grossi, Giovanni Pilu, Adriano Zumbo, Massimo Mele, Richard Ptacnik, Federico Zanellato and Nino Zoccali in the same kitchen was an extraordinary experience, she says.

“If there’s such a thing as Italian food royalty in Australia, the godfathers in our September issue are crowning members,” Shannon says.“Their combined experience, passion, sense of humour and Italian gusto for good times with great food and wine is the inspiration for this ultimate Italian feast.”

“Each chef has contributed a dish that represents their heritage, from Giovanni Pilu’s roast pork reminiscent of family gatherings in Sardinia to Massimo Mele’s stuffed sardines inspired by childhood summer holidays on the Amalfi Coast.”

The result was a lot of food. As Mele wisely observed (or perhaps warned): “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon!”