First he created a 99-cheese pizza, and now Johnny Di Francesco – owner of Melbourne’s renowned Gradi Group of restaurants – has answered our prayers and made a chocolate pasta.
In celebration of World Pasta Day on 25 October, Johnny has created a 3 course pasta-only menu, the crowning glory of which is his very own chocolate tagliatelle. Combining two of life’s greatest pleasures – pasta and chocolate – the chocolate tagliatelle dessert features honey and mascarpone, is topped with pistachio and meringue and is guaranteed to be an unexpected delight and a sweet-tooth pasta lovers dream. Johnny has worked to create a pasta that actually tastes just like chocolate, promising that even the most skeptical of chocolate aficionados will be impressed.
The 100% pasta 3-course menu has been designed exclusively for the one-day only event, taking us on a journey back to Naples with a modern – and decidedly sweet – twist. Both Australian and Italian cuisine will come together and will include locally sourced Australian seafood, amongst other delights. The additional courses will feature gnocchi with scallops, and a stuffed ravioli with lamb ragu.
The 3-course World Pasta Day menu and the Gradi chocolate tagliatelle will be available for one day only on Tuesday 25th October.
The 3 course menu, starting from $55 with choice of wine pairing, will be available at all Gradi restaurants across Melbourne: Gradi Crown, Southbank; 400 Gradi, Brunswick East; Gradi East, Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood; and 400 Gradi Essendon.
