‘Little Italy’ in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Leichardt was officially relaunched on Wednesday night. Held at culinary institution, Moretti’s Ristorante, on Leichardt’s famed Norton Street, the cocktail event was attended by a full house of local government officials, dignitaries and those that contribute to shaping the Italian, and broader Inner West Communities.
The launch has been the work of ‘an ambitious collective of local businesses working to revitalise the sparkle, spirit and soul of Sydney’s official Little Italy, Leichhardt.’ Calling themselves ‘Viva Leichhardt’ the group, spearheaded by the Marketing genius of Susanna Montrone have worked with various tiers of government and the private sector to create a strategy to leverage the cultural capital within the Leichhardt precinct.
Speaker and MC for the evening, Viva Leichhardt Ilario Ventolini, mentioned that in his 28 years of business ownership in Norton Street, that he has “heard every opinion on what it would take to bring Leichhardt back. But here’s the truth, Leichhardt never left, and it never lost its heart. What was needed was support, vision and that’s what tonight’s about! We’re bringing back the spirit, the sparkle and the soul of Little Italy.”
“Our vision for Leichhardt main streets is to be the biggest experience of contemporary Italian-Australian culture in Sydney. To do that we are promoting Little Italy as a destination in Sydney, extending a big welcome to adventurous Sydneysiders to come and explore our authentic delis and bakeries, wine and dine in our bars and trattorias, and stay a while longer to discover something new through our generous hospitality.”
“Just like in New York and other international cities, our Little Italy should be a premier visitor destination, promoted by our local, state and national tourism bodies. Like all cultural locations, Leichhardt has changed over time, but its more than just a suburb, it’s a living story, layered with culture and tradition. What began as a tight knit enclave for Italian migrants is emerging once again as a vibrant neighbourhood featuring some of the best restaurants, bars, venues and experiences in Sydney.
“With targeted investment and promotion, we believe it can once again become a must visit place that locals and Sydneysiders can be proud of.”
Government officials including Councillor Philippa Scott and Minister John Graham MLC acknowledged on the night that “we aren’t the experts. Everyone in this room, you are the experts.” a theme that would be expounded further throughout the evening and supported through the announcement of grant funding for the project. The goal of the group is to acknowledge the past whilst energising the future of the area. The mission was said to celebrate and preserve the Italian heritage of Leichhardt and to develop a dynamic and inclusive community.
Leichardt can already lay claim to the very best restaurants, bars, shops and cultural festivals and Viva Leichardt invite the community to join in their vision through their patronage.
Speaking to Allora, Ilario quickly silenced any critique by claims that Leichhardt has always done well. He cited the success of local businesses including Bar Italia, Palace Cinemas and his own restaurant as examples.
The launch event was a culinary delight. While influencers and media channels grabbed interviews, guests were invited to enjoy homemade pasta dishes from Moretti’s 77 year old pasta maker and accompanying slow cooked sauces.
Gin makers from a local start up provided popular cocktails while the shop front contained an end-to-end antipasto bar of the highest quality. Meanwhile Italian songs pumped from a live DJ, while guests mingled and made connections. Guests included the full spectrum of the Italian community from Italian MP Francesco Giacobbe to popular TV Chef Anna Simon.
If we learnt anything from Viva Italia’s work in launching the ‘Little Italy’ brand it is that anything can be achieved if we come together as a community.
