CALENDAR

COMFORT COOKING

Discover Middle Eastern flavour with Ben Williamson

(17 August) and the best pies and puddings with Matt Moran

(31 August) as part of August’s Gourmet Institute program. Tickets $60. hn.com.au/ gourmet-institute Plains Paddock Lamb and Yarra Valley Dairy join other artisan, ethical and sustainable producers for the Meat Your Maker festival at Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne (7 August). Along with a meat market and wine bar, Meatsmith’s Troy Wheeler will teach attendees how to break down an animal. Tickets $25. meatyourmaker.com.au

THAT’S AMORE

Sydney Town Hall gets a taste of la dolce vita when the Italian Wine & Food Festival kicks off (21 August). There’ll be 250 Italian wines on offer, live Italian jazz, a Negroni bar and the Gourmet Traveller Food Market. italianwinefoodfestival.com.au

BACK TO SCHOOL

Chefs Andy Evans (8 August), Phil Wood (13 August), Giovanni Pilu, Alessandro Pavoni (20 August), and Paul Donnelly (29 August) all host masterclasses this month at Sydney Seafood School. Tickets from $90. sydneyfishmarket.com.au