Whether you’re a literature buff swooning over the likes of Mr Darcy, wading through the mysteries of Hill House, or simply a sucker for a good antipasto, this unique bookclub is unrivalled in Melbourne’s current novel landscape.
Welcome to Bookatini; the bookclub for pasta lovers. Established in February early this year, every month, a group of 12-15 lucky (and fast-to-secure-tickets) guests get together for a homestyle dinner and an in-depth discussion about that event’s read.
Dinners, inclusive of an entree, main meal and dessert (flexible to dietary restrictions), are hosted by Bookatini-creator Rachel Furulo, with back of house assistance from her partner. And of course, Furulo’s mum in the kitchen, because who knows their way around a kitchen like an Italian mother?
“I never used to cook a lot, but now I love experimenting with new recipes and having people to share [my food] with,” Furulo says.
Upon entering the unassuming building in Richmond, guests are transported to a classic Italian dining room, adorned with candles, traditional Italian music and the quintessential red and white plaid table cloth, before chowing down on some crostini or digging into the primo bucatini (of course it’s the signature dish).
As an Italian myself, I can confirm it felt completely reminiscent of stepping into my Aunty Maria’s house for Christmas lunch, being spoiled for choice of snacks and drinks, listening to the lively chatter of the room.
If you’re more of a pilates princess, Furulo is running other events as well—that are still pasta-heavy, of course. Join in for Pilates-Meets-Pasta, interviews with authors and the newly introduced Supper Series book swap keep each meeting interesting, with a fresh set of faces each month.
"I wanted something more than the 9-5 [...] I wanted a creative outlet and that's what this is,” Furulo says.
Whether you’ve read the novel or not, the experience is definitely worth the cost. The feeling of leaving with a full belly, a new friend and some good conversation is unmatched.
Melburnians have their pick of the litter when it comes to a burgeoning ‘club scene’ with many forsaking traditional boozy social activities for more wholesome options, from run cub to book clubs.
But even among Melbourne’s stacked club-lineup this book club is really one-of-a-kind. To secure your spot for the next Bookatini gatho, visit the link in their Instagram bio.
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