Fifteen years ago, spritzes were all but non-existent on this side of the equator. But what were once reserved for Venetians before dinner are now an any-time-of-day favourite across Perth. Now, for every pint of lager in a beer garden, you’ll find a glistening spritz right alongside it, but it’s not just neon-orange apéritif that us Perth locals are loving. Aperol opened the floodgates for an endless amount of spritz riffs: the limoncello spritz has been getting a fair bit of traction as of late, as has Aperol’s cooler cousin Campari spritz and the sweet-as-syrup Hugo Spritz.
To celebrate the fizzy, bittersweet sip (and the la dolce vita that comes with it), Subiaco will once again transform into a Euro-inspired playground with the return of Subi Spritz, a 10-day spritz-fuelled festival.
And while spritz is, of course, at the heart of the festival, there's plenty more, from incredible masterclasses to bespoke dining experiences. From March 14-23, ten venues will be hosting long table lunches, Europe wine tastings, one-off alfresco dining dinners and a whole lot more. Here’s our top picks for the festival, and may the almighty spritz continue its reign.
Aperitivo Trail with Aperol Spritz
A sea of neon-orange has washed over Subi thanks to the Aperitivo Trail with Aperol Spritz. Each day in March, venues all across the ‘burb will be pouring a variety of drinks with the tell-tale orange hue created especially for the Subi Spritz festival. All of your favourites haunts are involved—Subiaco Hotel, Lums, Bark, Cherubino City Cellar, The Spirit of Little Things, Unicorn Bar, Commune Wine Store, Whisk Creamery, Bar Amelie, Vibe Hotel, and Juanitas—and entry is free.
THE DETAILS:
Where: Various locations across Subiaco
When: Every day in March
Cost: Free entry, cost per consumption
Learn more here.
Pasta Lane
Image credit: Subi Spritz | Supplied
This one is for all you pasta paramours. Across two nights, three of Subi’s quaint laneways will come alive with the finest pasta plates this side of the equator. Subi stalwarts Bar Amelie and The Subiaco Hotel have curated the carb-loaded menus, with the option to add professionally paired drinks. It’s the closest we can get to alfresco dining in the Med, sans the airfare and jetlag. Bellissimo.
THE DETAILS:
Where: Bar Amelie and The Subiaco Hotel
When: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Friday 14 March and Saturday 15 March
Cost: From $75 per person
Learn more here.
Il Locale Pizza Masterclass
How long do you need to knead pizza dough for? Should you put cheese on before or after the pizza toppings? DOES PINEAPPLE BELONG ON A PIZZA?! All these questions will be answered at Il Locale’s Pizza Masterclass, the hands-on session led by Il Locale’s primo pizzaiolos. You’ll leave with a $20 voucher to spend at the much-loved pizza joint, a full tummy and some cheesy slice skills for your next pizza party.
THE DETAILS:
Where: Il Locale, 4/420 Hay St, Subiaco
When: 12 pm to 1:30 pm, Monday 17 March
Cost: $69 per person
Learn more here.
Conti Roll Contest
Image credit: Subi Spritz | Supplied
It’s the ultimate clash of the contis. Happening at the Subi Hotel from 6pm, four self-proclaimed conti connoisseurs will go head to head, with the public and a panel deciding who is the Conti Roll Champion after sampling all four sangas. Will the winner be a familiar face from last year’s showdown competing to defend their title? Or will a new conti conqueror be crowned? Only one conti can rule them all.
THE DETAILS:
Where: The Subiaco Hotel, 465 Hay St, Subiaco
When: 6 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday 19 March
Cost: $69 per person
Learn more here.
Italian Sundowner feat. The Gluten Free Lab
Coeliacs, to the front! Though quality pasta is usually off limits to those living that gluten free life, there’ll be coeliac-safe snacks a plenty at The Gluten Free Lab’s Italian Sundowner. Your ticket gets you an afternoon of live acoustic tunes, a drink on arrival and 100% gluten free canapes that’ll have you saying ‘I can’t believe it’s not gluten!’.
THE DETAILS:
Where: Storehouse Subiaco, Level 9 Rooftop, Vibe Hotel Subiaco Perth, 9 Alvan Street, Subiaco
When: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Thursday 20 March
Cost: $69 per person
Learn more here.
San Sebastián Degustation
Image credit: Subi Spritz | Supplied
Get a bite of the Basque Country at Lum’s. The brand spankin’ new kitchen at Lums will be whipping up a six-course lunch that celebrates Spanish cuisine and culture. Subi > San Sabastián. I said what I said.
THE DETAILS:
Where: Lums Wine Bar, 433 Hay St, Subiaco
When: 12 pm to 3 pm, Saturday 22 March
Cost: $69 per person
Learn more here.
Main image credit: Subi Spritz | Supplied
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