Salami lovers, assemble. The two-day Melbourne Salami Festa kicks off on Saturday 8 October with workshops, demonstrations, live music and a farmers’ market spruiking a collection of the country’s best artisan salumi products.
Sunday is all about the competition. A record 102 salami entries (a jump from last year’s 84) will be scrutinized by 10 judges to determine the 2016 salami champion. Look out for white smoke signifying the winner has been chosen.
Attendees can also taste a range of complimentary slices and cast their vote in the Peoples’ Choice Award, which will be announced Sunday afternoon. Expect a wild variety of flavours. “Each year we’re seeing more different styles of salami and also people experimenting with different types of meat from the traditional pork,” says Festa co-director Carlo Mazzarella. “We’ve seen salami with duck, venison and even kangaroo.”
Melbourne Salami Festa, Northcote Town Hall, Vic, Saturday 8 October (10am-10pm) – Sunday 9 October (10am-6pm). To buy tickets, visit melbournesalamifesta.com.