Italian Day on the Drive June 12

italian_day_2015_logo

Feeling hungry? There’s no better place to satisfy your cravings for all foods – savoury, sweet and everything in between – at the 7th annual Italian Day on The Drive, which is set to take place on June 12th. This year’s theme of the festival is Mangiamo!, a celebration of food and a reflection of what the Italian table offers: conversation, celebration and community.

With 20 different patios and more than 150 vendors from across the Lower Mainland participating, there’s no better place to indulge the love of food and Italian cuisine. Along with the Drive’s merchants and restaurants, many of Vancouver’s favourite eateries will be onsite to ensure that visitors to Italian Day get their hands on the most flavourful and popular Italian food and drinks.

IMG_3560

federicos 1

Can we say cannoli, zeppole, arancini, pizza, pasta, panini, and gelato just to start! Well known Little Italy merchants, including Fratelli’s, La Grotta del Formaggio, Dolce Amore, Federico’s, Lombardo’s and Arriva’s, are just a few examples of participants offering these Italian favourites – and more – at stands and al fresco patios. Guest vendors also include the king of cannoli – Cannoli King with 2 locations, Via Tevere, Cioffi’s, Cibo TrattoriaNonna’s table (Viaggio Hospitality Group) and Mr. Arancino at Vancity piazza attraction, all with their Italian specialties, ranging from Italian pastries, woodfire sandwiches, arancini, meatballs and braciola involtini.

Other food highlights include free samplings of olive oils, Mastro and San Daniele salumi, Parmigiano wheel cracking at Choices market, as well as cooking demos and tastings at La Grotta del Formaggio Piazza on 4th Ave, which also includes a pig roast. Meanwhile, for the young and young at heart, cool off with the help of a refreshing gelato or limonata, sure to keep you refreshed on the hot summer day. For those looking for something different, non-Italian food merchants will be offering Italian-themed twists on international foods so keep your eyes out for Tiramisu-themed crepes and much more!

Given street closures and limited parking, Italian Day Festival organizers encourage attendees to walk, cycle, transit or Car2Go to the event (some Car2Go member parking will be available, as will bicycle valet at 1st & Commercial). The Skytrain station is located on Broadway & Commercial.

For more information visit www.italianday.ca. Find us on Twitter and Facebook at @ItalianDay and join the conversation using the hashtag #ItalianDay.

Leave a Reply