During April, the Cipri Italian team have been inspired by the tradition of contadino in cucina - the poor man in the kitchen. Throughout the month we'll be serving a seasonal menu of cibo rustico - rustic peasant food. This style of cooking and eating was born out of necessity as the contadini often could not afford to keep their best produce. Fishermen would sell their big fish and eat the little ones. The butcher would sell the fillets and cutlets and eat the ribs and offal. The farmer would sell their unblemished fruit and eat foraged greens and pulses. While the shepherd would sell the aged cheese and eat freshly made ricotta. As it turns out, this style of eating and cooking is not just frugal - as nothing is wasted from the head to the tail - It's healthy, fresh, unprocessed & simple food. For these good reasons, the traditions of the contadino in cucina have recently emerged as a global trend. Join us in April and experience our Cibo Rustico menu - 3 courses for $50* - featuring dishes such as braised beef ribs with chicory and polenta, canellini beans with octopus, celery and tomato salad and potato gnocchi with mussels, roma beans, chilli and tomato. Click here to see menu The Italian philosopher and 'man of wisdom' Bertoldo who grew up as a poor contadino but was then courted by the wealthy and elite, began to eat as the regal did and died in a short time. His tombstone read 'Here lies Bertoldo who died for not being able to eat his beloved beans and vegetable' Coming up in May, we celebrate Mother's Day throughout the month with our mother's own favourite recipes with Festa della Mama - the celebration of Mum. *3 course for $50 - available for lunch and dinner excl Saturday night. For more information on any of the above, please call us or drop us an email at info@cipriitalian.com.au For bookings and function enquiries, please call us on 9331 3333.