Join Melanie Lionello to talk about her new cookbook, Easy Italian Dinners From My Little Kitchen, with an author event in conversation with Marylin Rossano at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore.

WHEN: Monday, 11th of May 2026 at 7pm at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore. Please arrive at 6:45pm for a prompt 7pm start.

TICKETS:

1 x Admission + 1 x Book: $60.00 (excluding external fees), includes admission for one, a glass of wine upon arrival, cheese on the evening, and one copy of Easy Italian Dinners (RRP $39.99).

2 x Admission + 1 x Book: $85.00 (excluding external fees), includes admission for two, a glass of wine upon arrival (each), cheese on the evening, and one copy of Easy Italian Dinners (RRP $39.99).

These modern Mediterranean dishes will solve your dinner dilemma any night of the week.

As the cook and nutritionist behind popular social media account From My Little Kitchen, Melanie Lionello will take rustic-style food made with everyday ingredients over fine dining any day.

Her debut cookbook is a joyful celebration of her accessible food philosophy and her Italian heritage, anchored by her expert focus on healthy eating. Inspired by the Italian peasant diet, cucina povera, the 101 recipes naturally fit with a busy lifestyle and set budget. There are:

• One-pan wonders: Eggs in purgatory with white beans, Cheat's 'risotto', Lemon and thyme fish with zucchini and potatoes.
• Cosy classics: Pasta bake with roasted pumpkin and ricotta, Osso bucco, Classic lasagne, Eggplant parmigiana.
• Pantry-staple dinners: Tuscan tomato and bread soup, Spicy spaghetti aglio e olio, Creamy cauliflower pasta bake.
• 30-minute meals: Mussels in tomato and white-wine sauce, Garlic butter and lemon prawn pasta, Quick Florentine-style steak.
• Freezer-friendly soups, sauces and stocks: Bolognese (classic and blonde), Mushroom ragu, Caponata, Italian chicken broth.
• Throw-together salads and sides: Panzanella salad with jammy eggs, Cucumber and ricotta salata with basil bruschetta.
• Snacks and sweets: One-bowl loaf with ricotta and jam, Hazelnut tiramisu, Panettone pudding with coffee liquer (a nod to Melanie's famous panettone reviews).

Melanie champions vegetables, wholegrains and legumes in many of her dishes. All savoury recipes have been nutritionally analysed and costed, with eye-catching icons making it easy to choose meals that are high in protein, high in fibre and especially budget friendly.

With its Med-inspired design and sun-kissed photos, this cookbook is your go-to for a tempting selection of easy, healthy and inexpensive Italian dinners to whip up in your own little kitchen.

'Delicious, approachable recipes that are full of heart, clearly created to help people eat better in a simple, achievable way.' - Sarah Pound

Melanie Lionello is a qualified nutritionist and university lecturer, food creative and dual Australian–Italian citizen based in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2014, she has built a loyal community of more than 345k across Instagram, TikTok and Substack through her brand, From My Little Kitchen, where she shares vibrant food content inspired by seasonal ingredients, practical nutrition tips and her Italian heritage. Melanie loves sharing wholesome recipes that bring people together, and she's created a cosy space in her home for cooking classes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, Melanie's goal is to inspire you to enjoy the process and savour every bite. Melanie is a regular guest on ABC radio and Channel 7's The Morning Show, and she was invited on the 2025 season of MasterChef Australia to experience a day in the life of a contestant, alongside Australia's top food and lifestyle creators.

Marylin Rossano is a private chef and caterer based in Sydney. She creates beautiful, home-style meals and elevated restaurant-quality dinner party xperiences for small to medium gatherings in peoples homes that are designed to feel seamless, generous and memorable.

'Melanie's recipes celebrate simple, wholesome cooking built around everyday ingredients. The nutrition indicators will help busy cooks put nourishing meals on the table with confidence.' - Stephanie Feher, Lucky Dragon Supper Club

Contact the host of Melanie Lionello: Easy Italian Dinners

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