A Michelin-starred chef from southern Italy is bringing a bold mix of flavour, theatre and philosophy to Hobart’s iconic Winter Feast, anchoring this year’s Dark Mofo festival with an international culinary drawcard.
Floriano Pellegrino, who hails from Puglia, says he was drawn to the event by its spirit of exploration and cultural exchange.
“Super excited. I'm excited because the feeling, the events… they sound so nice, yeah the vibes more than all,” he said.
Known for his contemporary take on Italian cuisine, Pellegrino is presenting a menu built on simplicity, taste and personal storytelling.
“We have five dishes. Three of mine. So the first one is oyster. We do it with almonds,” he said, explaining the influence of his home region where almonds are abundant.
A venison dish and a dessert featuring limoncello foam round out his contribution.
Central to his cooking is a philosophy that prioritises flavour above all else.
“The taste before technique and ingredients,” he said.
“The taste is important for us, more than ingredients, more than technique.”
Preparations being finalised for the 2026 Winter Feast.
His final dish also carries a deeply personal element, inspired by his wife, who remains in Italy with their family.
The dessert features a mould based on her lips, creating what he describes as “something new, something different, but very topical.”
"Isabella, my wife, is always with us.”
Floriano (pictured top) said the opportunity to travel and learn from other cultures was a key part of his work.
“I love adventure… to travel to understand other culture, some different kitchen,” he said, adding that Tasmania’s southern location felt like a natural fit, even if the climates were very different.
“Maybe south people come from south… maybe match a lot, yes.”
Winter Feast director Amanda Vallis said attracting chefs of Floriano’s calibre had become easier as the festival’s reputation grows internationally.
“Most high-profile chefs from our world have heard of Dark Mofo, and there are a few knocking on our door each year,” she said.
Winter Feast director Amanda Vallis.
While the food offering remains a major drawcard, the City of Hobart's ongoing investment in the festival reflects its broader economic and community value.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council had committed to a three-year funding agreement to support the event.
“We actually decided recently to enter into a three year funding agreement… a $200,000 a year sponsorship from the city indexed to CPI over three years,” she said, noting additional in-kind support such as traffic management and access to public spaces.
The investment is underpinned by strong economic returns, with the festival delivering significant benefits to local businesses.
“It’s worth about $31 million for our economy, this event, even though it only goes over 10 days,” Cr Reynolds said.
She said Dark Mofo had helped reposition Hobart as a winter destination.
“Increasingly we are becoming known for our winter festivals… it’s a fantastic and exciting place to visit,” she said.
"It is like a winter Christmas that energises both residents and businesses."
Accessibility has also been a focus of the council’s support.
This year includes a City of Hobart Free Entry Day on June 21, aimed at ensuring the event is open to all.
“Our sponsorship also provides for a free community entry day… we really welcome everyone in the Hobart community,” Cr Reynolds said.
With tens of thousands expected to attend, organisers say the combination of world-class food, local creativity and strong civic backing continues to cement Winter Feast as the centrepiece of Hobart’s winter festival calendar.