Sardinian Flavours and Family Recipes Set to Delight Visitors at Wimborne Food Festival

Cristina Cavalleri (front) and Sarah Read from Lovitaly © Wimborne BID

Celebrated chef Cristina Cavalleri, owner of LovItaly Deli and Restaurant in Wimborne and Ringwood, will bring a taste of Sardinia to this year’s Wimborne Food Festival with a live cookery demonstration, inspired by cherished family recipes and authentic Italian cooking.

Award-winning Cristina, recognised at the UK’s Italian Food Awards for her authentic cuisine, opened her Wimborne restaurant in Church Street last year after building a loyal following in Ringwood over 13 years. Originally from Sardinia, she moved to the UK in 1999, honing her culinary skills in London restaurants.

Cristina’s passion for sharing food and bringing people together is deeply rooted in her family. Her greatest inspiration is her mother, Maria Finelli, now 83 and still living in Sardinia, whose traditional recipes continue to shape the dishes her daughter serves in Dorset.

At Wimborne Food Festival, Cristina will show visitors how to make the perfect tomato sauce – a simple but essential foundation of great Italian cooking and the heart of countless pasta dishes and pizzas. Festival-goers can expect expert tips, authentic techniques and the kind of flavour that starts with the very best ingredients.

She will also share her family’s much-loved recipe for amaretti biscuits – the classic Italian almond treat enjoyed after a meal, but now equally popular as a sweet indulgence alongside coffee. Joining her will be top pastry chef and baker Sarah Read, who has worked with Cristina for over a decade and makes hundreds of amaretti biscuits each day for the LovItaly restaurants.

Sarah brings a wealth of baking expertise to the demonstration. She trained at Salisbury College bakery school and gained experience in top patisseries. She’s also well known for her beautifully crafted Italian-style celebration cakes.

With its blend of live cooking, authentic recipes and passionate local food businesses, Wimborne Food Festival promises a feast for the senses for anyone who loves great produce, inspiring chefs and discovering new flavours in the heart of the town.

Wimborne Food Festival is organised by Wimborne BID with the support of Dacombes of Wimborne. It takes place on Saturday 19th Sept 10am to 4pm with the main festival site and the Festival Food Theatre Marquee on Willow Walk near Waitrose. There are also numerous free foodie events around the town plus live music and alfresco street parties.

Celebrated chef Cristina Cavalleri, owner of LovItaly Deli and Restaurant © Wimborne BID

Patisserie chef Sarah Read from LovItaly © Wimborne BID