FOOD FACTS: Chef Dominique Rizzo (right) guides a class of home chefs, including Robyn Mitchell, through a range of Sicilian treats on Wednesday.
CELEBRITY chef Dominique Rizzo tantalised local tastebuds with a Sicilian-themed feast on Wednesday.
In town as part of the Taste Riverina Food Festival, which kicked off last Friday, Mrs Rizzo's Italian cooking class at Westend Estate drew a crowd of 12 food lovers keen to have a hand in the eight-part feast.
Featuring a host of local produce, the menu included fennel fritters, roast lamb with pistachios and basil, baked risotto, braised borlotti beans and flourless chocolate espresso cake all taken from Mrs Rizzo's latest book My Taste of Sicily.
Mrs Rizzo said she had heard a lot of good things about Griffith but never visited and was keen to capitalise on the city's strong Italian culture.
"I really love doing classes because it's a great way for people to have hands-on experience with a chef and to pick up new techniques people really like to learn," Mrs Rizzo said.
"It's easy to get caught up in a little rut in the kitchen and I really like helping people step outside the cooking box."
After the class, the chefs in training sat and enjoyed their banquet and shared home recipes and tips.
"Using all the beautiful regional products has been fantastic," Mrs Rizzo said.
"And the food is so good, it's great for sharing."
The little Italy-themed festival will continue throughout the month of October with a host of events on offer in Griffith.