Australian Mushrooms has partnered with Italian restaurant chain 400 Gradi to run a limited-edition pop-up featuring “new and innovative” uses of mushrooms designed to complement pizzas “like never before”.
From roasted mushroom creams, truffle-infused purées and mushroom pesto bases, mushrooms are “taking over and bringing rich umami flavour and comforting indulgence” to 400 Gradi this winter for one month only.
The limited-edition collab puts a mushroom-twist on the award-winning, authentic Neapolitan pizza that 400 Gradi is “known and loved for”.
At the helm of the takeover is “globally acclaimed” chef and Gradi founder Johnny Di Francesco.
Recently named the world’s fifth best pizza maker at the prestigious Campionato Mondiale della Pizza in Italy, Mr Di Francesco has crafted a menu designed to “impress everyone from devoted mushroom enthusiasts to those willing to be converted”.
The pizzas
The pop-up showcases three new mushroom creations, each highlighting mushrooms in innovative ways that go far beyond the traditional sliced topping:
- “The ‘Mushroom Delite’ is sure to keep Melbournians and Adelaideans warm this winter, featuring a comforting roasted mushroom cream base with Fior di Latte, sausage, crispy garlic chips and roasted mushroom pieces, delivering a rich and satisfying flavour profile perfect for the cooler months.”
- “The ‘Roasted Mushroom’ layers potato and truffle puree with Fior di Latte, roasted mushrooms, parmesan and parsley oil. Packed with earthy flavours and deep umami notes, it’s a standout creation that showcases mushrooms at their finest.”
- “Completing the trio and bringing a slice of Euro summer to Aussie winter is the ‘Mushroom Pesto’, which swaps the traditional tomato base for a vibrant mushroom pesto made from roasted mushrooms, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil. [It’s] topped with Fior di Latte, confit tomatoes, pancetta and fresh basil.”
Showcasing mushrooms
Mr Di Francesco says he wanted to create a menu that showcased mushrooms in unexpected ways.
“Mushrooms are one of the most versatile and flavour-packed ingredients we have in the kitchen. They bring incredible depth, natural umami and a richness that works beautifully on pizza,” he says.
Hort Innovation Marketing Manager Victoria Zourkas says partnering with Mr Di Francesco was the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility and potential of Australian mushrooms.
“We hope it inspires chefs and foodservice professionals across the country to think differently about mushrooms on pizza, beyond just having the classic sliced topping,” she says.
The Australian Mushrooms x 400 Gradi takeover is available from 18 June across Gradi’s Victorian locations in Brunswick, Crown (Melbourne), Eastland, Essendon, Mildura and Mornington, as well as Norwood in Adelaide.
