Linguine is one of the world’s oldest pasta – along with fettuccine, it was developed more than 400 years ago.
While both are thin, flat noodles, linguine is narrower and more elliptical in shape; both should be paired with creamy sauces which cling better to this particular shape.
Did you know pasta was an intricate part of television’s first April Fool’s Day hoax when in 1957 the BBC aired a faux documentary claiming that spaghetti grew on trees?
This whopper had millions of gullible British viewers swallowing hook, line and sinker when they saw bogus footage of women harvesting pasta from trees in Switzerland.
That’s pre-pasta-rous! Celebrate National Linguine Day on Friday, September 15 at these five venues:
Perched cliffside at Kangaroo Point, Joey’s on River Terrace is the quintessential Queensland all-day venue for great food, views and vibes. Featuring some of the best vistas of Brisbane city by day and night, Joey’s exudes a relaxed, friendly atmosphere from early until late; come for coffee and stay for the great Italian fare, whether a morning cappuccino, brunch with friends, or a romantic dinner date.
On Friday, say ciao to starters of burrata, tomatoes and olive oil, or calamari and lemon aioli, before twirling your fork around linguine with chilli prawns, garlic and tomato; perhaps pick up a slice of wood-fired pizza with spicy salami, tomato sauce and mozzarella.
There's more to pasta than giving it a twirl around your fork, as Adamo's Pasta on Botany Road in Rosebery will gladly show you, a hidden gem in East Sydney. Inside the painted brick building, flour-dusted creations in wooden crate trays lay delicately before your eyes; linguine, delicately coiled tagliatelle and perfectly pinched ravioli in tones of red, green and gold make you feel like you're in for something truly special.
Don’t go past linguine with cherry tomato, basil and ricotta to satisfy cravings on Friday, or delve into the likes of duck and sweet potato ravioloni; finish indulgently with cannoli with chocolate or traditional tiramisu.
Bordering Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, Cavallino is a rustic, authentic, Italian restaurant and wood-fired pizzeria on Yulong Avenue in Terrey Hills. Bringing soulful and honest food to Northern Beaches locals and wider Sydney diners; those who appreciate good Italian food visit regularly to relax in warm and inviting surroundings.
Fremantle octopus appeals to start with smashed potato and salmoriglio, then delve into a signature plate of linguine, calamari, prawns and mussels in a light tomato and prawn broth; followed by beef ribs, balsamic glaze, slaw and fries.
Revolutionising how Gold Coast diners eat and enjoy casual fine dining, Bottega on Thomas Drive brings a little slice of Italy to Chevron Island. Founded by Enzo Loterzo – who wanted to deliver a piece of his previous award-winning Hawthorn restaurant to the GC – this stylish venue blends polished concrete, exposed brick and moody lighting, with a menu embracing housemade pasta, pizza and an extensive wine list.
After delving into Sicilian-style pistachio crumbed and butterflied sardines with salmoriglio dressing, indulge with linguine and blue swimmer crab meat, tomato sugo, lemon zest, basil and a touch of chilli.
Authentic Italian flavours and elegant surroundings come together at Saltimbocca Italian Restaurant on Charman Road in Cheltenham. Wooden bistro-style seating and white linen tablecloths create an intimate romantic ambience for midweek date nights, while Saltimbocca's friendly staff and relaxed vibe also make it perfect for family get-togethers.
The restaurant showcases a delicious range of pasta dishes made with locally sourced ingredients all made fresh in-house; try linguine marinara with cherry tomato, mussels, calamari, prawns, scallops, garlic, chilli and white wine sauce.
Can you pasta the sauce please?
