
Italian chilli brand Bippi and LaManna supermarket have come together to create Casa Della Nonna – a pop-up museum dedicated to Nonno and Nonna’s house.
Scheduled to kick off at LaManna’s Essendon Fields store from Saturday, May 23, Casa Della Nonna is born from a pretty personal place. Bippi founder Ben Circosta, an Italian grandson himself, started the chilli brand after his own Nonna’s handmade recipes inspired him to bring them to a wider audience.
The pop-up is his love letter to Italian grandparents everywhere, recreating the sights, sounds and smells of their homes in museum format, from plastic-covered couches and religious paraphernalia to infinite doilies and the smell of home-cooked pasta. Informative plaques and interactive touchpoints tell the story and cultural significance behind each item.
Circosta said, “We wanted to create an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a traditional Italian family home, with every detail reflecting daily rituals, routines and cosy familiarity. For visitors with Italian heritage, every element will bring fond memories and nostalgia. Those without Italian backgrounds will get a real sense of what it’s like to visit Nonno and Nonna’s house. It’s a playful tribute to everything we love about them.”
To mark the launch, the first 100 visitors on May 23 will receive a free serving of homemade pasta, with a Spin the Wheel and a Taralli guessing game offering the chance to win Bippi products.
Hawthorn Football Club player Massimo D’Ambrosio will also be there from 10 am to 1 pm with his Nonno, who will challenge customers to a game of Briscola. Beat him and you take home a free Bippi product.
The pop-up runs during LaManna’s regular opening hours for six weeks, with product tastings and kids’ activities available throughout. On Saturday, June 13, customers who bring a grandparent to LaManna will receive a free coffee.
Circosta said, “We invite all Melburnians to stop by and visit – whether you love Italian food, have an interest in Italian culture, or just want to experience something new, there’s something for the whole family.”
Casa Della Nonna is at LaManna Supermarket, 10 English Street, Essendon Fields, VIC 3041.
Source: LittleBIG Marketing
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