Gusto! a culinary history of Victoria

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From August 3, 2012, until April 28 2013, Gusto! brings a cornucopia of treasures from the collection of the State Library of Victoria. There are treasures on display, from the earliest Australian cookbook published in 1864 to hand-written recipes for curing afflictions ranging from headache and sore throat to skin cancer and snake bite.

Exhibition curator Tracey Judd Iva says the Library's collection of more than 2 million items provided a wealth of material for the exhibition:

"Gusto! covers a lot of ground - the birth of viticulture in Victoria, Indigenous foods, sustainable food practices such as gleaning and backyard gardening, cafes and fine dining, food rationing, and the impact of immigration on Victoria's food scene. There was a mass of information on every subject in the Library's collection - even an original World War I army biscuit that has been in the collection for over 60 years!

Victoria is arguably the food mecca of Australia, therefore an exhibition examining the culinary heritage of the state is very appealing. Given the enduring fascination for food publications and the explosion of interest in reality TV cooking shows, this exhibition is timely and topical."

Among the 250 items on show are historic Vegemite jars and Victoria Bitter bottles, on loan from Kraft and Carlton United Breweries, to illustrate the story of these iconic Victorian products.

Also presented are objects from and interviews with some of Melbourne's leading food identities, chefs, restaurateurs and food writers, such as Jacques Reymond, Rita Erlich, Guy Grossi and Stephanie Alexander.

A treasured family heirloom - Jacques Reymond's knife bag, which originally belonged to Reymond's grandfather, is on display. It features in the 2004 Peter Wegner portrait of Reymond which is also shown.

Gusto! is complemented by a full program of events and activities including tours, panel discussions, curator talks, special food events and children's activities. Open 10am-5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays, closed Good Friday)

What does the word gusto mean to Guy Grossi and Rita Erlich? Watch this video to find out.

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