Crave Sydney International Food Festival, presented by Citibank, is a month of fabulous food events - from the finest fine-dining in Sydney's world class restaurants to free, fun-filled family food events across the city and regional NSW.

In 2012, almost a million people joined the festivities at everything from the iconic Night Noodle Markets to the exciting World Chef Showcase, which brings together some of the world's leading chefs for a weekend of talks, tastings, demonstrations and dinners. Other 2012 highlights include Breakfast on Bondi, Diner en Blanc (the White Dinner) and some fabulous Community Festivals.

Take a look at our gallery - for a selection of great Festival images.

Massimo Bottura's Italian food evolution

One of the stars of this year's World Chef Showcase was the chef behind Italy's highest-ranked restaurant - Osteria Francescana in Modena (three Michelin stars and fifth on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, sponsored by S.Pellegrino/Acqua Panna). Massimo's sessions at the Showcase were inspirational. Here he gives us an insight into his creative philosophies.