Ciao, darling! Mi chiamo Allora!
Haven’t we met before? I was the woman in the red dress on the streets of Milan. Was it the time in Las Vegas at the Black Jack Table with Frank? Didn’t we dance all night at Studio 54? Or maybe it was in Monaco at the Grand Prix? No? Then we are meeting for the first time, perfect!
Welcome to my place, Allora Cucina. People often tell me that I am quite confident to name my restaurant after myself. I simply reply “That’s right!”
Whenever anyone asks me what Allora means I simply shrug my shoulders as it can be defined in so many ways. It can be translated as “then”, “so” or “therefore” but I like to think it signifies moving onto the next thing. The next topic, the next chapter, the next moment. My life is only a series of moments, and there are still so many to move onto.
I always wanted this restaurant to be a reflection of me. The places I have been, the people I have met, the food I have eaten, the wine I have tasted. And all of that wrapped tightly in the memories of my family. Classic Italian. My mama’s big dining table, my brothers and sisters, and cousins, and aunts and uncles, nonna and nonno too. My papa would sit at the head of the table with his arms crossed, watching over us all like a hawk. Every time I close my eyes, my family is there and when I open them I see all the lovely tables in my restaurant just waiting for beautiful people like you to come and share a moment with.
My favourite food? I can only choose one? Never! I love pizza; the first pizza I ever ate was the Campania. Classic. Elegant. Timeless. Like me! The Napoli sauce, the creamy mozzarella and that fresh basil sends me on a journey through time with every bite. Another favourite? Pasta! All kinds! Tagliatelle, spaghetti, tortelli, ravioli, fusilli, gnocchi. I could go on for hours!
I have always imagined that pizza and pasta could be best friends; they pair so well together and bring joy wherever they go! Let’s not forget antipasto. I could graze all day on polpette, calamari, olives, bread and salumi! And I have. Many times!
My mama always said to me that food is always so lonely without wine. A statement I take very seriously. My wine list is more like a love letter than a menu! Each wine was handpicked after many months searching (and tasting) through Italy and Australia!
Are you sure we haven’t met before? We must have! It feels like I have known you my entire life! Do you live nearby? McKinnon? Bentleigh? Maybe Ormond or Brighton? You’re only a hop, skip and a jump away darling. You will be a regular in no time!
I must be getting back to the kitchen so I can make sure my gorgeous Italian Chefs are ready for tonight! We have a lot of hungry people to feed! Will you be one of them? I hope so.
Until next time, darling.
Love Allora xx
