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Travel Around Italy with Modinetti Cafe

Traditional Italian fare and hospitality is something Adelaide does very well. The Moon & The Mirror’s Sophie Armostrong looks West towards Torrensville and find the delights of Modinetti Cafe.

What is one way to travel overseas that doesn’t involve a plane trip? On your dinner plate of course!

Modinetti Cafe in Torrensville have created an event for you to do just that. Held exclusively just one night per month, Modinetti is exploring the food of Italy region by region. Last month, I had the pleasure of travelling to Tuscany.

Upon entering, we were treated to the warmest introduction I have experienced. We were informed that the table was ours for the night and to stay as long as we wished. It felt as if I were in a traditional Italian home with much encouragement to eat! Mangia! Mangia!

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modinetti-0509The food rolled out in 5 hearty courses. We began with Ribollita soup and Chef Maria Perre spoke with us about her research into this particular recipe and how it is meant to be so thick that a piece of bread could stand up straight in it! The soup did not fail and our appetites were all warmed up.

The appetiser, Insalata di Tonno alla Toscana was up next, fresh and simple on the palette followed by Penne con salsa di noce. At this stage, I was so happy I had refrained from eating too much through the day! When food is lovingly prepared like this, I didn’t want to have to leave a scrap on my plate.

The main affair, Maiale Brasato al Vino Rosso e Olive, came out to coos from the patrons. Steaming hot with a side of roasted root vegetables, potatoes and bread I thought how this is the kind of eating that makes you feel spiritually full. Throughout the meal, wine pairings designed by winemaker Sam Watkins from Adelaide Winemakers completed the rustic picture.

modinetti-0534Loaded with full tables of people and food, the atmosphere inside this space was instantly warm in contrast to the outside dreary weather. Often, it is not only excellent food that makes the experience, but the people. I watched Owner Nik Ichalkaranje roam around the restaurant giving charm and care, ensuring every single person was having the perfect experience. “With this kind of service and food..” I said to him, “book me in for next month.”

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Joseph Cassar and Owner Nik Ichalkaranje

You can make a booking for your Italian travels by calling Modinetti on 8352 8845, or by dropping in at 146b Henley Beach Rd Torrensville.

Photography by Sophie Armstrong

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