Thank you for all your support!

We are very happy to have received 2 hats in The Age Good Guide and a rating of 17 points, which makes us one of the highest ranking Italian restaurants in the state.
We wish to thank all those friends who have sent us messages and good wishes. It feels nice to be supported by so many people!

The result coincides with the departure of Peter Webley who has been with us for the last 12 years. Peter started at The Grand at the tender age of 17 on Boxing Day (what a day to start an apprenticeship!) and was thrown into the deep end from the word go. For many years he has been the main support pillar in the kitchen at Stefano's seeing the restaurant through many awards and accolades. During that time he has sustained a terrifying car accident and has experienced severe health problems, but throughout his ordeals he has remained dedicated to his job with an unusual level of care and commitment.

 Peter has now got into the local TAFE system with a significant job in the hospitality department. We wish him well and we pity those students that will come into his sight for not pulling their weight!!!

 Peter has been succeeded by Jim McDougall who also started at The Grand some years back. Jim went on to cook at Vue De Monde and for their café, which he set up, for the last five years. It is a bit of a home coming for him and we know he will bring his own take to Stefano's with his creativity and care. Stefano's is not about to change direction all of a sudden, but it will be interesting to see how the food will evolve under Jim's influence. He has a great tradition behind him and the support of the entire team at Stefano's.

 Early in 2012 Stefano's will enter its 20th year. That's a long time for any restaurant. There are not many that have survived under the same leadership for that long. That is something else to look forward to with some excitement and considerable pride.

Mildura Palimpsest is in full swing!

Mildura Palimpsest in full swing now. Many artists are  in town setting up their shows all over the place.
Do not miss anything if you live here, but there are some you must see! I have just visited the Arts Centre and was blown away by Filomena Coppola's work in the basement and the Yonetani's cornucopia of salt in the Rio Vista dining room! What a place to exhibit this work that makes us think about the impact of salinity on the oasis.  There is more, of course, but you have this weekend to get around. With almost 100 artists involved, some from OS, Mildura is buzzing with contemporary, relevant and amazing art! The organisers have worked hard and the sponsors deserve a huge thank you.

Mildura Palimpsest. Here is the full program

Thank you

Mildura_Palimpsest_Program.pdf Download this file

Mildura Palimpsest Lunch with Stefano at Old Mildura Station Homestead Sunday 11th Sept 
Stefano's Cafe & Bakery -Dinner on Sat 10 Sept

Mildura Palimpsest Lunch

Hope to see you there.

MilduraPalimpsest8.pdf Download this file

Mildura Palimpsest Lunch with Stefano at Old Mildura Station Homestead Sunday 11th Sept 
Stefano's Cafe & Bakery -Dinner on Sat 10 Sept

 

The 2012 Age Good Food Guide is out!

Here are the reviews from the latest Age Good Food Guide. My restaurant retained it's 2 hats, getting 17 out of 20 points. A wonderful achievement by all.

Stefano’s Restaurant

If Stefano de Pieri didn’t exist, Mildura would have to invent him. His storied, elegant basement dining space, a wing of which stretches deep into the old hotel cellars, pays homage to the region’s history and rich immigrant heritage while showcasing wonderful local produce. Five nights a week, locals and pilgrims mass for five courses set ‘at the whim of the chef’. Over a languid evening they enjoy professional, country-friendly service, an extensive wine list – which can be matched by the glass with the menu – and seasonal food with its heart in the north of Italy but infused with global flavours. An autumn menu might offer rich baccala quenelles on polenta, battered zucchini flowers, gloriously robust local quail ravioli with sage butter sauce and braised beef cheeks served with vegetables chosen from the Sunraysia Farmers’ Market by the very real Stefano himself.
 
Stefano’s Cafe Bakery

There’s always an exotic egg dish at Stefano’s casual breakfast and lunch diner, provedore, gallery and sometimes bar; maybe Calabrese – with Italian pork sausages and Peperonata – or Middle Eastern. There may be gooey Belgian waffles, wonderful house muesli, plus local fruits and preserves. The lunch board changes daily, offering pastas, frittata and Panini to enjoy with Stefano-label wines.