AUSTRALIA | The Melbourne Airport precinct has welcomed its newest dining establishment with the launch of Boccata Restaurant & Bar.
Boccata means ‘a mouthful of food' and celebrates Melbourne’s migrant heritage and rich Italian food culture.
Chef Rosy Scatigna of Hotel Morris Sydney has lent her creative genius to the menu, along with Executive Chef Christian Corpez in the kitchen and F&B Director Dylan Wisnesky manning the floor.
Growing up in Puglia, Scatigna developed a strong passion for cooking. She initially trained as a lawyer before discovering her calling as a chef.
After attending ALMA, one of Italy’s most prestigious cooking schools, she went on to hone her skills in a number of Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Europe, including Lume in Milan and The Hand & Flowers in England, as well as at Aria, Shellhouse, and most recently Hotel Morris in Sydney.
Taking on a multi-faceted role in the Boccata menu development, her strong Italian roots have been reflected in the modern trattoria-style menu, which features Italian flavour classics such as garlic, chilli, fresh herbs, citrus, and the highest-quality olive oil.
“The inspiration for the Boccata menu comes from my family’s Italian roots and the stories of Melbourne’s Italian immigrant community. When we set out to create this menu, we wanted to honour those cherished memories while celebrating the incredible produce from Victoria’s local farmers,” said Scatigna.
“Each dish is a tribute to the past and a nod to the vibrant food culture surrounding us, blending time-honoured Italian recipes with the best ingredients this region offers.”
Other menu highlights include deep-fried lasagna with paprika mayo, Trofie pasta with garlic and chilli prawns, pizza with stracciatella, ricotta, pesto and pistachio and Fior di latte soft served with olive oil and Murray salt.
Executive Chef Christian Corpez earned his culinary stripes at some of Victoria’s best restaurants, including Estelle Bistro, Lakehouse Daylesford, and Miss Mi. He has ensured the Boccata menu appeals to all diners, blending comfort and quality.
At the same time Wisnesky’s wine list bursts with Italian and Victorian varietals and a relaxed bar experience.
Complementing the food and wine, Boccata's interiors embraced classic Italian design with a modern twist. Warm timber tones and classic Italian patterns have created an intimate yet warm venue enhanced by modern European furniture and soft banquette seating.
Aircraft-inspired pendant lights adorn the roof, and large domed windows provide sky views above, while the large open kitchen and pizza oven heighten the theatrical culinary experience.
With a focus on sustainability, the team has access to fresh produce from the onsite edible garden thanks to a Greenspace ‘Microfarm Full Service’. This smart mobile vertical farming cabinet conveniently houses herbs, salads, and natives, which the kitchen staff can easily access as ethically grown, unboxed live produce.
As Melbourne Airport’s newest dining establishment, Boccata is ideally located within the airport precinct at the brand-new Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport.
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