C&G Local Business Feature: Simone Garusi, Italian Chef

In team C&G’s opinion, you can never have too much of a good thing – when that good thing is delicious Italian fare. Enter Italian Chef – a new take on traditional Italian food to hit South Yarra. In today’s C&G Local Business feature, we interview Simone Garusi – proprietor and visionary behind Italian Chef. Along with his wife Roberta, Simone (who hails from Mantova, Italy) brings a new concept in Italian dining and Mediterranean food education to Melbourne. Visit Italian Chef online, or at 427 Chapel Street, South Yarra.

What does Italian Chef bring to Melbourne's Italian dining scene?

S: Italian Chef really is authentic Italian food. Also Italian Chef is a café, pizzeria, restaurant and bar all in the one unique location 

Has the scene changed at all in the past five years - if so, how?

S: I believe - possibly with the introduction of reality TV cooking shows - that customers, more than ever before, expect quality food at a reasonable price. They know more about food and wine now.

Were you always passionate about working in fine hospitality? 

S: Yes! I started work experience at a Michelin star restaurant in my hometown, Mantova Italy. I was just 14 years old… off I went on my scooter! 

How did you develop your skills, and when did the idea of Italian Chef come into being? 

S: I have worked in restaurants since I was 14, and I have picked up many skills along the way - predominantly in the kitchen as chef. Opening a restaurant with a menu such as ours was my dream! So together with my wife, we opened Italian Chef last year. She actually came up with the name ‘Italian Chef’ because she says I am the real Italian Chef!

Tell us about classes coming up at Italian Chef. 

S: We will be offering classes in the near future. We will offer classes of general lessons in Italian cooking – just the basics. Participants do not need any level of skills to come to the classes – it’s perfect for beginners.

What are your favorite menu items at Italian Chef? 

S: My pumpkin tortellini!! This dish is Mantova’s most famous dish, and is my personal favourite. I’ve loved it from the moment I learned to make it in my grandmother’s kitchen.

When it comes to running a fast-paced hospitality business, what do you enjoy most about day-to-day proceedings?

S: Watching beautiful meals being created and served to waiting customers. I am a perfectionist so seeing ‘perfect plates’ leaving the kitchen gives me great joy!