So said one of our guests, Leonard, at last month's Ferragosto lunch to the question "what was the highlight of the day for you?". It was humbling, and reassuring, to hear similar comments from all of our guests who attended this special event at Fifth Ave Katoomba Retreat. In particular, from the group of Italians who get to attend many events through their own charitable works and networking functions. When it comes to Italian food, there would be few of us who don't expect it to be good. And if you're Italian, it must be really good or you won't give it a second chance. Felice Montrone, chairman at Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund wrote this review:
"My colleagues and I were delighted with the exquisite four-course lunch, which started with a delicious starter, followed by an entree of filled eggplant. The conversation at our table came to a stand-still when the handmade agnolotti were served in a bowl of heavenly chicken soup. We didn't start the conversation again until we had all finished this delicious dish. The lunch was completed with a homemade dessert. I highly recommend this place.".
We ran this special event two days in a row this year, at full capacity. Now, when the space permits a total of 12 people, that shouldn't be too hard to achieve. But you might be surprised. Not having a "name" or brand, small businesses (read micro) need to put in 200% effort compared to an established place. We've got a long road ahead of us before we become a Nigella. I only need to refer to her first name and we all know who I'm talking about. The same can be said of Jamie. Of course, they put in the hard yards to get to where they did.
A friend once suggested I open a restaurant. I couldn't think of anything more stressful and the antithesis of my philosophy. Whilst I would love hoards of people rushing to book into our events, I have no desire for the fame or to run a large restaurant. In saying that, more of the Blue Mountains community is sharing about us, and coming to our events, which is probably due to the local paper writing a story about us winning the Hospitality Award in the Australian Rural Business Awards 2023 .
I love the intimacy of our occasions. One group of people around the table, all sharing in the same conversation, getting to know one another over a few hours, and leaving as friends. Seeing their radiant smiles and listening to their comments as they taste each course. The 'oohs' and 'ahs' and 'this is really good!!". Realising it is getting late and sensing the reluctance to move away from the table. Having them ask if they can hug you as they leave. It really is like having family over for lunch.
Local author and illustrator, Denbigh Sale wrote this review:
"We loved our day with you. It felt like being with family. The food was excellent, so fresh and natural which one doesn't get in a restaurant, and of course, good company. Thank you.".
For me, and my unpaid assistants (mum and sis!), hospitality comes naturally. To cook for our loved ones is something normal. It's expected, even. I made my sisters laugh the other day when I told them I had some left over pasta dough from the day's class, and having forgotten to prepare myself anything for dinner, I made more ravioli, cooked them and ate them that night. They said our kids would have automatically called Uber Eats. I'll be honest, the thought didn't even cross my mind.
I've grown up watching my mother cook a meal for us every night of the week. My dad would cook on occasion too, and he was good at it. I didn't really cook much at home. I worked full time and had a busy lifestyle. What I did get involved in, from teenage years onwards, was making a lot of our own foodstuff. From passata, to salumi, to bread and more, everyone in the family was hands-on during these times.
I recall my dad and my uncle making wine by stomping the grapes with their feet. That was back in the 70s and since then, a wine press was brought in. The entire family have helped make wine at least once in their lives, and I'm talking ages 14 through to 80+. On the whole these days are what glues us together. It entrenches a sense of family and knowing there is a support network. Every member of the family has a purpose and is highly valued as each one brings their own set of skills or experience to the day.
This is what has propelled me towards our special lunch events and Italian cooking classes. Bringing some of my heritage to others, especially those who have not experienced it. Not necessarily intentionally mind you. My small business has organically evolved in a good way. Sometimes I look at my 5 Year Plan and am quite amazed at what's taken place. To see how it started with a trial class of eight volunteers to expanding to over ten classes, with more in the planning makes me happy. The focus has become to bring you a slice of our southern Italian culture in an intimate setting in the beautiful surrounds of Katoomba. These days, the 5 Year Plan includes working in the yard to grow my own food. But there's a long way to go. Check in with me in another five :).
I have been blessed to have home grown food as part of my diet throughout my life. To the point that it was taken for granted. Buzz words such as "vegan" and "organic" didn't mean anything to us because everything we ate was vegan and organic. So one comes to know what good food tastes like, and that fresh ingredients are the key. The concept of a small footprint was also vague, because our veggies were literally in the back yard. If it was up to my father, we would have had them growing in the front yard too. Thank goodness for the Asian neighbours who came along and did precisely that. And how good is it to see community gardens and school veggie plots are now almost compulsory?
Dee Dee picked up on this in her review:
"A slice of Italian Calabria in Katoomba with a traditional Ferragosto lunch. We enjoyed homegrown and homemade authentic and delicious Italian food made with love and generosity. I took home Nonna Maria’s homemade bread and homegrown olive paste. Absolutely delicious. Can’t wait for the next lunch and will definitely book into a cooking class with Silvana.".
Words that have more resonance with me are "good things come in small packages". We may be small, but we love what we do. Or is it because we are small, that we love what we do? Keeping the personal in our interactions is an essential ingredient for me. Sitting down and having a chat over good food with someone who values what we give means it's more than a business transaction. It is a service that is highly valued. And we get just as much from it.
Having attended one of our cooking classes, Leila jumped at the chance to come to our Ferragosto lunch, and wrote:
"Thank you so much for a truly wonderful Italian taste sensation, it was a delightful day and I felt very spoilt!".
The advantages of being small continue. We don't get burnt out and aim to improve each and every food experience we hold. This keeps us on our toes as we perfect what we do, using our traditional foods and meals as the base to provide memorable events for our guests. Many of whom become friends, as they come back again and again. It is a joy to be of service that leaves lasting impressions and not sour notes.
One of our regulars, Richard wrote:
"Thank you for a lovely lunch yesterday. I really enjoyed the event. Food was amazing, great company and also lovely to see your mum.".
If you would like to be part of our small group around the dining table in September 2025, come see for yourself what everyone is talking about. Exact dates will be confirmed by July next year. Contact us to be added to the waitlist.
Video : Aline was brave enough to share her experience of our Ferragosto lunch on video, for which we are very appreciative.
Thinking of a special gift for someone? We have a range of Gift Vouchers valued from $75 which will be mailed to the recipient on your behalf. Your next gift idea sorted!
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