Pavement Whisper: Chef Frankie is set to open a permanent space at The Bread Social in Currumbin
Covid was a weird time. While most of us tried to fill the days with new hobbies and Netflix marathons, some quick-thinkers took a more proactive approach and established innovative side hustles that blossomed into fully fledged businesses. Francesco Anghileri, who is better known locally as Chef Frankie, is the latter. The Italian-born chef, whose resume includes stints working at Icebergs, Iggy’s Bread, Three Blue Ducks and, most recently Tommy’s Italian, began making trays upon trays of lasagne for people to heat and eat at home. At long last, Chef Frankie and his wife Vanessa are set to open the window to a permanent space at The Bread Social in Currumbin. Here’s everything you need to know …
In excellent news for time-poor folks, Chef Frankie’s will be slinging their entire menu of chef-made meals from the former coffee window at The Bread Social’s HQ in Currumbin Waters starting mid-April.
In true Italian style, the menu will focus on simplicity and exceptional ingredients. The hero item, Frankie’s famous lasagne, for example, is made using Frankie’s Nonna’s recipe and delicate layers of ultra-thin handmade pasta.
“The idea behind most Italian cooking is that it’s simple, quality ingredients. The fewer the better,” Frankie tells us. “There’s no preservatives, nothing added – it’s flour and water.”
“That’s what makes it special,” Vanessa added. “Even the pesto, when people taste it, it doesn’t taste like store pesto,” she says.
You might like
If you look at the ingredients list of store-bought pesto, you’re likely to find sunflower oil and cashews, which Frankie calls ‘second-hand ingredients’ and ‘fillers’. In his version, which is the most vibrant green, you’ll find parmesan, pine nuts and all of the good things.
The menu will extend beyond just lasagne, offering a variety of dishes including a vegetarian version, mac and cheese and pesto alongside five types of freshly made pasta including spaghetti, tagliatelle, mafalde fusilli and rigatoni, as well as sauce. Oh, and for those with a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know his tiramisu will also be available. Each item will be crafted with Frankie’s passion and attention to detail.
While in-store orders will be available immediately, the online ordering system will launch later, allowing customers to pre-order their meals for pickup. With plans to introduce fermented foods, charcuterie and so much more, Chef Frankie’s is set to become the go-to spot for food lovers who want to enjoy the very best of Italian cuisine at home.
We’ll bring you all of the delicious details when Chef Frankie’s is ready to rock and roll. Until then, follow their journey on Instagram.