Swanky new hot spots are on the rise in Adelaide’s southern wine region of McLaren Vale, and why not; the picturesque locale is strewn with greenery, complete with stunning views and is now home to a new Italian dining and disco lounge, Frankie at Mitolo Wines.
Frankie is dubbed as an energetic, casual, yet chic Italian-inspired wine and food experience, and is the product of the well-established winery’s $1.8 million expansion; joining the existing Cellar Door, Little Wolf Osteria, and Mitolo Weddings at the McLaren Vale site.
Terrazzo tables scatter the al fresco deck and fabricated lounge pieces compliment the Italo disco genre of the 70s and 80s defined by a ‘no rules and all fun’ philosophy, taking you on a nostalgic journey through yesteryear with a modern spin.
Designed by Studio Gram, the new venue draws on its polished outdoor bar and a restaurant which boasts cuisine where simplicity combined with local, seasonal, and high-quality ingredients make for an exquisite tingle on the taste buds. ‘Cucuina povera’, or ‘cuisine of the poor’ is Frankie’s approach to food.
With a menu designed by Mitolo’s award-winning Executive Chef, Vincenzo La Montana, Frankie’s encapsulates tradition from the streets of Italy inspired by merchants, artisans, farmers, and nonnas of the cobblestone lanes.
It’s no doubt that the fare enlists a range of pizzas which sees toppings with the likes of: potatoes, onions and bomba calabrese; and tomato, aglio olio and parmigiano. Pastas tossed with tonnarelli, aglio olio, pepperoncino, and parmigiano. As well as cotoletta, gelato, salumi, and a humble selection of sides. But it’s all designed to be shared, at a set price depending on the hunger levels of your friends and foes.
As for the libations, all Mitolo wines feature on the menu, alongside a selection of handcrafted cocktails including the Martini Lordo with vodka, vermouth, olive, oregano, and sporca; and the Punch Abruzzo, an old classic of Jester grenache and seasonal fruit served by the half-litre or litre. But keep an eye out for Mitolo’s first beer, Super Italia Lager which is set to launch in early December.
Mitolo Wines creative director, Kirsty Marie Mitolo says, “We are passionate about the look and feel of the spaces we create for our visitors, and it’s fair to say that Frankie will not disappoint.”
While Mitolo Wines owner, Frank Mitolo says, “We are proud of what we have created on this magnificent McLaren Vale property, but wine and food is a journey of continual discovery.”
Head up to Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge every dang Sunday from noon and dance the night away; with pizza in one hand and a glass of vino in the other.
All images supplied.