MasterChef star Andre Ursini’s Frome St restaurant to close
It was the first restaurant in Australia to launch off the back of the hit TV show, MasterChef. But Andre Ursini says it’s time for a new evolution.
delicious SA
Don't miss out on the headlines from delicious SA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- SA’s first vegan-only store set to close
- Are you missing out on your latest subscriber exclusive rewards?
Australia’s first restaurant using MasterChef as a launch pad has closed.
Owner Andre Ursini, who came seventh on the TV reality show’s inaugural series, in 2009, served the last meal at Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar on December 28.
Having reached the end of his 10-year lease on Frome St, city, the restaurateur said it was time to concentrate on his future – his Orso restaurant and adjacent Willmott’s Gastronomica deli, in Rose Park, and Villetta Porcini, in Mylor.
“It’s an evolution of my career,” Mr Ursini said. “The feeling of closing the doors successfully is something to be proud of.”
The restaurant was hugely popular, with queues of diners often waiting outside on Friday and Saturday evenings for the doors to open.
While subsequent MasterChef contestants have pursued careers in the industry, Mr Ursini said he was the first, and possibly only, one to open without any business partners.
“The pinnacle for me was in 2014 when we won The Advertiser Food Award for Best Italian, and made John Leathlean’s Hot 50,” Mr Ursini said.