Well-known Italian chef returns to the kitchen to serve Albany Creek
The 71-year-old Sicilian-born man thought he’d retired for good when he hung up his apron six years ago, but coronavirus changed his mind.
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It has been six long years since Albany Creek has been home to an authentic Italian restaurant, but that’s all about to change with the reopening of Santo’s Pizzeria later this month.
Sicilian-born Santo Rizzo said he had no choice but to pick up his chef’s hat and return to work after a series of restaurants were unable to make a long term success of the space.
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“I own the business, I own the property, and in the six years I’ve been retired I’ve had three tenants,” Mr Rizzo said.
“The last one ... after the coronavirus hit one day they just closed and never opened again.
“I was happy to be retired, but my name is worth more than any money I can make, and I’m glad to be back in my restaurant.”
The 71-year-old, who boasts a wealth of industry experience from Italian heavy-hitters such as Gambaro in Petrie Terrace and Milano in the CBD, hopes to offer quality, home cooked food that will be “as good or better” than the locals remember.
“If I can’t eat that food, I won’t give it to my customer,” Mr Rizzo said.
“My product is what I cook for myself.”
The menu is expected to offer all of the staples Mr Rizzo has been cooking for decades, with a special focus on pizza and pasta.
Mr Rizzo’s personal favourite is the seafood marinara, featuring fresh seafood sauteed in garlic and white wine, and finished in a Napoli sauce, but he says he has something for everyone.
“The first question I ask the customer is what they like, whether it’s something meaty or fresh from the ocean, or if they’re vegetarian, and then I make a suggestion,” he said.
Diners can choose from a large selection of dishes, with everyone from gnocchi siciliana, with prosciutto, salami, olives and mushrooms, to vegetarian lasagne, with homemade fresh pumpkin pasta layered with roasted vegetables, ricotta cheese and Napoli sauce.
For now, meals will be available as takeaway only, due to coronavirus restrictions.
Nevertheless, Mr Rizzo looks forward to reconnecting with customers new and old, who have long formed the basis of his love for the hospitality industry.
“They’re looking forward to seeing us back in operation,” Mr Rizzo said.
“There’s a lot of people who have been screaming out for an Italian restaurant in Albany Creek.”
The restaurant will reopen in the same space at 735 Albany Creek Rd.
Mr Rizzo has yet to decide on an official reopening date, but expects it will be towards the second half of September. For further updates, visit Santo’s Pizzeria on Facebook.