Ormeggio team to open Sotto Sopra in Newport
The team behind award-winning restaurant Ormeggio at The Spit will open Sotto Sopra, a wood-fired trattoria in Newport.
Manly
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Alessandro Pavoni has one of Sydney’s leading fine-dining Italian restaurants, Ormeggio at The Spit and its casual next-door eatery, Chiosco. Now it’s Newport’s turn. February will see the opening of a new restaurant, his wood-fired trattoria, Sotto Sopra.
Who’s behind Sotto Sopra?
The team (pictured) that brought the more casual eatery, Chiosco by Ormeggio. Mattia Rossi, Chiosco’s head chef will be the patron/chef at Sotto Sopra. He’s looking forward showcasing his technique and innovation.
How different will it be from your other venues?
Totally different, it will have a personality of its own. We considered trying to duplicate one of our existing brands, but it’s such a unique site that once we began, it was clear it had its own story to tell.
Why Newport?
We’ve been hunting now for another site on the northern beaches for a while. Our criteria really is either on the water, or a site that has something memorable and different about it. Newport has those huge beautiful curved glass walls, and with its multi-level design, we certainly got something memorable and different from everywhere else around.
What does Sotto Sopra mean?
Sotto Sopra means down/up in Italian, a reference to the interior design on the place (the kitchen is above the dining room), but it also translates as “upside-down”.
What can you tell us about the fitout?
One of the main challenges of this site has been the fact that Newport is located in a 100-year flood zone. Learning about the rules and regulations has been interesting. On the plus side, it has given us inspiration for the multi-level interior design. We work with a great young designer called Larissa Raywood from The Design Hunter.
Where did the inspiration come from?
Larissa said inspiration came from Italian cliffside coastal villages. Finishing elements are warm timbers, tiled table tops, whitewashed rustic palings (on the walls), zinc pendant lights and concrete polished floors. One feature is the long communal chestnut and glass table, custom made by bespoke furniture company, Wild About Wood Designs. .
What can we expect to see on the menu?
Italian-inspired produce-driven dishes in a relaxed and informal setting. Expect fresh pasta and the fully imported Italian woodfired oven will be cooking dishes to order. Lots of the menu will be sharing style, in the true Italian way.
How traditional are wood-fired trattorias in Italy?
More traditional in the centre to south regions of Italy. For example, think about Sardinia or Tuscany or Lazio where they have beautiful traditional dishes like suckling pig and whole roasted fish. Mattia is from Lazio so he’s is perfectly placed to draw on his childhood experiences.
When do you expect to open?
Early February.
Fact file
What: Sotto Sopra
Where: The Palms, G04/316-324 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport
Contact: info@sottosopra.com.au
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