Mont Albert: Via Porta Eatery and Deli opened by Cosentino siblings
There’s a new place to find freshly made pastries, cold cut meats, take-home meals and to sit and enjoy European-inspired breakfast and lunch in Mt Albert. It’s the work of four siblings keen to share their southern-Italian heritage with the neighbourhood.
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An all-day eatery and deli has opened in Mont Albert, courtesy of four siblings keen to share their southern-Italian heritage with the neighbourhood they grew up in.
Via Porta is the new place to find freshly made pastries, cold cut meats, take-home meals and to sit and enjoy European-influenced breakfast and lunch.
And it’s soon to offer drinks, dinner and antipasto three nights a week.
The Cosentino children opened the doors to the Italian-style shop and venue on August 5, after two years’ preparing for the new venture.
It’s all about providing the best quality food — just like the Italian family is used to enjoying at home, head chef Simon Cosentino said.
“Our whole philosophy is just good tasting, good quality food,” he said.
“We’re not trying to create a gimmick or recreate the wheel. We’re just serving honest, genuine food.”
“We wanted to bring it to the community we grew up in, and then hopefully encourage people from other communities to come to Mont Albert.”
Simon and fellow chef Ryan have spent years developing their cooking skills in fine dining restaurants while brother Jonathon is in charge of front-of-house.
The three formerly owned Balwyn’s Mr Hendricks cafe.
Their sister Sarah, who co-directs architecture firm Studio Esteta, designed the space, which is inspired by the laneways of Italy and can seat 50 diners.
Via Porta’s menu offers a large range of European-influenced breakfast and lunch dishes, such as fried eggs in Arrabbiata sauce with sweet peppers, fried capers and crispy garlic and scotch egg with celeriac mustard puree, shaved brussels sprouts, candied walnuts, pecorino Romano and toast.
Jonathon said their french toast with vanilla custard, caramelised apple, speculoos and dulce de leche had also already been a hit with customers.
Those after something smaller or a grab-and-go option can enjoy the brothers’ pastries, with a collection of croissants and danishes made in-house daily.
“Everything is made fresh everyday — that’s what we pride ourselves on,” Simon said.
The family is hoping to start serving dinner — which will have more of a southern Italian focus — in October when the venue’s liquor licence is expected to come through.
They’re planning to offer an afternoon snacks and aperitif menu, followed by a range of small plate, pasta, fish and meat dishes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Take-home dinners are already available in Via Porta’s deli.
The meals are all made in house and feature a range of cuisines including chicken cacciatore, shepherd’s pie, curry, potato gratin, lasagne and roast vegetables.
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In the deli customers can also find a collection of sauces, terrines and specialty slow cooked meats from both Victorian and European suppliers.
Via Porta has been open for less than three weeks and support and glowing reviews are already pouring in.
“The support from the local community has been overwhelming,” Jonathon said.
“It’s just getting busier and busier and busier.”
“It’s very exciting times for Via Porta.”
More info: facebook.com/Viaportaeaterydeli/
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