ITALIANS have left an indelible mark on Victorian culture over the course of generations since the initial wave of post-World War Two migration.
Until the 1950s, Australians barely knew what garlic was – let alone espresso coffee.
However, it didn’t take long for the first espresso bars and pizzerias to open in Melbourne, in Carlton’s iconic Lygon Street district.
Fast-forward a generation to 1985, and a family restaurant was opened on Rathdowne Street by Rocco Pantaleo and Felice Nania, when they bought a run-down pizza parlour called La Porchetta.
Five years later, a franchise restaurant opened in Reservoir in 1990 and has since spread across the state.
Here in Shepparton, a couple who knows the La Porchetta business from the inside, is Eric and Jessica Nania, relatives of the original owners of the now-famous name.
For Eric and Jessica, La Porchetta is about family, tradition, and culture. Eric has spent a lifetime in the business, which remains to this day family-oriented.
The newly re-opened restaurant on Wyndham Street in the heart of Shepparton is an opportunity for Jessica and Eric to share their passion and love of Italian food and hospitality.
“I grew up with La Porchetta, it’s part of my family and I’m part of it,” Eric said.
The restaurant is now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with a line-up of chefs and cooks making some of the world’s favourite foods: Pizza, Italian salads, pasta and risotto, steaks and desserts.
Drop in at 257 Wyndham Street, Shepparton (just down from The Adviser office) or call on 5831 3603. Search ‘La Porchetta Shepparton’ to see the menu, order online, and arrange delivery.
