For South Australian couple Frank and Rosa Muscara, their Italian heritage is close to their heart. Both qualified chefs, they have always dreamt of capturing their family’s heritage in their own business, bringing culture and family traditions to the table.
From January, that dream will become a reality with the opening of FRIDM (pronounced Freedom) Panini Bar and Cafe and the name is synonymous with their family.
“Each letter of FRIDM represents the initial of everyone in our family, F for Frank, R for Rosa, I for Isabella, our daughter, and D for Dartanian, our son,” says Frank.
“We are very family oriented, and the name is special to us. We wanted to open a cafe or restaurant a while ago but then we chose to have our kids first.
“Our kids are still very young but without a bit of risk we’ll never know. We want to give it a chance and at least we can say we tried. Now is the time.”
The new cafe will open its doors on Tuesday 17 January 2023 on Port Road in Woodville and will offer two menus, one specialising in paninis and the other, recipes that have been in the family for generations.
“My family has been in the industry for who knows how long, I couldn’t put a date or time on it. The same goes for my wife’s family,” says Frank.
“We enjoy sharing food and our paninis will be big and wholesome made to order right in front of you, to dine in or take away”.

The second menu is driven by the couple’s Italian heritage, with some recipes well over 150 years old. They include Nonna Carmela’s arancini balls and a chilli sauce recipe dating back to the 1950s.
“Some of the dishes have been in our family for generations. Both my wife and I have recipes we will share because it gives us that nostalgic feel,” says Frank.
Inspiration from the animated film Ratatouille has also inspired both menus.
“I always think of the critic at the end of the movie where he is eating a simple dish and is instantly transported to his childhood, when his loving mother would lift his mood by serving him a bowl of ratatouille.
“When I eat food from my childhood I am instantly flooded with warm, comforting memories. We hope families can create those kinds of memories in our cafe too”.
FRIDM Panini Bar and Café at shop 2/850 Port Road, Woodville opens on Tuesday 17 January 2023.
The business will trade six days a week from Monday to Friday 7am – 3pm and Saturday 7am – 2pm.
For details email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page.
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