Food Drink

FIRST LOOK: Italian-inspired disco diner, Frankie, now open in McLaren Vale

The Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge is the latest instalment of Mitolo Wines’ expansion, complete with disco balls and a gelato cart.

Mitolo Wines is delivering a brand new dining experience to McLaren Vale with the launch of Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge (Frankie for short) – an Italian inspired diner with disco balls, gelato, and a “cucina povera” approach to its food.

Frankie is the latest instalment of Mitolo’s expansion, adding to the existing offering of the Cellar Door, Little Wolf Osteria and Mitolo weddings.

While the Mitolo cellar door drips with elegance, and Little Wolf mirrors this sophistication, Frankie is the brand’s casual younger sibling.

Mustard semi-circular booths and white furnishings outline the unique outdoor venue, sheltered by a striking wooden vergola. Designed by Studio Gram, Frankie’s fresh aesthetic complements the dark tones of Little Wolf, with long, white dining tables, terrazzo tabletops and overhanging bulb lights.

The new venue promises a dining experience like no other on the Fleurieu Peninsula, inspired by Italian “cucina povera” – a cuisine that honours traditional dishes, humble ingredients and simple techniques.

The menu has been designed by Mitolo’s award-winning Executive Chef, Vincenzo La Montagna, who has an unrivalled passion for Italian cooking.

Drawing on the food inspired by merchants, artisans, farmers and nonna’s of the cobblestone streets of Italy, the menu reflects the classical Italian way of life.

Sample menu meals include the late-night roman staple, tonnarelli aglio olio e pepperoncino, which relies on quality olive oil, red chillies, and parmesan for its punchy flavour. Pizza, handmade pasta, proteins, and sides forms the crux of the menu, alongside smaller items such as Bomba Calabrese (spicy red pepper bread) and Lardo with Fior di Latte (Italian salumi with mozzarella).

Beyond the food, Frankie aims to be an energetic, casual, and chic venue, focussing on music from the Italo disco genre. Italo disco emerged in the 80s out of the 70s American disco scene, defined by a “no rules and all fun” philosophy.

As electronic drums and synthesizers softly soundtrack the venue, guests can also check out the venue’s glossy, egg-shaped gelato cart. So, if your afternoon of Roman-style pizza and pasta wasn’t enough, a waffle cone is readily available to round out your Italian experience.

Geared towards larger groups, Frankie will operate on Sundays from 12pm till late. For its full holiday opening hours, click here.

Find Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge at 141 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale, SA 5171.

For updates, follow Frankie on Facebook and Instagram.

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