Images via Messy Tomato
151 Flinders Street. Previously the venue for Luigi’s Delicatessen, now the home of Messy Tomato. New restaurant, same epic breakfast platters, many familiar faces.
One of these familiar faces is owner Tony Curcio. When we speak, Messy Tomato has been open for ten days, and already the crowds are flocking. Curcio was involved in popular eating spot Luigi’s and loved the location. When the opportunity arose to take over the lease and start his own business, he jumped at the chance. Luigi himself is making the move to a bigger premises (stay tuned for updates later in the year).
Curcio tells me he wanted to preserve “everything that people loved about the place.”
“We’ve really kept the authenticity,” he says. “It’s the same casual eating style, the same head chef, and the same outstanding customer service.”
Punters will be pleased to hear many of Luigi’s staple dishes can be found on Messy Tomato’s revamped menu, including an extensive selection of simple, tasty pastas and breakfast platters piled high with crusty bread, crispy bacon, and avo.
“The reputation of the menu is very important to us,” says Curcio. “We will continue to evolve at the same high standard customers have come to expect.” Curcio adds, “we’re in the CBD surrounded by office workers, so we’re also working on some menu items aimed at that clientele – tasty, affordable food, perfect for a quick breakfast or lunch.”
When asked what these items may be, Curcio tells me we can expect a range of paninis, wraps, and more substantial salads with protein. There’s also a pasta platter with bruschetta, ideal for sharing.
And the name?
“We wanted something that was catchy and easy for people to say,” says Curcio. “The tomato is one of the most iconic Italian foods, and one of the most famous Italian days is sauce-making.” Curcio chuckles. “It’s a cheeky way of telling the world who we are.”
You can visit Messy Tomato at 151 Flinders Street, and follow their movements on Facebook.
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