Overview
Cucina Povera Vino Vero is set to open by the end of 2021. We'll share more info about the venue, menu and opening hours as it becomes available.
Melbourne chef-restaurateur Joe Vargetto (Mister Bianco, Massi) and good mate Maurice Terzini (Sydney's Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and CicciaBella) have teamed up for a new joint venture, Cucina Povera Vino Vero.
The project will see the site of Vargetto's existing CBD venue Massi stripped back and reimagined as a cosy Italo-Aus diner that's a little bit punk and, as the name suggests, built on a simple 'less is more' approach to cooking. The vibe is inspired by the garages of suburban Melbourne and Sydney, with Terzini defining the style brief as: "Rick Owens makes passata".
With front-of-house led by Terzini's son Sylvester and Vargetto heading up the kitchen, Cucina Povera is set to champion simplicity from its food right through to its styling — complete with a minimalist makeover by multi-disciplinary firm Latitude.
An equally simple menu will showcase a modern interpretation of Italian peasant food, while a short, sharp drinks offering will feature around eight wines sourced hyper-locally and served by the carafe.
Romeo Lane's Joe Jones is developing a short crop of fun, reimagined classic cocktails, and guiding the sonic side of things is long-time Terzini friend and collaborator Mike Simonetti (techno label Pale Blue), tasked with creating a soundtrack that sums up the restaurant's vibe.
The former Massi space