A new wine bar with a strong Italian flavour has opened in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
Breeze of Italy offers dozens of imported Italian, French and Spanish wines by the bottle and more than 30 by the glass, along with Italian-inspired meals.
The bar, on Sixth Avenue in Maroochydore, is the brainchild of hospitality duo Bryan Gerlini and Izabela Ogonek.
Mr Gerlini moved from Italy to Australia in 2009 and has worked as a chef in high-profile venues including Brunetti cafe in Melbourne and 10 William Street and Fratelli Paradiso in Sydney.
“I am from the Emilia-Romagna region, which is renowned for some of the best cuisine in Italy,” he said.
“Through our suppliers in Sydney and Melbourne we’ve been able to access some of Italy’s finest red and white wines as well as bubbles and liquors.
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“Our suppliers have also been able to source the finest Italian delicacies including prosciutto, salami and other cured meats as well as a variety of cheeses, olives, oils and balsamic vinegar.
“Breeze of Italy is a quaint venue, which has been decorated in dark and moody colours similar to the stylish wine bars and cafes you would find across Italy as well as Sydney and Melbourne.
“The venue seats up to 30 people inside and out and we want to create a cosy atmosphere, where people can come in and enjoy hard to find wines and authentic Italian cuisine and be treated like family as if they were sitting in our living room at home.
“It will mostly be Izabela and I working the floor and we want to create a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a taste of Italy right here on the Sunshine Coast.”
Breeze of Italy will open for dinner from Monday to Saturday, initially, and will host private events.
Mr Gerlini has created a menu that reflects his many years of experience as a chef.
Diners can enjoy meals ranging from small plate dishes including prawn sliders, chicken liver bruschetta as well as a burrata and tomato salad.
Main meals include an option of salumi or formaggi sharing platters as well as a delicious mortadella, pecorino cream and pesto on focaccia.
Desserts include traditional favourites such as tiramisu, cannoli di ricotta, panna cotta and affogato.
“All of our meals have been designed to be matched with a range of exquisite imported wines as well as beer, champagne and liquors,” he said.
“All beverages are available by the bottle or glass and non-alcoholic drinks are also on offer.”
Breeze of Italy is located on the ground floor of the Rise building.
