Hi Victoria, thank you so much for having us at the newly opened Zoncello! For those who may not know the restaurant, can you please introduce the team behind Zoncello and share how you discovered this second home in the heart of Healesville?
Whilst you may not be familiar with Zoncello YV (yet), you might be familiar with Zonzo Estate, which has been operating in the Yarra Valley for almost 20 years.
Following the success of Zoncello Limoncello Spritz, the Zonzo team wanted to find a way to showcase Zoncello and their entire Spritz range that would allow them to be playful, fun and creative. Cue; Zoncello YV.
Zoncello YV is located at the old home of Innocent Bystander - a much loved local institution for many years. It is wonderful that this space has been repurposed, and is with a local brand.
The interior, led by Claire Larritt-Evans, is full of playful, Mediterranean-inspired details. How did you approach creating a space that reflects the Zoncello brand and energy?
Our Director Rod Micallef worked really closely with Claire to execute the overall aesthetic and feel of the space.
I think many people will be surprised by the fact that the venue itself doesn’t contain a lot of colour or yellow to be more specific (just the colourful bottles of Spritz). The space has a youthful energy to it, and is designed to give meaning to the Spritz range that is now on offer - it is a home for them, a place for our team to experiment and innovate.
It has a vibrant European feel with plenty of unexpected details.
Your menu blends classic Italian with inventive twists, from oysters to pizzas and handmade pastas. Who are your chefs, and what inspired the menu?
Rod and our Head Chef David Petrilli worked closely on the Menu.
David has drawn on his Italian heritage for inspiration, and spent a lot of time experimenting and creating. The result is definitely a menu that I don’t think you will find elsewhere.
Zoncello started as a spritz and has now grown into a full-fledged restaurant and bar. What inspired the move from a drink to a full dining experience?
I have been with the Zonzo team for almost 10 years, and Rod has been talking about opening another venue for as long as I can remember. He has always wanted a space where he and the team can be more experimental and innovative.
With the success of Zoncello, he knew it was time to show everyone how serious we were about spritz as a category and NPD. The venue puts spritz front and centre!
Do you have any favourite food and spritz pairings from the menu that capture the essence of the summer season?
Oof! The Menu is divine, it is really difficult to choose.
For me, the Vegemite Cacio e pepe is a true hero, and a classic example of the dishes on offer at Zoncello YV. Classic, but just a bit different.
There is no going past the oysters with boozy Prosecco mignonette or the Arrosticcini (which is a traditional dish from Italy’s Abruzzo region, with a Zoncello twist, of course).
I am really enjoying our latest Spritz release; RoRo which I think is going to be a go-to this Summer.
From the cult-favourite Zoncello Spritz to Pistachio Spritzes, your drinks have captured everyone's heart. What was the inspiration behind the new RoRo Spritz and its flavour profile?
RoRo was inspired by all the classic Italian aperitivo’s, think Montenegro, Cynar, Cinzano, even Campari.
The team wanted to create something that was classic Italian with a Zonzo twist. This spritz doesn’t have that bitter edge to it like many of the others, meaning it will appeal to a wider range of people, and is completely quaffable.
RoRo has been positioned as the late night party drink, it truly has a fun edge to it that just makes you want to hit the dance floor. But, it is perfect for enjoying any time of day or night with your friends.
If someone were visiting Zoncello for the first time, what’s one experience or moment you hope they take away from the visit?
There is so much to take in at Zoncello, from the restaurant to the retail space and the Salumeria, so I hope they leave wanting to return in order to explore it all, and try everything on the Menu.
From the table setting to the playlist — what makes a summer gathering truly unforgettable? What are your personal special tips that you swear by?
The one thing that makes any gathering truly unforgettable is the people you are with. I think we sometimes get caught up in making things aesthetically pleasing, and ensuring everything is perfectly curated (myself included - I am a perfectionist) but I think it is important to remember there are no rules - just you, your favourite people, some delicious food and drinks, it's all you need. The memories are made by spending time together.
You’re tucked away in such a gorgeous pocket of Healesville. For anyone planning a day trip, what are your must-do spots or local favourites to check out while they’re here?
How much time have we got…. Healesville and the Yarra Valley have so much to offer.
I would start by caffeinating at Locavore Studio in Lilydale - you can explore their Providore while you wait.
Then I would head to Zonzo Estate, to soak up the picturesque scenery (maybe grab a vino to enjoy on the lawn before their lunch rush).
If you like art, a stop at Tarra Warra’s Museum of Art on the way into Healesville is a must.
When you get to Healesville I would head straight to Zoncello for Lunch. Be sure to pick up some goodies from our retail space to take home with you.
Then I would take a wander around Healesville, there are so many cute shops to browse. Verso Books is a must (especially for any fellow book lovers).
If you’re feeling up to it, you could grab a drink at Four Pillars before heading home (or to your accommodation if you have decided to make a weekend out of it.
If you prefer a more active weekend, you could add in a walk at Marrondah Reservoir.
