Today, we are joined by the driving force behind ElPiet Group Hospitality, with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, originally from Florence, Welcome To Dining Room Stories the Pietrantuono Brothers, Giacomo and Donatello.
From their roots in Florence to launching successful venues like Cucinetta, Cosi, and Vaporetto, the brothers open up about the challenges of moving to Australia, their passion for food and wine, family dynamics in business, and how they’re keeping the Italian soul alive in Melbourne’s dining scene.
Whether you’re a hospitality professional, food lover, or entrepreneur, this episode is full of insights and laughter – and yes, we debate salad and steak too. 🇮🇹🍷🥩
⏰ YouTube Timestamps – Dining Room Stories ft. Pietrantuono Brothers
00:00 – Welcome to Dining Room Stories
00:48 – Meet Donatello & Giacomo Pietrantuono
01:34 – From Florence to Melbourne: Donatello’s Journey
03:35 – Giacomo’s Reason for Leaving Italy
05:15 – Finding Opportunity & Starting Fresh in Australia
07:00 – Building a Community in Ballarat
08:00 – Launching Carbone Restaurant
08:55 – Community Support & The Underdog Advantage
10:00 – Different Skillsets: Chef & Sommelier Brothers
11:00 – Family Legacy in Hospitality
13:00 – Early Days: Cafe Cucina & Buying Their First Venue
15:00 – Rebranding with Respect for Tradition
16:30 – The Story Behind Cosi & La Dolce Vita Concept
18:00 – Making Old Venues Modern Without Losing Soul
20:00 – Menu Design: Tradition First, Then Customer Response
22:00 – Challenges of Replicating “Nonna’s Food”
24:00 – Global Perception of Italian Cuisine
26:00 – Restaurants as Entertainment in Australia
27:15 – Creating the Perfect Guest Experience
28:30 – Wine Curation to Match Restaurant Concepts
30:00 – The Vaporetto Concept & Journey to Venice
32:00 – Regional Identity & Dialects in Italian Culture
33:15 – Talking Steaks: Fiorentina vs. Australian Cuts
36:30 – Cooking Techniques & What Makes a Great Steak
39:00 – Wine Pairings: Sangiovese, Shiraz, and More
41:00 – The Salad Debate: Necessary or Just Tradition?
43:30 – Advice to Their Younger Selves
46:00 – Why Starting Small Isn’t Always Better
47:20 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude from the Hosts
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