Enrico Tomelleri (left),Giorgio De Maria and Mattia Dicati at their new restaurant Paski in Darlinghurst.Dominic LorrimerPaski Vineria Popolare opened its doors on Monday,November 11,its first service taking place under the watchful gaze of aLast Supper-inspired artwork.
The giant artwork by Gianluca Cannizzo has a clue to the Paski name. In the bottom corner is co-owner Giorgio De Maria's dog Paski,who is in turn named after an Italian wine.
The trio of owners – De Maria (Giorgio De Maria Fun Wines),Mattia Dicati (Vino Mito Wine Imports) and chef Enrico Tomelleri (Ragazzi,10 William Street) are bullish about the revival of the once premier Sydney hospitality strip. Paski slides into the space whereThis Must Be The Place previously operated.
Giorgio De Maria (left),Mattia Dicati and Enrico Tomelleri with the Last Supper-style artwork.Dominic Lorrimer "There'sCafe Freda's,Dimitri's Pizzeria andFabbrica Pasta Shop's production space just a few doors down,and the building where Don Peppino's was is being redeveloped as a hotel,"says De Maria.
The latest arrival on Oxford Street,Paski shares a similar wine and food mix as the newishPorcinerestaurant andP&V Wine up the hill.
Downstairs is a walk-in bar with a 400-bottle line-up displayed by producer rather than style and a tight menu of small Italian plates. Upstairs at Paski Sopra (bookings required),Tomelleri's food gets a little more serious.
Pappa al pomodoro served at Paski in Darlinghurst.Dominic LorrimerPappa al pomodoro with baccala and anolini pasta stuffed with parmigiano and broad beans and served in parmigiano broth both feature on the opening menu.
"Our main focus is not the bottleshop,but you can get a bottle of wine to take away from the downstairs bar,"says De Maria.
Sopra is open Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat 5.30pm-late;the wine bar and shop is open Mon-Sat 3pm-late.
Analini pasta with spring vegetables.Dominic Lorrimer239 Oxford Street,Darlinghurst,paski.com.au