End of an era: Speciality food retailer Enoteca Sileno shuts down after 70 years
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Food is an excellent gateway to a place's culture and community. It's always heartbreaking to see a community mainstay close its doors.
Australia's culinary landscape is set to change as a beloved food retailer shared some bittersweet news.
Enoteca Sileno, a beacon of Italian gastronomy, announced its closure after an impressive 70-year run. The speciality food and wine shop has been a mainstay in Melbourne's vibrant food scene.
Enoteca Sileno also played a pivotal role in introducing and nurturing Australia's love for Italian cuisine.
Established by the visionary Italian immigrant Luigi 'Gino' Di Santo, Enoteca Sileno began as a dream to bring a slice of Italy to Australian shores.
Under the stewardship of Di Santo's daughter, Rosemary Portelli and husband, John, the business flourished into a culinary institution.
As they both near their 70th birthdays, the couple decided to retire, marking the end of an era for this family-run business, synonymous with quality Italian fare.
In a joint statement, the Porrtellis announced that Enoteca Sileno will permanently close shop on June 1.
The Portellis' described their journey with Enoteca Sileno as an 'epic culinary adventure'.
'What started from humble origins has grown to a true nationwide gastronomic passion, and we have loved showcasing some incredible artisans of the Italian food scene here in Australia,' the Portellis wrote.
Enoteca Sileno has been a go-to destination for food lovers who marvel at the store's shelves, which are filled with speciality items such as panforte, rare Italian chocolates, and panettone with unique fillings.
Enoteca Sileno's founder, Luigi Di Santo, was the first to import essential Italian goods and equipment, such as gelati makers and espresso machines, in the 1950s.
When the retail store opened in 1982, it was the first shop in Australia to specialise in Italian wines, hence the name 'Enoteca'—a word encapsulating the essence of Italian wine culture.
While the physical store on Lygon Street will close, the spirit of Enoteca Sileno will live on.
The Portellis assured their loyal customers that their beloved products would remain online until stocks last.
This is a chance for patrons to stock up on their favourite items before they become part of history.
The closure of Enoteca Sileno is not just the turning of a page for the Portelli family but also the Italian community and food lovers across Australia.
The store's legacy left an indelible mark on the country's culinary landscape.
Though they are stepping away from the retail side, the Portellis' entrepreneurial spirit remains undimmed.
They plan to continue their product import and distribution work alongside their son, Daniel Portelli, and will focus on their wine storage business, Vintage View.
Did you have a favourite product or a special memory with Enoteca Sileno? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
Australia's culinary landscape is set to change as a beloved food retailer shared some bittersweet news.
Enoteca Sileno, a beacon of Italian gastronomy, announced its closure after an impressive 70-year run. The speciality food and wine shop has been a mainstay in Melbourne's vibrant food scene.
Enoteca Sileno also played a pivotal role in introducing and nurturing Australia's love for Italian cuisine.
Enoteca Sileno’s wide selection of Italian products made them a household name for food enthusiasts. Image Credits: Instagram/Enoteca Sileno
Established by the visionary Italian immigrant Luigi 'Gino' Di Santo, Enoteca Sileno began as a dream to bring a slice of Italy to Australian shores.
Under the stewardship of Di Santo's daughter, Rosemary Portelli and husband, John, the business flourished into a culinary institution.
As they both near their 70th birthdays, the couple decided to retire, marking the end of an era for this family-run business, synonymous with quality Italian fare.
In a joint statement, the Porrtellis announced that Enoteca Sileno will permanently close shop on June 1.
The Portellis' described their journey with Enoteca Sileno as an 'epic culinary adventure'.
'What started from humble origins has grown to a true nationwide gastronomic passion, and we have loved showcasing some incredible artisans of the Italian food scene here in Australia,' the Portellis wrote.
Enoteca Sileno has been a go-to destination for food lovers who marvel at the store's shelves, which are filled with speciality items such as panforte, rare Italian chocolates, and panettone with unique fillings.
Enoteca Sileno's founder, Luigi Di Santo, was the first to import essential Italian goods and equipment, such as gelati makers and espresso machines, in the 1950s.
When the retail store opened in 1982, it was the first shop in Australia to specialise in Italian wines, hence the name 'Enoteca'—a word encapsulating the essence of Italian wine culture.
While the physical store on Lygon Street will close, the spirit of Enoteca Sileno will live on.
The Portellis assured their loyal customers that their beloved products would remain online until stocks last.
This is a chance for patrons to stock up on their favourite items before they become part of history.
The closure of Enoteca Sileno is not just the turning of a page for the Portelli family but also the Italian community and food lovers across Australia.
The store's legacy left an indelible mark on the country's culinary landscape.
Though they are stepping away from the retail side, the Portellis' entrepreneurial spirit remains undimmed.
They plan to continue their product import and distribution work alongside their son, Daniel Portelli, and will focus on their wine storage business, Vintage View.
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