A new shop that prepares the Italian sweet recently opened near our house, but unfortunately it was closed that day as the owners had just welcomed their first child.
For months, Facebook had been reminding of the imminent opening of a new Italian-style espresso bar in my area.
I was intrigued by the rather unique image of an open door and a beautiful terrazzo floor.
And so, my wife and I headed to the nascent Tesoro Gastronomia, in Balwyn North.
Though it has only been open for a couple of weeks, the venue is already running like clockwork.
It features a large counter similar to those of Italian bars, where coffee is often consumed standing, and a pastry section bursting with sfogliatelle and cannoli that are freshly filled to order with a pistachio, ricotta or chocolate cream.
For the record, we chose the pistachio cannoli – made with pistachios from Bronte, in Sicily – and the ricotta sfogliatelle.
At the other end of the counter is a delicatessen area filled with the best locally produced cold cuts, celebrating artisan companies such as Fiorelli and Salumi Australia.
Shelves are stacked with Italian produce, including pasta, biscuits, condiments, spreads, sauces, conserves, preserves, herbs and spices such as saffron from L’Aquila.
Emiliano Scozzi manages Tesoro Gastronomia on behalf of a collective of seven local residents with Italian heritage, who decided to invest in a culinary and cultural endeavour in order to help new migrants.
The 29-year-old Roman has extensive experience as a bartender in the Italian capital.
Scozzi said some of Tesoro Gastronomia’s owners have lived in Italy, while all of them travel to the Belpaese regularly.
“These seven young people have other professions and don’t work at the cafe,” he added in an interview with Rete Italia.
“This place is a tribute to their parents and to the first generation of Italians who arrived here in Australia years ago, in search of job opportunities and a better future.
“Having travelled a lot and witnessed the challenges regarding employment in Italy, the owners decided to lend a hand to new migrants like me.”
Scozzi has been in Melbourne for five years.
Like many before him, he got nostalgic at one point and returned to Italy, but it didn’t even last a year.
“You miss Italy when you’re away, but then when you go back, you realise that nothing has changed and that the problems you left behind are all still there,” he said.
Thanks to his time spent behind the counters of Roman bars, Scozzi has an excellent knowledge of the various types of coffee and claims that those available in Australia are qualitatively better than those in Italy, even if the final product is often different.
Tesoro Gastronomia serves coffee handpicked by Scozzi, who has also tried his hand at roasting.
An excellent espresso with the perfect crema will only cost you $2 at the bar.
“I wanted to give customers the Italian experience, where you can get an espresso for €1 and drink it at the counter,” Scozzi said.
“We won’t make the same profit as other cafes, but all our customers need to enjoy a good coffee is a gold coin.”
Tesoro Gastronomia’s owners seem to be more interested in paying it forward than making a profit.
A post on the espresso bar’s Instagram page reads:
“Did you know that 100 per cent of profits from this little tesoro will either be donated to local charities or used to sponsor arts and events in the local community?”
The City of Boroondara’s charities and cultural initiatives are likely to receive great support from Tesoro Gastronomia once the espresso bar expands its menu and opening hours and obtains its liquor licence.
As soon as word spreads of $2 espressos and the finest Italian produce, we have a feeling there will be no stopping Balwyn North’s newest treasure.
