If you share our love for authentic Italian cuisine, you will have heard that South Bank favourite, Popolo, reopened last month with a fresh new look and feel!
Rejoining the Brisbane food scene after a recent refurbishment, Popolo – boasting a sleek new appearance, a scrumptious new menu and a few new faces – still has all the charm and warmth beloved by its loyal patrons.
Fast becoming one of our favourite locations for a romantic riverside dinner or leisurely long lunch, we couldn’t help but share the amazing new faces behind the refreshed Popolo brand!
Meet The Head Chef, Francesco Vitagliano
Coming from humble beginnings in the heart of chaotic Napoli, Francesco (known among friends as Franco) has long had a passion for food. Working as Head Chef at Popolo for the past year, Francesco tries to strike a balance between traditional comfort food and more contemporary Italian dishes. Transporting diners to the Italian Riviera with his choice of locally sourced, quality ingredients, he believes the linguine with Moreton bugs and spanner crab to be the true star of his new menu. Speaking of this dish, he shares “You can taste the ocean with each distinct flavour coming from the bisque, which is made from scratch using crab, prawn shells and a good quality French Cognac... the freshness of this dish and the quality of the ingredients say it all”.
Favourite Drink – “An aperol spritz is my anytime, anywhere type of drink”
Meet The Assistant Manager & Sommelier, Maryna Solonets
A new addition to the Popolo team, Maryna first discovered her passion for wine when working as a sommelier in her home country of Ukraine. A twice semi-finalist in the Ukrainian Best Sommelier Competition, she had plans to grow and contribute to the hospitality industry at home (... that was until she fell in love with her husband!). Purchasing a one-way ticket to Hong Kong and beginning her professional career abroad, the pair made the decision to relocate to Australia, a decision that would ultimately lead Maryna to her position today! Reflecting on this change, she shares “We got our visa grant and arrived in South Australia... the Barossa Valley, kangaroos and Coffin Bay oysters made me love this country! 5 months in Brisbane and it’s just the greatest time. I love this city and am happy to join the Popolo Team, meet new people and make new friends”.
Favourite Dish and Drink – “My favourite dish on the menu is the burrata, pizza, or tagliata... I can’t pick one! My one favourite drink is champagne”.
Psssttt... To celebrate the reopening of their beautiful riverside restaurant, we’ve partnered with Popolo to give away a luxe $500 dining experience! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste Francesco’s amazing new menu and Maryna’s beautiful wine list. You can view all the details here...
