Scarpetta Restaurant - Woodstock

#supportlocalbusiness

Every week we will be showcasing small businesses in our neighbourhood in order to support in these difficult Covid-19 times.

This weeks feature is: 🍝 Scarpetta 🍝

What does SCARPETTA mean? // "After you have eaten your pasta and placed your fork down on your plate, a lashing of tasty unfinished pasta sauce still remains. The phrase 'fare la scarpetta' refers to the small piece of bread {that looks like a little shoe} is used to mop up, by sweeping the bread across, to relive those last mouthfuls of sauce that once enrobed the pasta on your plate. This is something my dad and I always did together" - Ricky Turilli.

The owner, Ricky Turilli also known as 'The Big Boss' was born into a life of humble food. An Italian father, Rafaello was from a small town close to Rome, called Rieti. His mother, Irna was a well respected home cook that gave life lessons in her cooking classes. He has been in the food industry for over 40 years. It's in his blood to feed people with love. He is not only a vibrant chef but a phenomenal father who carries that vibe into his restaurant. He feeds his guests like his own family, that is what makes Scarpetta a food experience.

Ricky, adheres to the Italian way of life by taking seasonal produce very seriously. He believes that the flavour profiles of food are enhanced when you eat them at the correct time of year.
The delectable menu is chalked on a board and will reform with the seasons.
The family makes Scarpetta, each element of the restaurant was created by a family member. The combination of the homely atmosphere with the family style pots of bolognese makes you feel like part of the family. The wooden floors and old world gold tones add warmth while the white tables are fresh. The hand sketched placematts illuminate the seasonal produce.

The food is humble authentic home style, a restaurant where you are encouraged to share multiple courses. The menu boasts a typical Italian style of eating. Antipasto platters or caprese salad with fresh mozzarella to start. Pasta with traditional bolognese or a light 6 mushrooms sauce. To end of the meal, homemade decadent tiramisu or citrus cannoli
and the coffee is served in sharing size Moka pots.

Their food is mostly homemade. They pride ourselves on making authentic Italian food, the lasagne is made completely from scratch. Handmade fresh egg pasta layered with slow cooked bolognese ragu, luscious bechamel and Italian parmigiano. Signature sauces are family heirlooms from rich 7 mushroom pasta sauce to the simple tomato based Napolitana. They have made their way into the homes of their most loyal customers. The big boss has a handful of artisanal suppliers like Puglia Cheese and his own personal mushroom forager. The rest he gathers himself, making friends with the locals is how he procures the freshest seasonal ingredients. "I go shopping in the morning, it's my ritual. I source wholesome locally sourced seasonal ingredients and then I decide what I'm going to make. Things are a bit different now, I have a more structured offering with my takeaway / delivery menu." - Ricky. Everything is kept in the family, the desserts are all made by Ricky's wife, Melissa. Citrus scented cannoli, rich dark chocolate torte and the most recent addition to her repertoire is limoncello white chocolate cheesecake.

The food industry is a way of life. As a family we are constantly working on evolving the Scarpetta experience. The industry is tough but it's a lifestyle that Ricky has woven into being. He cares so intensely about his food, his family and his Scarpetta community. Scarpetta is a family run restaurant. Every element of the restaurant has been tenderly placed together by Rick'y family and incredible team. A typical week in the Turilli family encompases an exciting food journey. Once the big boss finds seasonal ingredients he consults with his family on recipes. The family gathers around the table to taste test and discuss nuances and family recipes that could be incorporated.

"Our menu has changed to accommodate this challenging time. We have created a delivery menu. We are proud to have our own delivery system where we deliver the food ourselves." - Ricky.

Instagram @scarpettarestaurant
Facebook @scarpettarestaurant

85 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock
Monday to Saturday, orders can be placed from 11am to 17:30pm
Orders for deliveries have to be minimum R200 {free delivery} ‪from 11am to 7pm‬
Orders for collections is ‪from 11am to 7pm
For orders contact the big boss Ricky on 083 251 0730

Article written by Chiara Turilli ( Food Editor, Food Stylist and daughter of Scarpetta Owner)
Photographs by Danillo Turilli (Fashion Photographer and son of Scarpetta Owner)