Around 250km west of Sydney, just off the Mid Western Highway, you’ll find the small town of Carcoar. With a population of just 270, you might not expect much in the way of upscale dining, but appearances can be deceiving. This pretty little village is where Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi have chosen to establish their very own Italian locanda, Antica Australis. And since it opened in 2020, eager diners have been beating a path to its door.
“In regions like Ciociaria [central Italy] where Paolo is from, every village has its own locanda,” Kelly explains. “Locandas are small dining establishments that specialise in local, seasonal produce.
Each locanda will only serve food and wine that’s been grown in their village. It’s a taste of the personality of their village.”
Living in Central West NSW, the Picarazzis have an abundance of incredible local produce at their disposal, including 2021 . Harvey Norman Produce Awards winner Argyle Australian Saffron (turn to p 22 for more from them). Paolo uses this produce to create a four-course set menu of Ciociarian-inspired cuisine from Friday dinner through to Sunday lunch each week. Between
