Easy Italian menu for your at-home date night (for novices)
Can’t make it to Mamma’s Boy Trattoria tonight and need to to re-create the same atmosphere at home? Look no further as we’ve got you covered!
If you’re a novice cook, you may have already found yourself relying on a few basic dishes, such as packet ramen or pasta with store-bought marinara sauce. Well there’s no need to worry! Italian cuisine is not only renowned for its comfort food, it is also an excellent starting point for beginners as many classic dishes are surprisingly simple to make.
Here’s a beginner-friendly, but also timeless menu, ensuring you'll continue to enjoy them for years to come.
Make your own Passata (Passata di Pomodoro)
Re-create Mamma's famous Guanciale di Manzo (Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek) Recipe!
If you're looking for a delicious and comforting Italian casserole dish, we recommend Guanciale di Manzo, rich in Barolo or Barbera d’Alba red wine. This recipe involves slow cooking the beef cheeks until they're tender and melt-in-the-mouth. Serve with either potatoes or polenta for a satisfying main course. Mamma’s Boy Trattoria’s regulars will be familiar with this dish which is served on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes and roasted dutch carrots.
A local’s guide to Melbourne: ‘The best part is the element of surprise’ - By the Guardian
Melbourne's diverse cultural scene makes eating there exciting, with Sydney Road in Brunswick being a prime example. The area offers a mix of Italian, Middle Eastern, and hipster cuisine, including breakfast toasties from Wide Open Road, spinach-and-cheese triangles from A1 Bakery, and baklava from Balha's Pastry. Mamma's Boy Trattoria serves fantastic handmade pasta, and Jim's Greek Tavern in Collingwood is a local institution offering traditional Greek food, including saganaki and scallops.
Italian Dining Etiquette
A typical day in the life of a chef at Mamma's Boy Trattoria
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes? A typical day in the life of our highly skilled chef (Soy) starts early in the morning with a trip to the local markets to source the freshest ingredients for the day's menu. Back in the kitchen, Soy will spend hours with their team members on prepping ingredients, from chopping vegetables to making fresh pasta and sauces from scratch.
How to make the best gnocchi at home
Mamma’s Boy Trattoria is renowned for having one of the best gnocchi in Melbourne. Can’t make the trip to our restaurant? Try it at home! Making homemade gnocchi is a rewarding experience that yields soft, pillowy pasta. Transforming potatoes, flour, and an egg into a delicate dough is magical. Boil and serve with your favorite sauce. A fun and skill-building activity for any level of cook.