Perth, Fremantle and the Godfathers

My last Australian stop was supposed to be in Perth, but as my old friend Vonzer was in Fremantle I decided to stop there first. It turned out to be a great idea, as Fremantle (or Freos as they call it there) is a tiny cozy town full of bars, restaurants and pubs, most of them concentrated in what has been nicknamed the "Cappucino Strip". Best places of all Little Creatures, a huge microbrewery bar with great rigorously home made beer and a great chilled out atmosphere. Not surprisingly Vonzer used to work here and is the local hero, so we had a few "Irish style" sessions there.


The theme of this post has to be The Godfathers though. First of all because I met up with an old Italian friend, Federica (we were together in elementary school and then again at university), and at dinner with her, her husband, sister and all the children was really like entering an old mafia movie. All children (but the husband as well) speak Italian and English, but very often the two languages are mixed, so you'll hear movie sentences like: Hey Mamma, can I have a salsiccia? One of the kids was wearing a Pescara (centre Italy) Football jersey and on top a Fremantle Aussie rules footy jumper! Such a pity didn't have the camera on me.

The Godfather part II was in Perth. In the part of the city called Northbridge you have Il Padrino Caffe'. The owner, Nunzio, constantly behind the counter juggling pizzas, won the Best Pizza in the World contest in Sicily. You would imagine a fancy and very expensive restaurant with waiters in tux asking you: what would you like to start sir? and may I recommend.. Instead is a little family owned trattoria, with Nunzio's wife abruptly asking you: Whatcha want?? like an old-style Italian mama. The question is transformed in a (still abrupt but warmer) Whatcha want, darling? after the third time you go there.

Definitely a place with character, food is very cheap and yes, phenomenal! Altogether an offer you can't refuse!