PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Bella is
BEAUTIFUL taste by name and nature is the case with Bella Gusta Restaurant and Cafe. The popular Korumburra restaurant, owned and run by Karen Misale and Jason Kennedy, is a high class eatery. Since opening in February, Bella Gusta has made its mark on Korumburra, being a standout choice when eating out in the town. The menu changes every season at the restaurant, with the new summer menu on its way soon. The summer selections will include a Wagyu steak, lamb cutlets, seared tuna with a sesame crust and mandarin sauce and Atlantic salmon. “Along with our other popular entrees we are introducing mussels in a white wine and butter sauce,” Karen said. “Classic pizzas, pastas and risottos are on the menu all year round. “We’ve begun making all of our own pasta from scratch too.” Bella Gusta can cater for gluten and dairy free diets as well as vegetarians. The restaurant is now fully licensed and stocks many major wines as well as at least one variety from most of the local wineries. Karen runs the kitchen and has hospitality in her blood. She grew up with her parents running various Italian restaurants and take away shops, before making the decision to buy their latest shop and convert it into a restaurant. “We bought the take away business off Mum and Dad as well as the empty building next door, which
was just being used for storage at the time,” Karen said. “After six weeks of renovation we turned that empty building into the main dining area, doing all the work ourselves.” Karen said that the business wouldn’t be the same if her parents weren’t involved. “They were the best asset I bought with the business,” she said. “Dad struggles with the fact that I’m his boss now but I’m really grateful that he and Mum still run the takeaway side.” Karen and Jason pride themselves on customer Fettuccine Carbonara, freshly handmade each satisfaction and are passionate about providing good morning. food. “Sometimes after manically cooking 70 plus meals in the kitchen it makes it worthwhile when I look out into the restaurant and it’s full of happy and satisfied customers,” Karen said. Bella Gusta is not only a restaurant but is also able to hold functions, Christmas parties, corporate FOR high-class Italian cuisine right in Kolunches and small weddings. rumburra, Bella Gusta is your first choice. Keeping work in the town is something Karen Classic pizza, handmade pasta, and risotcares about. tos are joined on the menu by gourmet seasonal “We try and employ lots of locals,” she said. specials which include dishes such as seared “Especially the young kids who are still at school, tuna with a sesame crust and mandarin sauce for it’s important to give them a go.” summer. If you’re looking to take your better half out for a roMatch this with one of the local wines on offer mantic dinner, celebrating a birthday, catching up with and you’ve got a delicious, hearty, local Italian meal. friends or just looking to treat yourself or the family, call to book a table at Bella Gusta in Korumburra for your next night out. The restaurant is located at 33 Bridge Street; for bookings phone 5658 1991.
Top pair: Jason Kennedy and Karen Misale make a great couple and team running Bella Gusta.
Meeniyan Art Gallery costume exhibition. See story page 43.