NEW OPENINGS
Ben Bayly’s bambino opens in Arrowtown Little Aosta
South of New Zealand. The namesake city of Aosta is in an alpine valley near the meeting point of the Italian, French and Swiss Alps. Ben lived and cooked for four years in this area that rrowtown’s favourite remarkably shares similar latitude, restaurant Aosta is about to elevation, climate, flora, fauna, and soil welcome a little bambino characteristics with the Central Otago into its family with ‘Little Southern Alps. Aosta’ set to open next door to the It was during Ben’s time away in this flagship venue later this month. part of the world as a young chef that Little Aosta is a family-friendly, fasthis love of Italian cooking was born, paced trattoria offering dine-in and and his Arrowtown establishments takeaway options for locals and pair that inspiration with almost visitors to Arrowtown. The exclusively local products and The menu is new venture is backed by a produce from selected growers, small group of investors breeders, fishermen, hunters, designed to bring the including chef Ben Bayly foragers and other suppliers. magic of an authentic and businessman / While Bayly will travel to philanthropist Michael Hill. Arrowtown regularly, Little multi-generational The cuisine of both Aosta will be run day-toItalian home into the Aosta and Little Aosta is day by a talented team led by heart of Arrowtown. inspired by the cooking executive chef Steven Sepsy techniques of Northern Italy and head chef Darren Lynch, paired with ingredients of the with the pasta and drinks list 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, 9302 Tel: 03-442 0885 littleaosta.co.nz
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12 MARCH 2022 - HOSPITALITY BUSINESS
curated by Giulio Barducci, and the front of house led by Vanessa Cagnola. Bayly says he and his family have fallen in love with Arrowtown and bringing the Little Aosta concept to life had been on his mind since opening Aosta three years ago. “I wanted a casual, fun and chaotic little Italian place that complemented Aosta well - a place that was focused on simple, delish Italian food with zero faff. “Arrowtown is all about family and lots of families visit too, so we wanted to appeal to them. We are grateful that Aosta is now booked out most nights, and it makes sense to expand our offering so as not to disappoint. “Look for great cuts seared over the wood fired grill and sourdough pizzettas out of the wood fired pizza oven – paired with interesting, entertaining, and affordable wines by the carafe.” The menu is designed to bring the magic of an authentic multi-