Culinary pioneers of Brisbane's legendary Milano's Restaurant, Gino and Mary Merlo, have finally relented.
They have passed on their top secret bolognese recipe to son Dean Merlo (pictured) and the Merlo Kitchen, so customers at Bar Merlo espresso bars throughout South East Queensland can experience what many may refer to as heaven. And Mrs Merlo has spent days in with the Merlo kitchen team making sure they perfect the dish that made its first appearance in Brisbane in 1959.
Opened in 1958, Milano's restaurant played host to a who's who of Brisbane society, politics and business. It was simply the only restaurant in town. Even Queen Elizabeth II dined there.
Now, Dean Merlo, through his Bar Merlo espresso bars can share this famous recipe once again at:
- 344 Queen Street
- 239 George Street
- 10 Market Street
- Riverside Centre foyer
- Gardens Theatre - QUT Gardens Point
- South Bank Institute of Technology
- University of Queensland
- Ann Street cart, Fortitude Valley
- Australian College of Natural Medicine
The Milano Special features the famous bolognese topped with sliced mozzarella and served on toasted ciabatta for $9.50 - a small price to pay for a taste of Brisbane's culinary heritage.
"When I asked Mum to share her secrets with our Merlo Kitchen Consulting Chef, the very well known Dominique Rizzo, she was so intent on making sure she got it right that she spent hours in the kitchen perfecting every last detail. Brisbane will be glad this is one family secret that has been leaked - although I'm pretty sure Dominique has been sworn to secrecy," said Dean.
The coffee culture has gone from strength to strength in the Sunshine State since the Merlo family introduced the first espresso machine to Queensland at their Italian restaurant in 1958.
In 1996, Dean Merlo established the Merlo Torrefazione - an Italian-style coffee roasting house in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. It was the beginning of the coffee revolution in Queensland. Merlo Coffee has since grown into one of the country's leading espresso coffee companies selling much more than just beans. It now boasts two Brisbane-based Torrefaziones, two mini roasteries and nine Bar Merlos inspired by traditional Italy.
