An Australian Opens a Bistrot in Florence

Here is Chloé Guest who opened a bistrot/microbakery in Florence in 2019

Where do you come from and when did you first have a connection with Italy in your life?

I was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. My aunt married an Italian-Australian farmer, who raised sugar cane and cattle. His mother, a typical Italian nonna, was the center of life on the farm. I spent my childhood holidays at the farm with all my cousins. Nonna cooked large meals daily for the farmers. There, I experienced Italian festivities and their associated meals— first communions, Christmas, Easter— and the much treasured aperitivo hour.

In Australia I met my now husband, an Italian-born American, whose family relocated to the Veneto from Florida.

When did you move to Florence, and what motivated you to make the move?

After I met my husband, we spent a year traveling through Asia and then settled for several years in London, working in the food scene—street food specifically, which was just taking off at the time. I was also part of the opening team at Dinner by Heston, when it was awarded two michelin stars and reached forth best restaurant in the world, which was a fantastic experience!

After having our first child, we decided to change gears and move to Florence. I had always wanted to return to Italy, and having family in the Veneto was another good reason. Florence has a large and diverse community of expats who we hoped would enjoy our international food style.

You opened, in 2019, a beautiful Australian style bistrot/microbakery in Florence. Had this been a dream for a long time? Tell us about your decision-making process to take this daring plunge!

This is the first place I have owned, and it’s been a goal since high school when I used to dream of owning an international coffee shop! I have always had a passion for cooking, which I inherited from my mother, who was amazing at putting together simple things and making something incredible. My husband and I are food nerds, we would write menus as a hobby together years before we opened Melaleuca.

In the restaurant business in Florence there’s a lot of competition and a lot of bureaucracy. On top of it, you’ve had to contend with the pandemic, which I know has presented a huge challenge. Given the challenges, is this a type of business you would recommend to other foreigners who dream of moving to Italy and starting a business?

Restaurants are a notoriously difficult business. There are an incredible amount of things to consider before the food hits the table. My husband and I have forty years combined experience in this industry and we really love what we do. My advice, whether this industry or another, Florence or elsewhere, pandemic or no pandemic: if you want to open a business, have experience in that sector and be passionate about what you do, and be prepared to work a lot of hours!

I love your food. I first tried it at a Women’s International Network meeting. It was a vegetarian meal and I loved every dish. I raved all night about the food. Where did you learn to cook like that? 

My mother was a fabulous cook. Although she worked long hours as a lawyer, when she cooked it was always sensational. She loved using fresh spices and unusual flavors. I loved to read her recipe books, and I started baking at a young age. At age seventeen I did an exchange in France which opened my world to a new cuisine. When I did hospitality training in hotels I decided to take the restaurant route. I loved the busy-ness, the food, and the interactions with customers. Still do!

What was your biggest fear in making the move to Florence, and looking back was it a valid fear? 

What were the main things you were hoping the move to Italy would give you?

Language and culture. Giving my children the gift of a multicultural, bilingual life here in Europe.

Are you in Italy for the long-haul?

We opened Melaleua just over a year ago, and owning a restaurant is a lifestyle and a long term commitment. We are a multicultural Australian-American-Italian family and, although it’s a privilege to have options as to where to live, we are just at the beginning of the Italian chapter of our story.

There’s been a surge of interest in moving to Italy on the part of people in the US (perhaps in Australia too?) Any last sharing you would like to offer about what it is like to be an expat/immigrant in Italy?

Europe is so far away from Australia that it’s more a destination for weddings and romantic holidays or to visit relatives. Many Aussies end up in England and come to Italy for weekend breaks. But I have quite a few Australian customers who have moved here for a few years’ escape, and there are others who have lived here a long time and have no plans to go back. We’re just a minority compared to those from the US so it’s not as easy to find us!

Some of the main draws of Italy are the romance of the language, the quality of the food and the quality of the life. After all, a few simple ingredients put together in the right way can make something incredible!

To follow Chloé and learn more about Melaleuca:

Facebook

Instagram @melaleucaflorence

Link for ordering

Email: Melaleuca.florence@gmail.com

Phone: 0556146894

Open everyday 9:00-16:00