The Minister and I were making a rapid transit from Canberra to Melbourne for the weekend and decided to have a rest in Wangaratta. "What to do for dinner?", the Minister asked.
We strolled around town and came across the brightly lit space that is Rinaldo's Casa Cucina.
We didn't have a booking but the very helpful staff found us a space in the nearly-newly renovated barn-like space. Wine list was excellent with many local King Valley or Rutherglen labels (I opted for the fantastic Pizzini Sangiovese, she for the Pizzini Pinot Grigio). The menu was what I'll describe as "modern Italian" and was great. The plates we saw emerging from the very busy kitchen had us drooling.
A charcuterie platter entree later and we were ready for mains. Seared salmon for the Minister. Prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast for me. Both absolutely delicious. Our table host was helpful and enthusiastic - a level of friendly service we wish Canberra would emulate.
All in all a great and lucky find for us after a long day on the road. If you're in the King Valley or around Wangaratta - try it, you won't be disappointed. read more