Think of this episode as a chaser to Episode 3, where we sip and sup with James Califano, the creator behind the Belford Upstairs Dining Experience. 

In this Bonus Episode, we invite you to pull up a chair alongside your hosts Penny and Vanessa and their two friends Carlin and Oliver, to experience first hand the epic private dinner party experience we had the pleasure of attending in James' one bedroom apartment restaurant. 

We truly forgot that we were in Melbourne as James spoiled us with an awe-inspiring five-course menu, paired with cocktails and wine. As he brought out course after spectacular course of his simple yet complex, visually stimulating dishes, our jaws continued to drop and mouths never failed to water. Every dish on James' ever changing, homemade menu showcases seasonal produce locally sourced; from the Prahran Market to the beaches of St Kilda. You cannot help but marvel at the meticulous detail that has gone into creating every single element to each dish, and be astonished at how every part of produce has been respected and used in full. The detail doesn't only stop at the food however, as James' living room sets the perfect dinner party vibe with its crisp table setting, dim golden hue, a bounty of cds and records you can choose to listen to, and a bookshelf laden with treasures such as The Psychopath Test.

Over Negroni's and a delicious range of wines from Save our Soul Wine (use code BELFORD15 for a 15% discount off of wines), the fivesome digest topics such as their love of travel, sex positions, film and of course; the food. Strap in for ASMR galore as we work our way through this incredible contemporary Italian menu:- 

Aperitvo:

Negronis + A Trio of Bruschetta | Pickled Green Tomatoes & Anchovy Fillet | Figs, Parmigianno Cheese, Beach Dandelion Vegan Honey | Ciambotta, Habanero Chilli

Antipasto:

Vermentino + 'Montanara' Fried Pizza Dough topped with parsnip and apple purée, sautéed baby octopus, capers, white wine, tomato and basil reduction

Entreé: 

Sagrantino + Lamb Tartare with mint, garlic, wholegrain mustard, quail egg yolk, spicy sourdough crumb

Primo: 

Sangiovese + Homemade Garganelli Pasta, 8hr slow cooker Lamb Ragu, shaved pecorino cheese, thyme and dehydrated tomato skin

Secondi: 

Chardonnay + Chargrilled Eggplant with Fennel + Orange Salad, marinated Mackerel sautéed in White Wine, Pistachio Crumb

Follow us up a set of stairs and through the doorway of a secret (now not so secret) new Melbourne establishment, to experience a very, very intimate dinner party. Welcome to Belford Upstairs, a tiny four seater restaurant in a one-bedroom St Kilda Apartment! 

For talented cook and bartender James Califano, the act of eating food only brings joy when shared with other people. Growing up in Naples, he learned how to make handmade pasta with his Nonna and Mother, and amalgamates food with spirituality living by sentiments such as "Every pasta has a soulmate in its sauce." 

This week the tables were turned, as Penny and Vanessa went from hosts to guests; having the pleasure of experiencing an evening at James' new home restaurant with two other friends. James shares his wonderful journey of migrating from Italy to Australia, and how an initially short visit turned into an almost decade long romance. Over a stunning bottle of Cinq Ami from Yarra Valley Winery Maddens Rise, the trio discuss their love of Melbourne and Italy, philosophy, social media fatigue, simple food pleasures and demystifying vodka pasta. James also explains the inspiration behind his new project and what you can expect from a Belford Upstairs experience. 

Listen out for the buzz of Acland Street in the background with its live music and famous tram rolling by. And tune into our bonus episode to sit along at the dinner table with us and experience a dinner at Belford Upstairs first hand. 

What an honour it is to kick off our podcast with a truly wonderful first guest, who is the epitome of a food lover and the ultimate dinner party guest.

This week we welcome Nadia Fragnito, one of Melbourne's most renowned Vegan Italian experts to our table. Nadia is truly a trailblazer in her field, inspiring many to explore the world of Veganism without compromising on taste or tradition. With neither Penny nor Vanessa being Vegans themselves but more so 'flexitarians', they felt a little intimidated dishing Nadia up anything Vegan Italian. Instead, they decided to go with something from a completely different continent that was inspired by Vanessa's admiration for Vegan recipes and love of one-tray wonders!

Over cocktails, a fiesta of food and Penny's somewhat failed attempt of a dessert, we celebrate the success of Nadia's second Vegan Cookbook, 'A Vegan Summer in Southern Italy'. With over 20 years of experience as a Vegan, Nadia is truly an authority on this subject matter, and we were so inspired by Nadia sharing how she has dealt with criticism and cynicism, all the while challenging perceptions and educating her vastly growing audience on how to change them. We also chat about Nadia's favourite Vegan products, cooking tips and tricks, and her favourite dishes from her new cookbook. 

With her charm, elegance and eloquence, we love to think of her as Australia's own Vegan Nigella Lawson - having conquered the Vegan world through our inspiring food writing, educating and championing. We feel like Nadia is a friend we were alway meant to have, and can't wait for you to get to know her better too!