Niko: Since September of 2017, almost 7 years ago at Sud Forno Temperance
Chef Chris: 4+ beautiful years now
What is your favourite part of your job?
Niko: Being able to meet different people on a daily basis, but also seeing our regulars every day is always great. Queen West has grown on me and it's my second home. I also want to mention that I really enjoy working with my team, they're awesome.
Chef Chris: Working with a youthful and dynamic crew, getting to cook with the best quality ingredients and always learning from Southern Italian tradition with an eye on the present day, also making Chef Gio and other Italian pals crack up at my questionable grasp on their lovely language
What is your favourite thing to eat at Sud Forno Queen at the moment?
Niko: To be honest, my all-time favourite thing to eat is our Focaccia Barese, it has been my favourite ever since we've introduced it. As for sweets Gelato, Gelato, Gelato!
Chef Chris: Porchetta! The rosemary, the crackling.. throw in some rapini and caramelised onion; It’s a party!
What is your favourite part of working together?
Niko: Chef Chris is down to earth and easy to work with. He is always willing to help and support at any given time. I don't think there's been a day when we didn't laugh, and we always try to have fun while working. Grateful to be working with him.
Chef Chris: Niko is insanely dedicated to his role and we share the common goal of making Sud as cool as it can be.
What makes the Sud Forno Queen experience different from other locations?
Niko: We're where Italy meets Queen West, a small neighbourhood spot where we learn your name and your coffee order. When you pass through our doors you feel welcome.
Chef Chris: I’d say our smaller neighbourhood café setting and the Queen St vibe combine to make it a unique experience.
Stirata or Panino?
Niko: Both, sorry I can't pick one! It really depends on the day or my mood
Chef Chris: Stirata. Eating our pizza is akin to breathing at this point!
Crema or Nutella?
Niko: Crema all day!
Chef Chris: Our Tiramisu bomba! Otherwise, it’s gotta be Nutella with an espresso
Favourite gelato flavour?
Niko: I know some people might find this boring but I love Crema. It can be so much fun, you can add Amarena Cherries on top, Biscotti, Nutella, or even have it as an Affogato.
Chef Chris: Pistacchio. I’ve tasted many including in Sicily but it’s deep salty sweetness is still the most satisfying
Give us the scoop on what’s on offer this summer at Sud Queen?
Niko: I’ve probably mentioned this a million times and I'll be happy to mention it a million more. GELATO! We are now serving gelato by the window after hours Friday- Saturday from 7PM to 10PM. You have to try the Bombolato. What's not to like about it, it's literally a bombolone with gelato.
Chef Chris: Our amazing panzerotti is back on Fridays, porchetta Saturdays, stuffed farcito specials, seasonal bombolini fun and life-affirming Gelato sandwiches (bombolato).
My parents moved from Calabria because there was nothing there. My mom family moved here when she was 12. My father was the first of his family that moved here.
Amaro Lucano is a herbal liqueur infused with the essence of more than 30 herbs. A product of Basilicata, it has been a staple in the houses of expat Italians for the past 125 years.
Dubbed the ‘diamond of the culinary world’ for their value both in terms of money and flavour, truffles have always been popular with both diners and chefs.
Every meal needs to end with a bit of sweetness. Affogato alla Crema features crema gelato which is then ‘drowned’ in hot espresso for a pick-me-up at the end of your meal.
Aperitivo comes from the Latin word aperire, literally “to open,” and in Italian you still describe the effect of something appetizing as something that “opens your stomach.”
Sustainability is an environmental concept that focuses on finding an ecological way to meet the needs of the global population without compromising the world for future generations.