Mt Lawley Western Australia 6050
(08) 9227 5551
http://www.antoniosfresh.com.au/
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00 - 19:00
Sat-Sun 8:00 - 18:00
Antonio fresh continental store encapsulates the spirit and style of those old Southern-European traditional shops that were in vogue some decades ago. Those shops, like Antonio's, had a bit of everything in them (fresh, cooked and tinned food, a few staples, and some fancy sundry goods). Most importantly, they had something that made them part of your life: the owners and people behind the counter treated you with respect, courtesy, efficiency and, as part of the family if you were a regular. Antonio's continental store has had that since ever, despite the pass of time, and the new ways of selling food sprouting in the city in the last years.
Antonio's offers a great selection of cold meats, cheeses, preserved foods, gourmet and traditional pasta brands and pasta-related products, Italian and Spanish olive oils, wonderful oil-based antipasti, classic Italian dishes to take away, fresh rolls, precooked vegan pizzas, a great selection of packed dry fruits, chocolates, Mediterranean traditional sweets, and a few other things that are Australian-made but still very Mediterranean. They also have some Italian stuff and brands that are very sentimental for an Italian, like Felce Azzurra, Baci, Carmelina, Tilly, or the oh-so-lovable traditional coffee makers.
The prices are similar to those you find at other continental shops, therefore, a bit pricey. However, there a things that are also good-priced, like the dry fruit, or the grated Grana Padano (real Italian), to put just two examples. Nonetheless, they sell fresh good-quality products, and have prices properly displayed, so you don't get any surprise.
Although the old lady owner only goes there a few hours a week nowadays, and some of the youngsters have been leaving the place, the staff are as friendly and familiar as ever.
This shop is part of my sentimental Perth, those businesses that make of Perth home to me. And that is a lot to say.
UPDATE 28/2/2013
Antonio's will be closing down by May 2013, about two weeks after Easter.
Antonio's has been open for about 15 years, and is a favourite among the Lawleyians. Unfortunately, the planned refurbishment of the building, the no-renewal of the leases, and Antonio's family personal illness will be the end of this lovely place, which does not intend relocating or opening elsewhere.
They have such a high standards of service, that it is difficult not to feel sad at the news.
I wish this hard-working family the best. They will be certainly missed.
