Kelly Fedeli
fiorinis
There’s something about the drive out to Fiorini’s that always stays with you. The road stretches out past rolling hills of orchards and vines and for a moment it feels like you’ve slipped into a remote corner of Italy. Then, just when you think you’ve gone too far, this little restaurant, Fiorinis, appears.
It’s one of those places that reminds you why Orange is so special: the food, the landscape, the people who choose to build something here. We wanted to share a glimpse into Kelly’s connection to this region and the rhythms that shape her life between Sydney and Orange.
Why Orange?
Orange has always held a special kind of magic for me. My auntie was the first in our family to make the move here more than 20 years ago when she opened the original Fiorini’s. We had only visited a couple of times, but when she decided to put the restaurant on the market, we made one final trip out. That was it. We fell completely in love with Orange – the landscape, the people – and there was no turning back.
What Orange Means to Me
Orange is the most magical place I know. I live between Sydney and Orange and while the weekly commute is a lot, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Orange is where my restaurant lives and it’s where I get to share so many happy moments with customers, friends and family. The rhythm of the region – the seasons, the produce, the people – shapes everything I do. It’s a place that grounds me and inspires me every single week.
What’s Your Flavour?
My favourite ChaLou wine is the Arneis. It’s the most exquisite wine and it pairs perfectly with so many of our dishes at Fiorini’s. My ideal match is our homemade squid ink tagliolini with Yamba prawns. Add Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan playing softly in the background and you’ve set the perfect mood.
My Rhythm in Orange
I usually arrive in Orange on a Thursday and my ritual is always the same: pizza and a beer at the Canobolas Hotel. Fridays often mean lunch at the Union Bank. After a full weekend working at Fiorini’s, I might finish things off with a Sunday night dinner at Hey Rosey.
Who’s My Community?
The community in Orange is something truly special. We’re surrounded by some of the best wineries in the region and I’ve made so many wonderful friends through them. The local produce is exceptional too – especially what John Reynolds grows out at Nashdale Farm. He cultivates some of the most interesting and unique produce you won’t find anywhere else.
My Orange Moment
My Orange moment is all the nights spent with great friends and suppliers at the Canobolas Dance Hall. They host a night every first Thursday of the month, and for me, it captures everything Orange is about: the scenery, the good food, the local wines and the people who make this community so warm and welcoming. It’s something that is very rare and hard to find.
Make a booking at Fiorinis www.fiorinis.com.au