King & Godfree explores the history and culture of King & Godfree Grocer, which is in the heart of Carlton, Melbourne. It starts with the early history of the King and Godfree families who immigrated to Australia and opened the notorious corner store off the back of the Gold Rush in 1871. Nonno, Carlo Valmorbida, buys the store in the 1950s and we start to see how the grocer becomes the ‘busiest Italian store in town’.
The early chapters of the book explore the history of the store and the Carlton community against the backdrop of turbulent times in Australia, including World War II, the influx of post-war migrants, and cultural shifts of the 1960s. What really shines through is the proud history of selling the best goods and service while playing a key role in the cultural development of the Carlton precinct.
The book then delves into the produce they have loved selling throughout their rich 150 year history. Exploring the finest Italian products from Salumi, Pomodori, Tuna and Formaggi, it instantly transports you to the endless potential of working with fine Italian ingredients.
Woven throughout the stories of produce are classic Italian recipes, ranging from Mushroom Ragu, Porchetta, Caprese Salad, Tomato Bruschetta with Lardo, and finishing with some delectable Italian desserts, including Frittelle and Cannoli.
I love a recipe book that has great imagery, explores history, stories, and provides context to the ingredients you are working with. King & Godfree: The Corner Grocer has all those components and provides great recipes to match. It leaves you longing for a weekend filled with great Italian food.
Reviewed by Robert Bromhead
ABOUT THE KING & GODFREE GROCER
Bustling, all-day dining is essential to melbourne’s dna and it’s happening right now at our deli. An italian-accented hybrid blending food and wine store with casual diner and bar, k&g deli mixes european bar flair with our own history as a carlton-italian food and wine icon in a clean-lined space designed for both dining and shopping. A flexible, modern menu that brings the italian classics from breakfast through to nightcap, pastry to porchetta, espresso to negroni. It’s a unique, fresh and lively addition of the lygon street mix.the bonus of dining at one of the city’s great grocery and wine stores is that there’s no need to wait until you get home to eat all the good stuff. Shop before, during or even as you eat, with a glass of vermentino or an aperitivo with friends while you’re at it.the sliced-to-order meats and cheeses and the fresh baked focaccia from the deli? The sandwiches stuffed with chicken cotaletta, the calamari fritti and the bucatini amatriciana from the rosticceria? The cannoli from the espresso bar? That montepulciano that matches perfectly with the wagyu bresaola? Have them served to you at the table, packaged to take with you after lunch or delivered to your home the next day.k&g deli is all about italian style, melbourne history, convenience and enjoying great italian food and wine whether you’re eating in, taking away or having it delivered. We love the mix and reckon you will too.
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