MATTEO CARBONI
CHEF/OWNER OF CASA CARBONI, 44
Matteo and Fiona live with their children Sofia, eight, and Filippo, six, in Angaston, in the Barossa, where they run Casa Carboni restaurant, cooking school and wine bar. You moved from Italy in 2011, what do you love about living in the Barossa now? The community... I fell in love with the produce in the Barossa and then the people and landscape, which often reminds me of home. How would you describe your style? Relaxed, comfortable, natural. What’s your typical outfit? Most days I am in chef whites, as I’m in the ktichen. Days off are usually jeans, a polo shirt and Birkenstocks. What are your wardrobe essentials? White cotton polo or linen shirts with the sleeves rolled up. Jeans in winter and cargo shorts in summer. I like natural fabrics in neutral colours and no visible branding. Do you have any favourite labels? Years ago I invested in linen shirts from Etro in Milan and they are still my favourites. Where do shop? When we go back to Parma in Italy each year I pick up anything I need; there are a couple of shops where I know I can find exactly what I am looking for. Oh, and my brother’s wardrobe! I’ll wear clothes till they are falling apart whereas he follows trends. What grooming products do you use? I’m up early each morning to bake bread and start in the kitchen so there’s not much time for grooming. Luckily I have a great hairdresser in the Barossa who cuts my hair so well I don’t need to use any product. What do you never leave home without? My ‘Property of’ messenger bag from Amsterdam. How will you be spending Father’s Day? This year Father’s Day is on September 2, which is also my birthday! We work Sundays so we usually celebrate the next day with pancakes or French toast, which the kids love helping to make. This year I’d say we will have a family dinner Sunday night at Fiona’s parents’ place as well. What do you love most about being a father? Being a father is a challenge on a daily basis and a never-ending learning curve. I try to teach my kids what I have been taught by my parents. It is for them that we do what we do: looking at them grow every day is the best reward ever. > Visit casacarboni.com.au