While Dark Fluid is back to ‘normal’ operations as a daytime cafe, Natalie and Sonia’s new pandemic-born concept has just become a reality. Located at the Easy T Centre in Robina (the same complex where Dark Fluid is located), the new food boutique has taken the space formerly occupied by the Flannery’s Refuel Depot (opposite Zaraffas and Taboon) and, as its name suggests, is dedicated to slinging specialty pasta, all made by hand on-site using the finest durum semolina. The pillowy pasta is sold by weight with traditional types like spaghetti, fettuccini, and lasagne sheets offered alongside unique creations like gluten-free sweet potato gnocchi, which is all hand-rolled by the venue’s resident master of pasta, Michele, who has been making pasta with his grandmother since he was a child. You can even catch a glimpse of Michele in action from the viewing window at the far end of the store, but be warned, it’s seriously mesmorising.
The Pasta Emporium also stocks a range of deli goods including meat from the Northern Rivers, fresh bread from a Gold Coast-based Italian bakery, the finest olive oils, condiments, and sweet treats. Essentially, it’s a one-stop picnic shop! The cold cabinet is brimming with house-made pasta sauces and takeaway meals like home-style lasagne and cannelloni (yum!). The mother-and-daughter duo has grand plans to expand the range of fresh pasta (looking at you, Nutella-filled ravioli) as well as host cooking classes down the track but for now, they wanted to keep things simple while they find their feet.
If you are in the mood for a quick and tasty dinner, skip over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.