'Living in Melbourne is easy, and that whole European influence make me feel really at home.' - Brigitte Hafner.

'I really love the wine and food culture in Melbourne. I am constantly amazed at the access we have to great quality ingredients.' - James Broadway.

'Enoteca' is an Italian word which translates literally as 'wine library', an intriguing concept given a local twist at the Gertrude Street Enoteca. This bistro-style favourite in inner-city Fitzroy has some of the studiosness about wine that one might associate with a conventional library, plus towering shelves and enthusiastic staff, but there is no requirments to stay quiet. On the contrary, it is a lively space where customers are invited to sit and enjoy good company as well as good food and wine.

The good food is masterminded by Brigitte Hafner, who has a passion for showcasing the integrity of exquisite ingredients. 'I am excited by the provenance of fresh produce,' Brigitte says. 'I don't especially want to create new dishes or fiddly food. I enjoy cooking food that is quite rustic, quite simple.'

The good wine is overseen by James Broadway. 'Our wine by the glass list at the Enoteca  is interesting and challenging,' James says. 'We want to take people on a journey. We encourage people to drink better wine, because we're excited about good wine and we want other people to be too.'