Pastorale by Meccanico - Member Success

Pastorale by Meccanico at the Riverine Club held its grand opening in March. Building on the success of Meccanico Wine + Espresso Bar, the latest offering from owners Richard Moffatt and Karl Hulford promises to provide a dining experience more reminiscent of a capital city experience than what you might expect to find in the Riverina.

We spoke with Richard about the expansion of the business and the influence he hopes both Pastorale and Meccanico will have on the broader dining experience within the region.

Whilst Meccanico Wine + Espresso is a European style tapas bar with an emphasis on cured meats and cheeses; Pastorale by Meccanico expands the experience into a restaurant setting focusing on local produce in a sophisticated sheek setting at the Riverine Club.

Richard and Karl have acknowledged the Club’s origins in naming the restaurant Pastorale by Meccanico paying tribute to the pastoralists who formed the Club 144 years ago.

‘Pastorale is in the most characteristic building in Wagga and its heritage listed location, combined with the new fit out that remains true to the Riverine Club’s origins and history, sets it apart from other locations.’ Pastorale’s décor and design is reminiscent of 1920’s style and ‘a throwback to the Riverine Club’s former glory.’

Local produce is a focus at Pastorale. Richard and Karl have gone to great effort to source the best of the best: Riverina lamb and beef, cut and dry aged by Victor Churchill Butchers; and fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables sourced locally from a farmer in Currawarna. ‘It’s like having a large private gourmet vegetable garden providing seasonal produce just for us.’

The charcoal grill is at the core of Pastorale’s menu, providing ‘an old school European vibe’ to all their protein dishes. ‘Rather than hiding behind fancy or complicated techniques, we are keeping it very simple, providing a dining experience that encourages guests to savour the best quality produce.’

The emphasis on service, that we have come to expect from Meccanico, will also distinguish Pastorale; so much so that Richard and Karl aim to become the first hatted restaurant in the Riverina within 24 months of opening - a feat not yet achieved in Wagga Wagga.

‘When you think of regional locations for food and wine Mudgee, Orange and sometimes Bright spring to mind. Our goal is to lift the bar in locally so that Wagga Wagga is on that list; but we can’t do it by ourselves. We’re hoping that by hitting the standards we set for ourselves, other locations will follow suit, lifting the entire hospitality sector in Wagga.’

‘Wagga is considered a corporate town; people travel here for work and we want to change that. Wagga hosts fantastic events: Gears & Beers, the Wagga Wagga Food & Wine Festival, the Gold Cup; and has wonderful natural assets such as the Wiradjuri Walking Track. I just don’t believe, as a town, we have hit the same standard in the food, wine and hospitality scene yet, and we’d like to be the catalyst for change.’

‘Meccanico was the first step in this journey. We are providing a venue and an experience that visitors don’t expect when they come to Wagga Wagga. Our customers are pleasantly surprised when they come to Meccanico and we are hoping for a similar impact at Pastorale. In time, we hope other venues will follow suit and visitors will experience that more broadly.’

Open fire dining at Pastorale.

Meccanico opened its doors in November 2019 and given the exceptional circumstances COVID-19 provided for the first year of business it’s remarkable to see Richard and Karl expanding further. The expansion to Pastorale is funded entirely by Meccanico’s cash flow so Richard and Karl intend to hit the ground running.

Whilst far from finished (additional venues and businesses are constantly being considered), Richard and Karl are mindful of growing too quickly and plan to use the next 12 months to ‘stabilize the ship.’ Catering to their individual strengths, Richard will focus on Pastorale whilst Karl will focus on Meccanico.

When asked about their inspiration, Richard keeps it very simple: ‘I ask myself, if I were the customer what would I want? Where would I want to go? What would I want on the menu? What would I like to experience? And then I consider if that is already offered.’

Pastorale’s style is distinctive and classic

We are providing something different and distinctive to other locations in Wagga Wagga. Ultimately, we will stay true to our passions, our beliefs, our style and ourselves.

Pastorale by Meccanico is open 6 nights a week:

Monday - Saturday, 5pm till late.

See the full Pastorale menu here.