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The vintage blue Piaggio Apelino, parked on the corner of Hume and Kiewa streets in Albury most mornings, is the Border’s newest coffee van.
Owners Erik and Susan Radoicic found the bike on the Australian buy and sell site Gumtree.
Erik said they picked it up from a Melbourne seller before launching their mobile coffee and catering company this spring.
“We rescued it from becoming a pizza oven,” he said.
“I don’t think it was even going to be registered.”
The 1956 model Apelino – which had been shortened to The Ape – has traditionally been a delivery workhorse on the Italian streets.
“It’s been in Australia since 1963,” Erik said.
“It was a workhorse; they’re made to go in and out of traffic through the towns and make deliveries through smaller towns.”
With a history in hospitality, Erik (Cafe Musette) and Susan (Ebden&Olive and formerly Border Wine Room) wanted to start their first sideline together.
Erik said the advantage of the business model was – in short – its compact size.
“We only need the size of a footpath for any our functions, events or call-outs,” Erik said.
“We’ve been trading for seven weeks and we’ve already done three weddings, four shop openings, charity fundraisers and the By The Banks music festival last month.”
What's your favourite summer dish, Susan?
Spice-rubbed salmon with tahini yogurt dressing salad and mint.
What's your favourite season?
Spring
Staples in your pantry?
Chocolate, pasta and coconut cream
What is your earliest cooking memory?
Making passion fruit cheesecake with my Grandma.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
We are in the process of landscaping so only some basic herbs; parsley, thyme and rosemary are a must.
Which six people would you invite to dinner?
I would invite just my family because they don’t live here.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Roast chicken, Greek salad and pesto.
What are you drinking at the moment?
Lots of coffee!
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Details:
The Ape Albury,
Corner of Hume and Kiewa streets, Albury, 7am-12.30pm, Monday to Saturday
Phone: 0400 761 874
By appointment for private functions, festivals and wedding after-parties.
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