Nicolas Falconeri is getting ready to launch the region’s newest cake shop. Photos: Milano Cakes.
An Italian pastry chef who spent years baking Zweefers’ iconic creations is preparing to launch his own cake shop and continue to bring sweet treats to the Illawarra community.
Nicolas Falconeri first found his love for cakes at a young age on the other side of the world.
“Since I was a child with my grandma at home in Italy, we were just baking and cooking a lot together and that’s how my passion started,” he said.
“Then I decided to do culinary school back home and I worked for five years in Italy, gained a lot of experience and just decided to come to Australia to explore new things, explore different places and different recipes.”
He continued developing his skills and experiences right across the country before settling in at one of the region’s most beloved cake shops.
“I’ve worked in different cities in Australia, a few different cake shops and bakeries until I came to Wollongong and I found a job at Zweefers,” Nicolas said.
“I just loved it. I really liked the cakes they were doing, it was good quality, freshness, so I stayed there for quite a few years.”
Zweefers shut its doors mid-last year due to rising costs after serving the region for more than three decades.
The closure of the Fairy Meadow family-run business left a hole in the hearts and stomachs of many in the community, but Nicolas hopes his new business Milano Cakes will help fill the gap.
“I’m just happy to make cakes for the community and people around here, focussing on high quality ingredients and freshness,” he said.
“It’s a big step, especially in this moment right now it could be a little bit risky, but I’m confident in what I do and I know I make good cakes.
“My family loves my cakes so I want to bring the same cakes that I make for them to the people here.”
While a sponge cake with fresh cream and strawberries is one of his personal favourites, Nicolas will have plenty of options for every palate.
“A lot of mud cakes, sponge cakes, meringue type of cakes, we’re going to have cake slices.”
Nicolas trained in Italy before working in cake shops and bakeries both overseas and across Australia. Photo: Supplied.
Through experimentation and dedication, he’s ensuring that cakes are equally delicious for those with dietary requirements.
“I have tried a few recipes multiple times and tried to change them a little bit to make them as I want them, to make them really good, and this vegan mocha cake, I honestly love it,” Nicolas said.
He found the perfect space for his new venture at Tallegalla Street in Unanderra, with the large windows showcasing the treats to entice every sweet tooth or sticky beak.
The shop is in the process of being fitted out, with approvals in the works, but the community has already embraced the new business online with a positive reaction and excitement for what’s to come.
“I do feel like it’s bringing some part of home here,” Nicolas said. “And making it for my friends and my future customers is definitely a good thing and rewarding.
“I’m just putting my effort into trying to make the best cakes and always have them fresh for everyone that comes in.”
To stay up to date and see more of Nicolas’ creations, visit the Milano Cakes on Facebook or Instagram.
