Mio Nonno Pasticceria isn’t just a business—it’s a tribute to family, tradition, and the sweet legacy of Italian culture.

CHAT SESSION 125 with Jessinta Fantauzzo

🎧 PODCAST LINK

Topic- Meet Jessinta: ‘The Young Pastry Chef Reviving Italian Baking Traditions’

Monday 15^th Sept 2025 1pm RPPFM - Your Peninsula Radio

In a time where food trends shift with the seasons and traditional methods are often replaced with shortcuts, Jessinta Fantauzzo is doing something rare: she's keeping the past alive—one pastry at a time.

At just 27, Jessinta is the proud owner of Mio Nonno Pasticceria, an Italian pastry business deeply rooted in family tradition, love, and a fierce dedication to authenticity. Her journey isn’t just a business venture—it’s a tribute to generations before her who poured their hearts into flour-dusted countertops and sugar-dusted memories.

A Family Legacy That Began in 1962

The story of Mio Nonno (which means “my grandfather” in Italian) begins more than 60 years ago, in the Melbourne suburb of Thornbury. Jessinta’s great-grandfather Vincenzo and grandfather, Lino, opened a pastry shop that quickly became a local favourite. It was more than just a place to buy cakes—it was a hub of culture, warmth, and Italian tradition.

Lino, or "Nonno" as Jessinta affectionately calls him, had a sixth sense that she would one day carry on the family craft. From a young age, she showed an unshakable love for baking. Whether she was whipping up treats at school, experimenting with recipes at home, or spending weekends learning her nonno’s techniques, Jessinta was unknowingly stepping into a legacy that would eventually become her own.

The Father-Daughter Dream Team

While her nonno taught her the art, it was Jessinta’s father, Enzo, who gave her the push she needed to take things further. Although Enzo chose a different path and didn’t pursue the family business himself, he always saw Jessinta as the one who would bring it back to life.

Their first shop was a dream realized together. Located on Victory Road in Airport West, the cake shop became a cherished neighbourhood gem. For two years, Jessinta and Enzo worked side by side, perfecting recipes, serving their community, and laying the groundwork for what would become a much larger vision. After deciding to close the physical location, they transitioned into an online business, focusing on markets, pop-up events, and custom orders.

Though the shop had closed, the dream had not.

A Push from Dad and a Leap of Faith

One quiet afternoon, as Jessinta sat at the table in her father’s home, Enzo offered an idea that would reignite everything.“Scott from Two Buoys needs cakes. You should do it,” he said, casually but with conviction.

At first, Jessinta hesitated. After all, it’s not easy to step back into a business that demands so much heart, time, and trust. But with her father’s unwavering support, she took a deep breath—and took the leap.

That moment became the turning point for Mio Nonno Pasticceria.

Why Tradition Matters

In Jessinta’s world, tradition isn’t just a concept—it’s the backbone of everything she does. She's seen how some modern bakeries cut corners or reinvent classics like cannoli in ways that stray far from their roots. That’s something Jessinta refuses to do.

For her, baking is about honouring the methods her family used for decades. It’s about slow preparation, high-quality ingredients, and staying true to the rich flavours of Italian culture. Every recipe she uses has a story. Every cake she makes carries generations of passion and pride.

From ricotta-filled cannoli to almond crostate and rich, rustic celebration cakes, Mio Nonno Pasticceria reflects the Fantauzzo bloodline—a living, breathing collection of heritage passed down from grandfather to granddaughter.

Mio Nonno: More Than a Name

The name Mio Nonno says it all. It’s not just a nod to her grandfather—it’s a declaration that her business is built on love, legacy, and respect for the past.

In every cake box, market stall, or custom order, you’re not just tasting dessert—you’re tasting a family's story. A legacy that started with two Italian immigrants in the 1960s and now lives on through a passionate young woman determined to carry it forward.

Jessinta’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the sweetest things in life aren’t new—they’re the traditions worth preserving.

Want to Taste the Legacy?

Stay up to date with Jessinta’s journey by following Mio Nonno Pasticceria on social media. You'll find behind-the-scenes baking, upcoming markets, traditional Italian treats, and more stories from the kitchen passed down through generations.

Follow @miononno.pasticceria on Instagram and Facebook and experience the flavours of true Italian tradition—one cannolo at a time.

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