Just open: Johnny Pump

Naomi Pasinetti describes her new Essendon eatery, Johnny Pump, as "a little bit of nonna's kitchen with some US influence". Pasinetti and her business partner, Jeff Booth have renovated and relaxed the space, which was Fletcher's Pasta Bar for many years but has been vacant for the past two, exposing the brick walls and adding canteen-style furniture. One wall carries a mural of the Big Apple. "It took a few months of work," Pasinetti says. The menu is a mix of pasta dishes - baked gnocchi with vegetables and mozzarella, spaghetti with meatballs and napoli sauce - and US touches, including Burger Me Up Scotty, a beef burger on a brioche bun, and waffles with whipped cinnamon butter.

It's open Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.

Details: Johnny Pump, 87 Fletcher Street, Essendon, 9375 4408.