Pavoni adds kiosk just a Spit away

The Spit has spat out more than its share of failed restaurants, but one chef is quietly building an empire on its sandy shores.

Italian chef Alessandro Pavoni established a beachhead with his twin-toqued Ormeggio at The Spit; now he's set to add a spin-off this winter, with even more venues to follow.

Pavoni confirmed he's lodged a DA to open a casual companion next door to Ormeggio at d'Albora Marina.

"It'll be called Chiosco, which is the Italian word for kiosk," he says. It will focus on "Italian street food", serving skewered lamb cooked over charcoal, and baccala pies.

Pavoni hopes to open Chiosco by winter, but explains several neighbouring businesses need to be relocated in the marina to aid his expansion.

"It's like a giant puzzle," he says.

Pavoni agrees The Spit has buried many food ventures, and says he suffered in the early days before building a loyal local clientele.

"That's why we'll offer BYO [at Chiosco], because a lot of Mosman people have big cellars," he says.

Pavoni recently took the first step in his empire-building, opening a wholesale sourdough business. The bread is already available in several restaurants, with plans to also open a retail outlet.

''Long-term I want to open a bottle shop and a gourmet store [at The Spit]," he says.