“We’re missionaries,” she said. I believe her. Sitting opposite Silvana Taurian, owner of Truckle & Co, purveyor of fine foods and cheese, I have to agree. But there’s ghosts, and that’s just the beginning…
Growing up on a pheasant farm, with a dad who loved food and loved to cook, was a pretty good start for a girl. A girl who ended up on her own path, but of course, it involved food.
Silvana’s dad was a trailblazer, just as his daughter is, so many years later. With the first licensed restaurant in Launceston, Quigley’s, the family ended up in Battery Point with Taurian’s, where the laid back vibe of Preacher’s now rules the back streets.
“The place was haunted.” (I think ‘blimey! There’s those ghosts again! Is it just Tassie?) Silvana lived upstairs, and battled a creepy cold on the staircase, and sometimes woke up, pinned by a frosty invisible hand, to the bed.
She left the ghosts. Picking up experience, knowledge and ideas, she moved around the east of Australia. Silvana eventually landed back in Hobart, now running a big wholesale business that showcases passion and excellence in the industry.
Truckle and Co evolved to spread the word about classic, ancient products, which are shepherded by generations of a family, down through the years. They follow age-old family traditions. Love and patience are what it’s all about.
The Cheese Room at Truckle & Co
Silvana adds, “Nothing’s just a product to us. It’s a story. It gives people access to history and tradition.” Many of the products stocked are unique, and Truckle has a buying collective, bringing in their own exclusive agencies.
The passion at Truckle is palpable, and forms the chain links of love, and family.
Her questions before she’ll even consider stocking a product?
- Is it a benchmark product in its category?
- Is it authentic?
- Are the family or company reputable and sustainable?
Now hosting items from Italy, France, Spain, the mainland and Tasmania, Truckle’s has evolved into a busy, dynamic, interactive space. Hosting cooking classes, meet the producers, guest chefs, and tasting galas, keeps Silvana and her team busy.
“A great deal of what I do is letting the public know what’s out there, and how to use it. From our first year of selling 50 Panettones, we’re now moving 2 pallets. My customers get it.”
Silvana has introduced a loyalty program, where members get 10% off cheese and wine, and has introduced her list of the top 5 pantry essentials.
And to finish? The shop makes that heavy browsing and decision-making so much easier with marvelous coffee and lunches and small meals. Just make sure you bring a big bag!
Chrissie
Truckle & Co 141 Bathurst Street Hobart Phone 6231 0661
So dear readers, do you have a favourite Truckle product? Have you seen the cheese room? Better than anything I’ve seen in Melbourne, that cheese room is worth the trip alone. And you may just find that perfect ingredient that forms the apex of your kitchen… tell us your stories!
