Autumn '25 Pop-Up Scarf Dinners at Capitano

Scarf trainees are resilient young people seeking protection and those from refugee and migrant backgrounds who are facing barriers to work. Many have experienced long-term unemployment and for most trainees, Scarf is their first taste of paid employment in Australia. During Scarf Dinners, trainees are supported by mentors as they grow their skills, knowledge and experience running the front-of-house, whilst professional chefs do the cooking.

The young people working front-of-house during these Pop-Up dinners are trainees in the Autumn Scarf '25 10-week Seasonal Program, and will be paid the Restaurant Industry Award wage for their work during this event and other work experience shifts worked at partner venues during the program.

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The Autumn Scarf '25 trainees; photographed by Roger Ungers. 

Back: Sana, Richard, Disanda, Anjila, Ali
Front: Ayesha, Muzdha, Nilab, Saneli 

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Menu

$60 per person covers a generous set menu from the Capitano chefs (starters, pasta course, pizza course), and invaluable opportunities for the Autumn Scarf '25 trainees who'll gain paid work experience. The menu will showcase Capitano's signature bold and comforting flavours. Expect to find Tortiglioni with Vodka Sauce (a cult favourite and a staple on Capitano’s menu) and a Carbonara Pizza (featuring pecorino, guanciale, egg yolk, and cracked black pepper). Come hungry! 

See the full menu here. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated; we can certainly cater to those who are Vegetarian, Vegan, Nut-free and Gluten-free; please note these requirements when booking, or reach out to us via [email protected] with any questions.

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Drinks

A fantastic drinks list is offered at Scarf Dinners thanks to generous support from our Hospitality Partners including Unico Zelo Wine, NON, Stomping Ground Brewing Co, Starward Whisky, Bathtub Gin Co, Daylesford & Hepburn Mineral Springs Co, Archie Rose, Maidenii, Five Senses Coffee and more.

And, there's an extra special drink on the menu for our Capitano x Scarf Dinners! At our recent cocktail masterclass (run at Starward Distillery & Bar, with support from Chelsea Catherine and Eddie from Caretaker's Cottage), Scarf Graduate Georgio invented a special little number. He named it “Blueberries on the Beach” and it’s made with Archie Rose white cane spirit, pineapple liqueur, blueberries and lime. It'll be on the Scarf drinks menu for two nights only, so try it while you can! 

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What to expect

By attending a Scarf Dinner, you’re making a real difference to the lives of young people who have faced barriers to work. Professionals do the cooking and Scarf trainees and mentors take care of the front-of-house. Expect delicious food, a top-notch drinks list, attentive service, a fun and buzzy atmosphere and the opportunity to provide valuable feedback as the trainees build their skills and confidence. 

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