Karen Lawson

Karen Lawson’s corporate job back in the UK had included entertaining clients in some of the best restaurants. This ultimately sparked a curiosity ‘Just how do they do that?’ (she confesses she was brought up on meat and vegetables, so this was all very exciting). She’s the ex MD of Spotify, Peloton and has been a Mr & Mrs Smith ‘Tastemaker’, she’s flashpacked around the world, learning about wine, experiencing different cultures and cuisines and had a two- year love affair with it all. Originally from England, she’s settled in Australia and continues to be besotted by food, wine and travel preferring to focus on the luxury end of town (thread count does matter).

Pan Divino launches in Surry Hills. Italian dining, a hatted chef, house made bottarga, pasta, ricotta and a mind blowing gnochhi with smoked potatoes!

Pan Divino opens on a busy stretch of Crown Street. We’ve met these faces before – Chef Stefano Mondonico, (ex Bondi Fish, Pialligo Estate) led QT’s Gowings winning a Hat in the SMH Good awards 2023. The mood is romantic and casual, there are groups of friends and couples chatting and drinking. White tablecloths grace tables whilst music from a gramophone era lends an air of nostalgia and elegance.

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