From Italy to Yorkes, Elisa's journey to Bond Store

Elisa D’Amico and her husband, Andrea Iannucci, have been the proud owners of Bond Store in Wallaroo for just over a year. Both originally from Italy, they have now made Yorke Peninsula their home.

With Elisa’s warm, bubbly personality at front of house and Andrea’s creative flair in the kitchen, Bond Store has quickly become a standout foodie destination on Yorke Peninsula. From the food and drinks, to the ambiance, to the service, you’re in good hands when you come to Bond Store.

We recently caught up with Elisa after a pilates class in Moonta to talk about Winter on Yorkes. Her infectious smile and welcoming demeanour immediately set the tone for an engaging conversation. Here’s what she had to share about her journey to Yorke Peninsula and what she recommends at Bond Store this winter.

You’re originally from Italy, how did you end up on Yorke Peninsula?

My journey in Australia began in Melbourne in 2013. Initially, I planned to stay in Australia for a year, but my return ticket was set for six months. When I was ready to go back, my grandpa encouraged me to extend my stay. Taking his advice, I decided to see out the full year and moved to South Australia. It was in Adelaide that I got to know my now husband, Andrea. After spending four years in Adelaide, our path led us to Yorke Peninsula. Andrea had the chance to run the Bellagio Restaurant in Kadina, and they needed help with the front of house, so I joined him. We both fell in love with the area. In 2021, despite having job offers that would have taken us to Adelaide or Sydney, we chose to stay and make Yorke Peninsula our home. We started working at Bond Store and then in 2023 we took ownership. 

What is your favourite part of Yorke Peninsula?

The beaches! Whether it's winter or summer, the beaches are the best part of Yorke Peninsula. Most of the time, you have the whole place to yourself. I especially love South Beach at Port Hughes and Office Beach in Wallaroo. Both are really beautiful.

Best place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee? 

Apart from the Bond Store, I often go to our neighbours, The Smelter, because I like what they do. I also enjoy Nook and Nourish in Moonta.

What do you recommend in winter at Bond Store?

Gin! A nice gin and tonic is great in winter, or an espresso martini. For food, definitely the truffle fries or bao buns, they are good year-round. And the lamb! It’s my favourite thing at the moment.

 What do you love most about Yorke Peninsula?

The quality of life. The lifestyle is quiet, giving you time for yourself. It doesn’t feel as busy, and there are no traffic lights in the whole Yorke Peninsula. Coming from Rome, where there are many traffic lights, this is a big change. Everyone is so friendly. I love the community here and feel like I kind of know everyone.