End of a delicious era for Muratti cakes

Many a wedding, birthday or special party has had a Muratti cake on their table. And while that tradition will continue, the duo that started it all have announced their retirement.

Darek Pietka, Jimmy Parris, and Robert Ziolek at Muratti Cakes & Gateaux in Prospect. Picture: MATT LOXTON

There was “some sadness but more happiness” as Robert Ziolek and Darek Pietka bid a fond farewell to their beloved Prospect Road patisserie Muratti Cakes & Gateaux.

The duo finally hung up their aprons this week after more than 30 years of delicious cakes, macarons, croquembouche and assorted pastries.

But their retirement is even sweeter with the knowledge Muratti – an Adelaide staple since 1990 – is in safe hands. Co-owner Jimmy Parris has been working at the popular business since he was a teenager and will maintain the traditions started by his old bosses.

“Of course we will miss it, we established Muratti from zero and it’s very special to us,” Ziolek said.

“We are happy that we have someone to take over, at the same time we are sad to go. Still, there’s more happiness than sadness.

“It was important to pass it onto the right people and we could tell very early on that Jimmy is a wonderful person. The customers are in good hands.”

Pastry chef Ziolek and Pietka came to Adelaide from Poland in the early 1980s, and met working in the kitchen of city restaurants.

They started Muratti after Ziolek and his wife Wiesia’s small pastry business, operating out of their Prospect home, needed an expansion.

Fast forward three decades and the patisserie has become an SA icon, winning several awards and the hearts of anyone with a sweet tooth.

“It’s always important to listen to the customer, and we’ve always tried different flavours, different combinations and products,” Ziolek, 62, said.

“The customers are the key. And once you can see people enjoy it, you have extra energy. But now is the right time to go.”