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Table tribute for Melbourne cafe culture pioneer, Sisto Malaspina

Melbourne mourned following the death of coffee legend Sisto Malaspina in the Bourke St attack. Now, Melburnians are encouraged to pay tribute to the loveable coffee maker with a new installation outside his cafe.

David Malaspina and Sisto's widow Vicky at the unveiling. Picture: Nicole Cleary
David Malaspina and Sisto's widow Vicky at the unveiling. Picture: Nicole Cleary

A memorial table to honour Melbourne coffee legend Sisto Malaspina has been installed outside his beloved Pellegrini’s cafe on Bourke St.

Widow Vicky and son David attended the unveiling, sharing memories and freshly made espressos.

The tribute commemorates Mr Malaspina who died in the Bourke St attack on November 9 last year, age 74.

Coffee maker Sisto Malaspina of Pellegrini's Espresso bar.
Coffee maker Sisto Malaspina of Pellegrini's Espresso bar.

The table features a portrait of Mr Malaspina drawn by Melbourne illustrator Oslo Davis.

The dedication reads: “Sisto loved Melbourne – and Melbourne loved him back.’’

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the table and plaque was a fitting tribute to a pioneer of the city’s dining culture.

“Sisto made people from all over the world feel welcome in Melbourne,’’ Cr Capp said.

“He used to sit and watch the world go by out the front of Pellegrini’s. Now the table is installed outside the cafe we hope Melburnians will take the time to do the same in his memory.”

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Italian-born Mr Malaspina arrived in Melbourne in 1963 and 11 years later took over Pellegrini’s with friend Nino Pangrazio.

ian.royall@news.com.au

@IanRoyall

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/table-tribute-for-melbourne-cafe-culture-pioneer-sisto-malaspina/news-story/8b9ec52861c0fc6df673cc358e7512c8