Melbourne CBD, 2024.

#latergram Still life at #Pellegrinis #melbournelife (at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/CctmKTHvBZV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Fresh pasta for lunch - gives you that warm and happy feeling that's just right for a nippy winter day! Some claim Melbourne’s cafe culture started right here... / #pellegrinis #pellegrinisespressobar #sistomalaspina #RIP #italian #comfortfood #pasta #lunchtime #institution #authentic #melbourne #cbd (at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YeM8bHU8r/?igshid=8zbbcaivk0ig

Flowers #pellegrinis #bourkestreet #melbourne #throwbackthursday #jfn_onthestreet #ripsisto #sistomalaspina (at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqehy3SBRqW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w91f2cfaym3h

🌹 #sisto #bourkestreet #pellegrinis https://www.instagram.com/p/BqJoNlCgTNc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dawuh6hf77n1

Sharing with you our treasured painting of Pellegrinis in memory of Melbourne icon Sisto, also my photos taken earlier this year when I had the honour of having lunch with Sisto. It was August and I was visiting the Melbourne Art Fair alone when I stopped by Pellegrinis and sat down at the classic long counter. Sisto welcomed me with a ‘hello bella’ then handed me a granita and buttered bread roll. While he laughed and joked around with his staff and all the countertop customers until we were all involved in debating his conversation, it was because of him that you never felt alone at Pellegrinis. Tragic and senseless his life taken, Rest In Peace Sisto. (Painting by Darren Doye) #pellegrinis #sisto #ripsisto #disbelief #icon #melbourne #darrendoye (at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqG97dRjW2e/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bqofm6p93svl

Sisto Malaspina grabbed this cup, looked at it closely and with a slight smile on his face he said:  -"You know what you have to do?, you have to erase the joy bit from the window, that's just temporary signage, you have to show the Vittoria Cafe sign that we always have.  Then you ought to send this cup to Vittoria".  Then he tapped his forehead as in saying "thinking it through boy!". While I drew this cup Sisto went outside (it was a cold afternoon) and spent a few minutes with me, he told me about Pellegrini's and how much effort he put into the business.   This man had the biggest charismatic personality in this little big city of ours. He was happy to share his wisdom and charisma with everyone. Sisto, I am sorry I didn't change the word Joy for Vittoria, because Joy was what you brought to us whenever we visited Pelligrinis and encountered your smile. Rest in peace dear Sir. #pellegrinis (at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqE8zaYnAX9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16v9a1lqoiz7y

Dearest most wonderful Sisto ♥️💔 What an honour it was to get to spend time in your magical presence. Spreading love and laughter and stories of life. We cannot believe you are gone, the victim of the terrorist attack in Melbourne yesterday. Cannot stop crying. Your presence in this world will be so very missed. #Pellegrinis #Sisto #SistoMalaspina (at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqA_Il6HAm9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sser325oxp1o