Fitzroy’s Casa Ciuccio (pronounced Choo-Cho) has quietly reopened under new owners, Fabio Candolo and Carrie Bartonek, who’ve renovated the space to include the new Ciuccio Café and Wine Store.
Originally run by Matt McConnell of Bar Lourinha, Casa Ciuccio (meaning house of the cheeky donkey) was sold to Candolo and Bartonek in June 2015. The duo lightly renovated the two-story Victorian terrace and reopened in November 2015. “We wanted to create a space which can be enjoyed day and night,” says Candolo.
Previously a deli, the new Ciuccio Café features an all-day breakfast including, the appropriately named, Big Ass Breakfast with veal and sage sausage, and slow roasted sumac tomatoes among other specialty trimmings. The lunch menu features hard-to-choose-between dishes including the coal pit roasted pork on brioche, as well as cabinet sandwiches and salads that can eaten in or taken away.
Operating in the same space as Ciuccio Café, the Wine Store showcases a handpicked selection of over 100 organic, biodynamic and natural wines. “Customers can pick a bottle from the Wine Store and for a small corkage, sit and enjoy their drink while nibbling on dinner dishes from Casa Ciuccio Restaurant. We are also planning to hold regular wine tastings in the coming weeks,” says Candolo.
Next door, the updated menu for Casa Ciuccio Restaurant celebrates creating deep flavours from simple ingredients – the trademark of authentic Mediterranean cuisine with slow-cooked meats from the house coal pit, fresh seafood and rustic charcuterie boards. “Our menu is designed for sharing. Eating is a social experience and we want our customers to enjoy a little of everything, “says Candolo.
Upstairs opens for overflow and group bookings, and also doubles as a private event space. It features an overhanging courtyard and bar, with limited edition prints by Billy Justice and Sarah Kelk from Modern Times, complementing the historically rich interior. “We will be renovating this space some more this year and potentially opening it up to the public for special events,” says Candolo.
Casa Ciuccio is located at 13–15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 3065. Ciuccio Café and Wine Store is open 7 days a week from 8am until 7pm (Sunday until 5pm). Casa Ciuccio Restaurant is open from 5pm till late, Tuesday till Saturday. For more information please visit www.casacuiccio.com.au.
