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MELBOURNE | Casa Ciuccio Fitzroy is a modern Mediterranean café and restaurant nestled in bustling Fitzroy. The restaurant was taken over by Fabio Candolo and Carrie Bartonek in 2015. Architecturally beautiful, newly renovated Casa Ciuccio is covered in exposed-brick, creating a shabby chic, cosy setting. The rustic hanging lights and high timber ceilings give the venue a relaxed atmosphere, reinforced by the open kitchen and quaint courtyard, perfect for al fresco dining. By day, Casa Ciuccio is also a wine store, selling a wide range of natural, boutique wines from worldwide producers.
On a sunny Saturday morning, The City Lane was invited to sample Casa Ciuccio’s new brunch menu with a group of guests from the food and lifestyle industry. One of the most noticeable traits of the restaurant is its playfulness. For a start, the name Casa Ciuccio is Italian slang for donkey house (pronounced ‘Chooch-o). These influences from Europe and Latin America are also clear from the menu and selection of wines.
Although we were only given a select few of Casa Ciuccio’s best selling items on the menu to choose from, the decision remained extremely difficult! I finally settled on the Bowl Of Goodness, a healthy, dairy free breakfast. This dish combines house made apple soaked oat bircher with goji and craisins and coconut chia pudding, topped with berries, seed medley, pistachios, fresh banana and shredded coconut. Aside from being an aesthetically gorgeous and colourful dish, the Bowl Of Goodness is absolutely delicious, full of healthy ingredients. The different flavours compliment each other perfectly and taste extremely fresh.
I was also able to sample Dr Marty’s Crumpets, topped with house made peanut butter, crispy bacon, banana and honey, a dish which most definitely satisfies that sweet craving. It is evident that Casa Ciuccio use premium, organic ingredients to create their food and have constructed an innovative and above all mouth watering brunch menu. The portion sizes are generous, whilst the food itself is beautifully presented and exceedingly tasty.
Although I swayed more towards the sweet treats on the menu, the savoury, and more lunchtime appropriate dishes looked equally divine. Many opted for the Shroom’s Ragu and Polenta, a gluten free dish of smoked scamorza, rocket and truffle oil with a 63° egg. Equally delicious is the 8 Hour Coat Pit Roasted Pork Brioche, made with kohlrabi and apple slaw, green chilli mayo and pickled eggplant on a brioche bun.
In addition to the delicious brunch menu, Casa Ciuccio offer fresh, homemade sandwiches, salads and empanadas daily, as well as an incredible selection of pastries. I was lucky enough to sample the brownie and orange cake slices, as well as the yummy ricotta cannoli’s. I would highly recommend Casa Ciuccio for a weekend brunch with friends in a beautiful, relaxed setting, I guarantee it will not disappoint!
Casa Ciuccio
15 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy
Victoria 3065
Australia
Telephone: (03) 8488 8150
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://casaciuccio.com.au/
Open
Tue – Sat: 5:00am to late