It's just a sign but a very famous neon sign at that.
Pellegrinis is a very well respected and popular coffee bar in Melbourne and opened in 1954 by two Italian immigrants, the Pellegrini brothers. It is said to have had the first Italian style coffee machine in Melbourne. Perhaps. Others claim the same honour. Its neon sign is very old and very much catches eyes when lit at night.
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Initially its customers were Italian immigrants but it became part of the exploding Melbourne coffee culture and became very popular with many people.
The business was bought in 1974 by Nino Pangrazio and Sisto Malaspina. Tragically Sisto was stabbed to death out on the street when he intervened after two others were stabbed by as I recall, a man who had serious mental health and drug issues. He was shot dead by police. It was a shocking crime and Sisto was given a State Funeral, which is no small deal for as small business operator.
On the landing of our level is a photo of Pellegrinis interior. It is only meaningful to those who know Pellegrinis. The seats of the stools are red vinyl and it would have been nice if they could been red in the photograph while keeping it as black and white, but still it is a good photo.
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That is a wonderful shot, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteI guess you mean the photo rather than mine Pat. Sad face.
DeleteEchoing RedPat. That is a gorgeous photo and sooooo evocative.
ReplyDeleteEC, I wasn't particularly happy with it when it was installed a few years ago but it has grown on me.
DeleteA good citizen dying for being a good citizen - how sad.
ReplyDeleteExactly that JB. It is always awful to hear of such things.
DeleteThis is the iconic restaurant most chefs visit during lunchtime.
ReplyDeleteDo they Roentare. I didn't know that but it doesn't surprise me.
DeleteI do love those b&w photos of such places. The essence of that place in time captured forever.
ReplyDeleteSad story to accompany it though.
JayCee, there are a number of other similar photos around our building and I can probably add a story to most of them. Future project. Thanks.
DeleteWow! What a sad tale.
ReplyDeleteI understand your feelings about the b&w. The artfulness is great but sometimes color tells more.
I wish you and R could visit the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA with me and my husband. An active neon studio operates adjoining it. We four would enjoy the experience together. :D Be well!
It is very sad Darla. The sign museum sounds terrific. I especially like old style moving neon signs.
Delete~hugs~
DeleteSad story.
ReplyDeleteI agree the red vinyl seats would have looked wonderful in a color photo.
Bob, that was my thought but now I think it is fine just how it is.
DeleteI remember that happening and how everyone was so shocked it could have happened right there in Bourke Street. Great photo - do you know who the photographer was?
ReplyDeleteCathy, no I don't. I might try to find out and showcase other photos in our building.
DeleteWhat a story! In 1946, a Pelligrino began selling canned peppers, made from his mother's recipe. The little factory is still running today 70+ years later.
ReplyDeleteIn my little town, I meant.
DeleteDebby, a slightly different spelling but that can be for many reasons. That's a long time in business. I think canned peppers would be canned capsicums?
DeleteThat was such a sad event and such a waste of lives. Another indictment against the way we care for our mentally ill. Or don't.
ReplyDeleteGet a red texta and colour those stools in.
Lol Merlot. I like your thinking about the seat colouring. Texta will make it better.
DeleteI'd like to visit that place. It's obviously well-known if the man who owned it got a state funeral.
ReplyDeleteI guess iconic is the word Kirk.
DeleteI might have told you this story before but for Melbourne, getting the Olympic Games facilities ready in 1956 was very important. My father was the chief engineer for water supply and filtration in swimming, diving and water polo, interviewed on radio all the time. See
ReplyDelete"Olympic fever and modernist architecture, 1956"
https://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2010/10/olympic-fever-and-modernist.html
But more important for Melbourne's HUGE Italian community and Olympic team was ensuring that espresso coffee machines were available in this city. My father was responsible for finding or introducing the machines, and his only two successes were in Leo's and Pellegrini's. I LOVED those two places.
I remember all that about your father Hels, but not about the coffee machines. What a great connection to what I wrote. Of course Leo's is still going too.
DeleteI'm rather glad the Italians brought coffee to Australia with all the little coffee shops and the different types of coffee. I really enjoy walking past and getting a whiff of heaven.
ReplyDeleteOh yes River. The smell of coffee as you pass by is enticing, but then it is up to the barista to make a great cup of coffee.
DeleteAnne from Hobart recently said this of Pellegrinis on Trip Advisor "Called in for a late lunch and as there no seats in main restaurant it was suggested we go to family table in kitchen where Lucia was cooking. How lucky were we. Asked her if she minded and she said she didn’t. What an amazing experience…. Such great fresh food and such banter. Highly recommend."
ReplyDeleteHowever, some other recent comments are far less positive.
YP, that's rather interesting. You know, in spite of being a Melbourne coffee snob, I've never been to Pellegrinis. As for the negative posts, may the serviette was badly placed. Trip Advisor reviewers can be incredibly picky. I should look at the reviews myself.
DeleteLooks like a nice place to sit for a moment of peace.
ReplyDeleteTP, I am not sure. There maybe be serving clatter and Italians are not know for being reticent speakers. I will let you know.
DeleteAn iconic coffee shop. How awful that one of the owners was so tragically killed.
ReplyDeleteSami, yes there was such an outpouring of grief.
DeleteThat IS a great old sign. Terrible about the former owner, though!
ReplyDeleteSteve, yes such a sad event.
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