arcelo Tummino has embraced the success of his burger joint Brother Burger & the Marvellous Brew by opening new cafe Dulcita next door.

These neighbouring eateries represent Tummino’s two chief cultural influences: his childhood in Argentina and his time in Australia.

Dulcita, which is Spanish for ‘sweetie’, has a distinct Argentinean bent. Some of Tummino‘s recipes have been in his family for many years, handed down from one generation to another, while Tummino has developed others specifically for the cafe.

A highlight is the tempting variety of traditional, house-baked sweets and empanada’s that line the front counter. Their coffee of choice is Atomica’s Tiger Ray, which is a full-bodied blend with a hint of chocolate and slight fruit tones. Two things you can rely on from Dulcita is consistently good coffee and a delicious variety of pastries.

Tummino has worked in the hospitality industry for several years and has helmed several successful eateries. For him, the ideas behind opening Dulcita after the closure of Eat Drink Man Woman were to strip it back to a level of genuine simplicity.

“Melbourne is a cafe city,” he says. “That enjoyment of just hanging out, getting a good cup of coffee and taking the time to read the paper and catching up with friends – isn’t that what it’s all about?” Dulcita is open seven days a week, taking your tastebuds on a trip to South America that will leave you wanting more.

Tummino is hoping to have their breakfast menu up and running within the next few weeks but for now there is coffee and pastries.

La Dulcita
413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Hours
Daily 8am–3pm