Melbourne Welcomes Square Affogato: A Taste of Florence
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- The Rise of Square Affogato
- The Art of Affogato
- Celebrating Italian Heritage
- A Unique Dessert Experience
- Melbourne: The Perfect Setting
- The Experience of Square Affogato
Key Highlights:
- The iconic square affogato, a beloved dessert from Florence, is making its debut in Melbourne through a collaboration between La Pavoni, Piccolina, and ST. ALi.
- This partnership emphasizes the importance of authentic ingredients and craftsmanship, mirroring the rich Italian heritage behind the dessert.
- Square affogato will be available at all eight Piccolina locations and ST. ALi's South Melbourne café during August 2025.
Introduction
The culinary scene in Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture and innovative gastronomy, but even the most discerning palates can find something new to celebrate. This August, the city is poised to embrace a taste of Italy with the introduction of square affogato, a dessert that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the globe. Originating from the renowned gelateria Vivoli in Florence, this dessert combines the rich flavors of artisan gelato with bold espresso, creating a unique experience that is now accessible to Melbourne's coffee aficionados. Through a partnership among three iconic brands—La Pavoni, Piccolina, and ST. ALi—Melbourne is set to showcase this Italian delicacy in a way that reflects both tradition and modernity.
The Rise of Square Affogato
Square affogato has become a social media sensation, thanks in part to its aesthetic appeal and the delightful contrast of temperature and flavor it offers. Traditionally served in a pre-chilled dish, this dessert features squared-off edges of gelato that are lovingly drenched in a shot of hot espresso. The combination of the creamy gelato and the robust coffee creates a harmonious balance, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.
For years, enjoying square affogato required a trip to Florence, where it has been a staple at Vivoli gelateria. However, thanks to the collaboration among La Pavoni, Piccolina, and ST. ALi, Melbourne can now experience this iconic dish firsthand. This partnership is not merely about bringing a new dessert to the city; it celebrates a shared commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the love of Italian culinary traditions.
The Art of Affogato
La Pavoni, a historic Italian espresso machine manufacturer, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. Founded in 1905, the company is renowned for its handcrafted lever espresso machines that are celebrated for their precision and artistry. Leon Wolf, Head of La Pavoni Australia, emphasizes that the espresso used in affogato must be "bold, rich, and smooth" to create the perfect pairing with gelato. The manual lever system of La Pavoni machines allows baristas to control the pressure and flow of espresso, resulting in a shot that beautifully complements the dessert.
The limited-edition La Pavoni Cellini Mini, with its matte white finish, will be featured in Piccolina locations throughout August. This machine embodies the balance of craftsmanship and user-friendly design, ensuring that each espresso shot is consistent and full-bodied—qualities essential for an exceptional affogato experience.
Celebrating Italian Heritage
The collaboration between La Pavoni, Piccolina, and ST. ALi is a testament to the enduring influence of Italian culture on Australia's coffee and dessert landscape. Piccolina, founded by Sandra Foti, is known for its artisanal gelato, crafted with traditional Italian methods and a variety of innovative flavors. The passion behind Piccolina is rooted in personal history, as Sandra named the brand after her grandmother's nickname, reflecting a deep connection to her Italian heritage.
ST. ALi, a pioneer in Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene, was founded in 2005 and has grown to become a hallmark of quality in the industry. Salvatore Malatesta, who took over the company in 2008, has been instrumental in shaping Melbourne’s coffee culture. Under his leadership, ST. ALi has become synonymous with high-quality espresso, and the introduction of Italo Disco beans, which will be used for the affogato, reinforces the authentic Italian experience that this collaboration seeks to evoke.
A Unique Dessert Experience
The square affogato experience is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the story behind it. As Lachlan Ward, CEO of ST. ALi, points out, the collaboration is about more than simply offering a new product; it's a celebration of heritage and craftsmanship. The combination of Piccolina's gelato, La Pavoni's espresso machines, and ST. ALi's Italo Disco beans creates a dessert that is both familiar and exciting.
Sandra Foti's recent visit to Florence, where she experienced the original Vivoli square affogato, inspired her to bring this experience back to Melbourne. "This is Vivoli’s story. We’re simply paying homage to something brilliant that moved us," she explains. This sentiment resonates through the partnership, with each brand contributing its unique expertise to create a dessert that reflects the best of both Italian and Australian culinary traditions.
Melbourne: The Perfect Setting
Melbourne has long been recognized as Australia’s coffee capital, and as the city evolves, it continues to embrace new flavors and experiences. The introduction of square affogato is perfectly timed, as the local café culture continues to thrive and innovate. Lachlan Ward believes that Melbourne's appreciation for quality and authenticity makes it an ideal setting for this dessert's debut. "Melbourne just gets it. We appreciate the good stuff and have a hunger to try new things," he says.
The city's vibrant coffee scene, coupled with its love for culinary exploration, provides an enthusiastic audience for the square affogato. As the city welcomes this new dessert, it celebrates not only the flavors of Italy but also the spirit of innovation that characterizes Melbourne's food and beverage landscape.
The Experience of Square Affogato
During the month of August, square affogato will be available at Piccolina’s eight locations and ST. ALi’s South Melbourne café. Customers can choose from any available flavor of gelato, paired with a freshly brewed espresso shot made on the La Pavoni Cellini Mini. This flexibility allows for a personalized experience, inviting customers to explore different combinations that best suit their palates.
The square affogato is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that engages the senses. The visual appeal of the gelato's vibrant colors, combined with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso, sets the stage for a delightful indulgence. Each bite and sip draws on the rich traditions of Italian cuisine while reflecting Melbourne's innovative spirit.
FAQ
What is square affogato? Square affogato is a dessert that consists of squared-off edges of gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso, served in a pre-chilled dish. It is known for its delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
Where can I try square affogato in Melbourne? Square affogato will be available at all eight Piccolina locations and ST. ALi’s South Melbourne café throughout August 2025.
What makes La Pavoni espresso machines special? La Pavoni machines are handcrafted in Italy and are known for their manual lever systems, which provide baristas with precise control over espresso extraction, resulting in a rich and balanced flavor.
Can I choose my gelato flavor with the square affogato? Yes, customers can choose from any available flavor of gelato to pair with their espresso shot, allowing for a personalized and unique dessert experience.
Why is this collaboration significant? This collaboration highlights the importance of authentic Italian culinary traditions and craftsmanship, celebrating the shared heritage of the three partnering brands while introducing a beloved dessert to a new audience in Melbourne.