Cafe Bacini's

www.cafebacini.co.za Call: +27 11 678 9019

The  Bacini’s  Story.

The Moretti family was one of many Italian families, living in hope in a post war Italy. There was Lorenzo, the adventurous Moretti and his younger, more conservative brother Paulo Moretti.

Paulo- happily married to his sweetheart, Amelia-had two children; Ricardo 8 and Fabio 5. It broke Amelia’s heart that her children would never know Italy as she had known it whilst she was growing up. Times had changed, poverty was a reality and the future was looking doubtful.

Lorenzo was convinced that there was a better life for them elsewhere. He had heard great things about South Africa: the warm climate, booming mining industry and of course, the lovely ladies. He decided to go to South Africa in search of a better future for himself and the rest of the family.

As the brothers were very close, Paulo would not let his brother leave alone, so he joined Lorenzo in his quest for a promising future. They left   Italy in Febuary1946, assuring Amelia that all would be fine and that they would soon return with good news.

After their departure, Amelia struggled-it was just her and her precious boys in Italy and she missed Paulo terribly. Before they knew it, a month had passed and they had received no news from South Africa. The boys sensed their mother’s sadness, as their father wasn’t at the table. Once a week she prepared for them their father’s favourite  meal- her lip smacking spaghetti bolognaise –and in return they would comfort her by showering her with kisses.

Meanwhile back in South Africa, Lorenzo and Paulo met many people thanks to their charismatic and spontaneous personalities. To Paulo’s disappointment though, opportunities were not as plentiful as Lorenzo had imagined.

One day the two of them were sitting in a coffee shop having an espresso, whilst planning their next endeavour when the owner of the coffee shop overheard them speaking. It was too much for him to resist – as they were Italian – he couldn’t help but ask them what they thought of his espresso.  Paulo was apprehensive to share his true opinion, but being the honest people they were, they told Martin (the owner) that it “lacked body” and was rather bitter.

The response they elicited was not at all what they had expected.  Martin said “that’s exactly what I need people like you!” Lorenzo and Paulo didn’t understand his reaction “I need partners that know how REAL coffee is supposed to taste!” He continued exuberantly.  Martin joined the brothers at their table and the three of them made plans on how they were going to make the “perfect espresso” and partners they became.

Following this wonderful development, an ecstatic Paulo returned to Italy to fetch Amelia and the boys. Considering Italy’s chaotic economy and unstable government the move to South Africa was undoubtedly the right thing to do.  In May 1948 Paulo. Amelia and the boys joined Lorenzo in South Africa.

Soon after settling in, Paulo and Amelia had their third son, Andoni. This was seen as confirmation that their future in South Africa would indeed be a blessed one. Amelia felt very much at home as she continued baking her traditional Italian bread and other Italian favourites in her newly built clay oven-a welcoming gift, built with love by Lorenzo and Paulo.

Lorenzo, Paulo and Martin had been experimenting with coffee beans and roasts for quiet some time, sourcing only the finest Arabica beans from all over the world. Eventually, after much trail and error, they had two winning blends: one for Martin, which was a light roast and a medium full-bodied roast, for the two Italiano brothers.

To celebrate their bright future and promising business partnership, Lorenzo arranged a get together so that they could share their joy with their new South African friends. Amelia naturally prepared a spread of delectable dishes.

What a celebration it was! There was more than enough delicious food to go around. While everyone was enjoying their meal, a South African friend asked Amelia how on earth she made such  “magnifique” spaghetti bolognaise and Amelia answered that it was inspired by the kisses she received from her sons, while their father had been away. It was those little kisses that had given her hope and sustained her while her love was far away, trying to secure a brighter future for their family. Lorenzo, Paulo and Martin rounded the day off in true Italian style with their “perfecto espressos.”

The gathering was one of many more to come.  The word about Amelia’s wonderful cooking soon spread and before Amelia knew it, she was serving her delicious meals in her very own home which in time became the first Café Bacini’s

When the Moretti brothers were old enough, they too-with their charm and love for their mother-got involved in the family business from its humble beginnings to what it is today. What started out as a family kitchenette flourished and is still known today as Café Bacini’s –“Little Kisses”

http://www.cafebacini.co.za/

Shop 47 Cresta Shopping Centre, Randburg, Gauteng | +27 11 678 9019

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