Numero UNO

UN Caffe Bar

368 Little Collins St

Melbourne CBD 3000

This hip and trendy little gem was quite the discovery as I was aimlessly meandering through the streets of Melbourne in search of a caffeine hit! So many cafes, so little quality!
It must have been the bright red that got me, STOP!
I have always been a sucker for a latte in red.
The menu was funky and fresh, the staff hip and friendly, the coffee was illy.
To me those four little words say so much; the final word in coffee!
The single blend, quality guaranteed, famous, recognizable and consistent right around the globe.
Un Caffe is a franchise with two in the CBD and a few in Adelaide, heavily illy branded and recognizable by its distinctive red décor.
George, the owner and barista presented my espresso in a warm demitasse cup, and as I peered inside the luminous reflective glow was reminiscent of Ayers Rock at dusk, quite the sight.
The complex flavors blended perfectly on the palate, as it circled my mouth for hours, truly illy has proved once again that it is Numero UNO, and judging by the flocking crowds who seemed to be enjoying Un Caffé’s coffee and sumptuous fare from its exquisite menu, I think this is one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets.
If you’re in the area make sure you stop in, a solid ONE bean, Keep it up!

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Red Bean - 18 Elizabeth St Hobart

Ok, so avid followers know I am involved in Pitch Club through my work with startup businesses. We'll we hit Hobart last week, and of course, I took a mo to review the coffee.
What a surprise this place was after an ok, but sub par effort by the other establishments I had visited. Coffee quality I thought, must not be high on the agenda, but I was wrong. Was I wrong. This place had a nice but less than 'groovy' decor, but the red scooter in the window was a sign that something might be up. They delivered the long macchiato in a smaller than usual glass, but it was one of the best I have had. Smooth and creamy, and not a hint of bitterness. This was a good bloody coffee. We followed it up with a drop of chocolate heaven from the array they had on offer and stumbled down the street in exactly. Well done guys and gals. 2 solid beans there.







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RESET Cafe

541 St. Kilda Road
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

Seek and you shall find!
Words to live by, especially when it comes to that elusive quality caffeine hit!
I did and this little gem was actually at the base of the ‘SEEK’ building on StKilda Rd, just down from the old Chevron complex for all those disco bunnies, remnatns of the eighties.
This place just seemed inviting as I strolled past, the décor was funky, it was tidy and very clean, it just oozed cool.
The owner, Jim, greeted me with a friendly and warm smile obviously happy to see another new face, anxiously awaiting satisfaction.
The menu was pleasant and well priced, especially considering the location, but it was all about the coffee, as it should be, the rest was just scenery, lovely to admire but of no real consequence.
My espresso came out in a warmed demitasse glass, its delicate caramel crema, dense and aromatic, wafting a floral scent with hints of woodiness sending my palate into an expectant frenzy.
The flavours and taste did not disappoint.
I felt almost as invigorated as the first time I snuck into the chevron , under aged!
Jimmy then followed it up with a perfectly poured café latte, a delicate blend of velvety textured milk, infused with umber tones of a dense, perfectly extracted espresso, which effortlessly cut through to produce the desired Rosetta of the master barista.
Well done, its gotta be a two beaner, maybe even two and a half, the only thing missing being so close to the Chevron was some Boom Boom and You spin me round!

Coffee: Coffico

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First Pour

First Pour
26 Bond Street
Abbotsford VIC 3067

Well let me just say, it was both an honor and an absolute pleasure to trek down to Abbotsford, and meet the great David Makin.
As a confirmed caffeine addict and café junky it was quite exciting.
First Pour is home to probably some of the best Baristas this country has to offer, with not only David, but also Luca and David Seng doing their thing behind the amazing Yellow La Marzocca.
How can I dare to review their coffee?
What adjectives can one use to describe such an experience?
Another latte, why not, the last 3 were great, bring it on, Davo!!!
No seriously guys, if you haven’t make sure you do! If you have, I’m sure you’ll agree!!
I spent most of the day with David learning about what it takes to be the best, and at Makin’ espresso which operates out of the Veneziano warehouse; David does his best to teach us poor humans the fine art of being a true Barista, a maestro!
Without doubt a three beaner and a MUST for all seriously looking for that amazing Coffee experience!

Maybe we should introduce "the Golden Bean award"...??

NEWS FLASH! David Makin and Erin Sampson of former Coffee HQ fame, have JUST opened a brand New café called: PRIMARY @ 399 Royal Pde, PARKVILLE: Can’t wait to head out there for that review!!

Coffee: Veneziano.

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Switch Board Cafe - Mechantile Building Foyer, off Collins Street.

Occasionally I discover a real gem, and this is certainly one of them. Switchboard café goes where no one would have thought a café was possible, which tells me these guys are using their bean. These innovative entrepreneurs have wedged themselves a café in what was probably a store room and a shop window. Effectively a nook. I love it. This place has class and the guys are passionate about delivering you your custom made brew for the morning. The end product was as expected delivered in a unique old style orange glass, and the long macchiato was as smooth as silk. No bitterness and I could have sat on it for hours. Good work guys, welcome to the three bean club.






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St ALI Roasters

12-18 Yarra Place
South Melbourne VIC 3205


Bow down and worship, the GOD OF THE Bean is alive and well in South Melbourne.
You haven’t had a coffee, until you’ve had one at St. ALI’s.
Must be a 4 beaner, an existential experience, truly, these guys do everything right! RESPECT!

Coffee: St ALI Roasters

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Pellegrini's, Bourke Street, Melbourne

Pellegrini's is a Melbourne institution, and quite possibly not the first time MCR has paid its respects to this establishment that has been in successful operation in the CBD for decades.

The cafe has been photographed and featured in dozens of reviews and articles, most memorably when Christy Turlington was pictured here as part of an advertising campaign for The Age. Apparently Russell Crowe has also paid the cafe a visit.

They use a special Vittoria blend which provides a strong flavour, and serve customers in true Italian style - either seated at a stool or standing at the bar. It was a hot summer day when I visited recently and an iced watermelon crush was also available - lovely.

I had a chat with the owner, Paul, who started Pellegrini's over 40 years ago after moving to Australia from southern Italy. Pretty impressive. Everything here is home made, from the cakes on display to the pasta that is served to you at the bar.

Pellegrini's is a very special place for the city, not just for the great coffee but because it represents part of our heritage. I feel like I'm stepping back into a past life of Melbourne here, and I love it.

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