Campari - 2 Waterfront Pl, Port Melb. (Princess Pier)

Today we did breaky with some old friends down at Princess Pier. We went to Campari, a groovy eat, drink and be friendly establishments right on the water. The new bit, is very new and groovy, and had a nice blend of hip 20 something’s along with us 30 something and more…
The coffee was ok,… as I would expect, but did not knock my sox off. If was drinkable, but the place, the service and the fact that it was Sunday morning made the experience wonderful. No bean however!

The Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder 48-50 Bridge Rd, Richmond.

God, take me now. This place rocked. To the untrained eye, this was nothing special,.. but look a little closer. The Larder bit has an array of cheeses that will harden your arteries just by looking at them. The coffee in the restaurant was divine and I’m not sure someone didn’t take a shine to me but the loveheart in the coffee was perfect.. The service was great and while the pram was a tight fit, I am still having day dreams about the cheese. It was my first visit, so I’m holding off on the beans until I visit again, but I see the next 2 beaner coming.

Viva la Larder
Pete

Thanks for the Calls!!!

Boy, Melbourne likes coffee. This week has been crazy since the Herald Sun ran their article in CityStyle.

Thanks to all those of you who sent through emails and suggestions on where to go for the BESTEST coffee. I have enough to keep me busy for a few months.

Please remember though, my quest is for the whole experience. If you make a great coffee, and everything else sucks, then …well you know.

A great coffee a few weeks ago was not just about good times for me. I was grappling with my own life’s challenges, relationships and the like and, the cosy corners, the music and the hot coffee was a solace to me. I know that is the case for many of us.

Its why I love the dreariness of Melbourne some times, life is not always kind and great… sometimes, in fact most times its like Melbourne’s weather… fine one minute, and bloody awful the next. That’s life though.

Here’s my ‘Designer Crema’s’ for the week. Thankyou Moylans!

Peter

Café 396 Bar Lounge - 369 Lt Collins.

I’m surprised I haven’t talked about this place earlier. They do a damn good brew, and by the way, hot Choc. They have a specific place for coffee dwellers near the front, and by god a Plasma TV for your enjoyment.

They do a good fast brew, but there is no table service (order) and the stiars could make it difficult for prams. No wifi from what I can tell, but a good solid 1 Bean!



Pete

Harvey's (formerly the Dirty Martini) at 412 Collins Street.

Just a quick one on Harvey's, one of my fav as evidenced by todays Herald Sun. I called them by another name as I did the review a while back for HS during the name change.

Here's a couple of pics and I highly recomend the Coffee/Bagel deal at Harveys!..oy! They still do a kick ass coffee and by the way they have a killer Pizza and wine thing on Friday nights.

2 beans.



Pete

Cecconi's at the Crown Casino.

I enjoyed a fine meal and coffee at Melbourne’s own Ciccones on Saturday night with family, before we kicked up our heels at Saturday Night Fever the musical, which was I have to mention exemplary in my humble. Cast and Crew rocked, and to miss it would be a sin.

Ciccones, typically served up a wild meal, however, the coffee was not on par. Anywhere else I would have said, ok, nice enough.. but I expected more from Ciccones? Why? Well you would ask if you saw the bill.

they deserve a bean, but...like I said!!

Gallery Esspresso Bar Alley-oop – in the Port Phillip Archade.

This place is tinier than AIX, but what a delightfull little Bouat to find in drab old PPA.
Quiet, tranquil, cozy. Great to escape it all. A thinkers selection of mags including Scientific American. If you are writing poetry or planning a book, this is the place. They serve Eureka coffee. Nice, Aussie, however a bit bitter for my taste. Is it the land lord barista? Or the coffee?
If you did a business meet there, I’d wonder about the agenda, if you took a kid in there… well, you’ll have to sit outside if you have a pram. Overall, a great little spot!

Susspending judgment on the bean thing!!

Pete

Cafernatics – The AXA Plaza crn William & Collins CBD.

Mmm.. ok.. I had to come here because there was no where close to where I am consulting right now. The coffee was ok, but Milky!!! Was there coffee in it? Not sure.. probably a little.. too little to tell the quality I fear.

The environment for business meets is good, as evidenced by the plethora of smokers outside ( a good thing)…Great spread of cakes by the looks, but low carb diet prevents me… and ummm… looks ok for a mum/dad on a baby day out as far as accessibility. (yes I was asked to rate this too).

No beans but an ok place!

Pete

Could be anywhere in Melbourne

I'm at AIX. Centre place has a real black & white, cum Boggart feel to it. This is amplified in the cold winter of Melbourne. Rae Charles is beating out his blues against the buzz of expresso machine working overtime on this Monday morning. People come in a steady stream ordering their favorite blend. The pastel reds and nearly art deco tops off the experience when I am present enough to look.
I love the authenticity, I love the pause.
Its been a difficult week, more reviews soon...

Pete

A place to escape...

I was asked today by a reporter what it was that I was looking for in the Melbourne coffee shop? I think perhaps a warm place to escape? especialy in with the weather we've been having.

Maybe a place to be human for a brief moment between a very hectic and demanding life. For me, in the coffee shop, we confess the madness & elation of our world, we hear a friends tail of woe, and on occasion, map out a business plan on the modern day papyrus, the napkin.

Everywhere on this planet people gather in these nodes of humanness, and do a coffee. Its something that it nearly as universal as “ok”, “no” and sex.

Over the next week I am heading into the north east side of the City, its time they paid their dues.

Feel free to nominate...