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This morning was filled with the usual flurry of ‘get out the door’ activity that is associated with a normal Wednesday. Thankfully, it was Helen’s turn to do the drop off and so, I navigated my way through the haze of rain and traffic up Nepean Hwy to this place! This place, appeared on our nominate a cafe form a few weeks ago, and I had heard from my spies that it was good,.. great in fact.
I had to work for it, Gardenvale Rd is awash with construction equipment at the moment so I found myself in the back streets finding this place to park by braille.
Ok,.. so I entered into what must be one of the most interesting (nice interesting), clean, unique and spacious places I have seen serving coffee. The guy behind the counter greeted me instantly (More on him later), which is always a positive sign,.. this guy loves his job.
I ordered my standard, and was asked if I would like the Yemeni bean, well ok I said.. and soon was delivered a delicious, thick and oily coffee that was bliss… really…I am topping up with water at the moment and my palette is still having a party.
So, this is a no brainer… I am maxing the rating here, if I could give more I would,.. Stop whatever you are doing and head down to this place,.. if this doesn’t make our top 100, I’ll choose another profession.
Here is another interesting thing.. I intentionally blew my cover (post coffee experience) and found that Andy, one of the owners wrote for MCR years ago, 2006 I believe… he was a passionate and diligent reviewer, but we just lost touch and I didn’t know where he was… he has followed his bliss and created a most excellent coffee place. If you think, that’s the reason I have raved about this place, you could not be more wrong!
Congrats guys, you have set a new standard!
PS: yes, I asked the question re the name… you’ll have to visit to find out!
The place is really great. If u feel like annoying the barista, ask for decaf extra strong ristretto:)
Mmm. I was in midweek and discovered a double shot was required so I could get a hit with the latte.It delivered and the food was good also.
Cue a Saturday visit and no room at the inn.a request for takeaway and a babycino was met with an exasperated look.the coffee wasn’t the best either.if you can’t handle the crowds get out of the business.
Omar is primarily looking for the crowds that don’t bother with lactose based produce and actually appreciate the original brews. If u are looking for frothed up milk with no coffee in it try a diary farm.
Great coffee. Period. Just went down late morning before GF2. Busy enough without being frantic. Long machiatto with an Ethiopian Yigercheffe bean. Perfect temperature. Nice fruity tones. Apologies for not geting the name of the blonde waitress but she was extremely friendly and accommodating. A really nice vibe about the place. A fantastic fitout too.
re. the comment on Sept 18 above – I ordered a latte and it was fabulous, outstanding. So take your prejudice somewhere else.
This place is over rated.
Coffee is ok, nothing amazing though. I personally felt that it was very weak, it lacked the ‘kick’ that I enjoy in a good coffee. A similar flavour/strength to plunger coffee really.
Food is over priced. I ordered the walnut bread from the brakfast menu ($8.5) and received two pieces of what looked like biscotti! Was very unsatisfying. I own a cafe myself and I would be quite embarrassed to serve that portion.
My friend ordered the chicken roll and felt that the actual roll was on the stale side, the filling was nice but nothing that you would rush back for.
Service was average, took at least 5 minutes for a glass of water to arrive and we did wait a fair while for our coffees to come out and the place wasn’t full. You need to be able to make a good coffee FAST in my opinion.
All up very disappointing and a real shame because the actual place looks great. I wouldn’t return.
I’ve been twice now. I wanted a strong large latte. The first time it was weak and not great, but I decided to give it another go. So I went back this week and ordered again and asked specifically to make it strong, I was told that I would have to have 4 shots of their white or black (I can’t remember which) blend at a cost of $6.50. Well I don’t mind paying if its good, but sorry, it was bloody awful. I’ll never go back again. A big waste of $6.50! I just want a nice strong coffee. Going back to Zou G’s in Bentleigh.