March 6, 2010

81-83 Church St

Hawthorn Vic 3122

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Well, well, well, what a way to kick off a long weekend…..to be treated to some quality caffeination at the hands of the one and only David Makin, who was making a guest appearance for one day only, at the newly opened and much discussed CoffeeHit!

Greeted by Dave’s smiling face(excuse the photo, I never claimed to be a photographer), I was treated to the art of the barista being put on display at its finest, the guy was poetry in motion, a pleasure to watch!

The man was a gun, in total control of not only his equipment but of the entire cafe, it was running like a well oiled piece of machinery. But this is all about the coffee, not the barista, it was just so exciting to watch though……

Dave presented me with an espresso that he effortlessly squeezed in between the multitude of orders. A dense crema, thick and rich, aromatic on the nose with delicate inflection and color excited the senses and prepared the palate for what was sure to be an orgasmic experience. A complex drop, with delicate berries, a hint of chocolate and a strong finish that lingered and left me wanting more.

The Devils Cup is alive and well in the burbs, Hawthorn are blessed to have access to such a divine drop, this was evident by all the smiling faces, lots of mums, dads and babyccinos……

“A take away cafe latte, please Dave,” I begged as I was now in a rush to host my radio show, The Devils Cup. Always keen to oblige, he prepared 8oz’s of perfectly textured milk combined with 30mls of delicate espresso which kept me fuelled all the way to radio station 3WBC…..The rest as they say, is history!

thecaffiend humbly awards 3 BIG Beans to the crew @ CoffeeHit with the mighty Makin at the helm. Do yourself a favour and head on down to check ‘em out, you won’t be disappointed I guarantee you that, if you are, I’ll personally pay for the coffee ;)

Till next time, keep on Caffeining on………………………………thecaffiend.

Coffee: Veneziano

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Steve Agi
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February 12, 2010

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145 Stirling Highway,

Nedlands WA 6009

Mon-Sat 7am-4pm

A new mecca for specialty coffee has sprung up in the plush western suburb of Nedlands, highly experienced and passionate caffeinistas Justin Kenny and Jonny Nease who already have the runs on the board from Velvet Espresso and it’s reputation for fine coffee have opened up their new venture in the Chelsea village centre in Nedlands.

Coffee lovers and members of the Perth cafe industry have been highly impressed with the nectar of the gods being produced at Elixir so I thought I had better head on down and sample their wares.

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Sitting on the shiny stainless counter is the only three group Synesso Hydra in WA, three Mazzers are lined up with military precision, a wall of funky wallpaper, a row of blackboards  displaying their food and coffee menus sit on the wall behind the counter, high ceilings and comfortable seating create a relaxed atmosphere to spend one’s leisure time enjoying their great fare.

Another room at the back is being fitted out for dining and will open in the near future, behind the scenes they have a shiny new roaster awaiting installation. Once up and running  they will be accessing special micro lot beans sourced from estates in noted regions to enhance their clientele’s appreciation of quality coffee from green bean to the cup.

Jonny presented me with an espresso served in a baby blue demi cup, it was a 2-bean blend of Colombian Carmen de Atrato and El Salvador Santa Sophia. My senses were hit with a zingy fruity hit of acidity displaying good body and mouthfeel leaving a lingering aftertaste, a truly enjoyable espresso experience.

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I followed the espresso with a flat white, the Croatian baby blue cup’s coffee to milk ratio was spot on and with dainty artwork atop silky smooth Bannister Downs milk displaying it’s natural sweetness with  the blend cutting through to give a most pleasurable java hit.

Coffee by Five Senses and supplemented by Elixir once their roaster is commissioned

With coffee craftsmen the calibre of Justin and Jonny at the helm of Elixir, Perth has a new addition to it’s top cafe list.

A must visit and well worth a huge three beanzzzzzzzzzzzz!!

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Trevor Green
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January 17, 2010

@ David Jones

297 Little Collins St

Melbourne   VIC   3000

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Well here it is, after the small taste late 2009, the CaFFiend is finally proud to bring to you the official review of the much talked about and the amazing new concept in caffeination , the Sensory Lab.

So many reviews, so much talk, so much hype!

Is it all true? Is it all worth the fuss?

So many reviews, everyone is talking about it, it’s all the rage, the CaFFiend feels a bit overwhelmed trying to even mix it up with some of the best palates in the country who have given the latest addition to the Malatesta Corporation stable a go.

Words cannot explain the experience, for that is what it is, it is soooo much more than merely a cafe, is it the way of the future? Is this the first ripple of a fast approaching fourth wave? As it looks as if we have moved on from the standard fare of in house roasting and the whole third wave movement and embraced the natural evolution to make coffee into a total sensory experience.

The coffee(s) must be tasted to be believed, the focus on education and customer service exemplary, the whole experience is something that I highly recommend for anyone who is keen on trying not only some amazing coffee but experiencing something totally new.

Without a doubt 3 BIG BEANS, a real winner that must be experienced to be believed. Make sure you check it out, it is the future of coffee, tell ‘em the CaFFiend sent you!

Coffee: St Ali

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Steve Agi
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January 14, 2010

Monmouth-Coffee-Company-4Monmouth

Well, a coffee company dedicated to all things great and wonderful that can come from the coffee plant. These guys are bang on. They have a roasting site and 2 cafes that are always busy and buzzing with all things yummy and delicious. The roast coffee from single farms and estates and they visit all of the farms to ensure that they know what they are buying and where it is coming from. They roast on Italian manufactured machines that help retain the fruit and bright acidity of their medium roasts and develop the body and sweetness in the dark roasts. What I love about Monmouth is that they recognise that getting the best out of any coffee roaster and the coffee itself is that it is a continual learning process that needs to be profiled with every batch.
They offer a newsletter in the store that you can take with you that details all the information regarding all the individual coffees and allows you to choose what you want. They always feature a different coffee and I really love being able to go and taste something new and try to discover new flavours on my palette.
Today I am indulging in an espresso from India, Balmaadi Estate. This coffee comes from a certified Organic and Biodynamic farm. At high altitudes and favourable growing conditions this is a very distinctive coffee. It is rich in caramel and has a very clean finish on the tongue. I really like this one, and the colour is something I cant describe. Pure delight! I am very happy.
Monmouth in the Borough Markets of London is a cafe with a line at least 30 people long every time I come, and they take your order in line so that by the time you arrive at the counter all you have to do is pay and drink. There is a large communal table full of jams and baguettes to indulge and a large selection of pastries, treats and chocolates. You can purchase any or all of the coffees that they roast and the entire experience of standing in line is wonderful.
I am yet to visit their roasting site but I will go for sure, and soon. I have also been to the smaller store just near Covent Garden which is magnificent also. So small, I am sitting in a booth made just for one and people are in line waiting forever if they have to just to get a taste of this magic liquid gold. The barstia’s are right next to me and I can hear them commenting on how good this shot is and how one of them is a little obsessed with perfecting her grind. It is wonderful to hear and very rare in this tea drinking city. Of course, the Australian accent of my barista is hard to miss. Again….

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Jaye
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January 7, 2010

261 Carlisle St

Balaclava   VIC   3183

devilscup

Well, well, well, as the old saying goes, better late than never and in this case truer words were never spoken!

It took the CaFFiend a while but I was finally able to make my way down the ‘golden mile’ of cafes and personally thank the creator of my famous Devils Cup latte art image, see left.

David created this a year ago personally for me and although he is reputed to serve one of the best coffees anywhere in Melbourne, lazy me took so long to get down there and see for myself, but let me tell you he is serving something very special, a custom blend out of Adelaide, care of RIO Coffee which will blow your mind.

It is truly everything it is reputed to be and then some, a passionate team, totally focused and caffeine fuelled, really and honestly possibly the best coffee on Carlisle St and that’s saying something with names like Gattica, Lad Chicas, Batch and Wall 280 all within walking distance.

Three BIG BEANS for the Midali team, and a BIG recommendation to one and all to give them a go, you truly haven’t lived till you’ve had some Midali Caffeination, but a question to ponder………What does Midali mean?

Till next time, keep on caffeining on……………………….The CaFFiend!!!!

Coffee: RIO

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Steve Agi
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November 26, 2009

1882Elektra
This place is fantastic.
The whole concept is amazing. I can’t believe I found it without even looking for it. They are serious about their coffee and have been since 1882. Their espresso blend is comprised of seven different single origin beans from around the world including the highly sought after Nicaraguan Maragogype which is more expensive to cultivate than the famous Blue Mountain. It is a joy.
They have an extensive espresso menu alone which I have to include here because it is truly impressive.

Espresso 1882
Espresso 1882 Macchiato
Espresso 1882 Con panne – whipped cream
Espresso 1882 Corretto – amaretto
Espresso 1882 Gianduja – chocolate and whipped cream
Espresso 1882 Gia Cometta – meringue, whipped cream and crushed hazelnut

Honestly!
They also offer a coffee guide on their website for the true coffee veterans such as myself to read and enjoy. You should check it out.
The presentation and perfection of every single shot extracted from the stunning Elektra Belle Époque is enough to make me weak at the knees. The taste! Oh the taste, truly perfect espresso is served here and I am in heaven to have it. It is short and strong and served with a small bitter chocolate and shot of water on the side to expand every mouthful of coffee. It is all about complimenting the coffee here. Caffe Vergnano has, for three generations, been working in London and are now winning awards for their signature 1882 blend. They grow, they roast, they brew, they serve and I’m sure they indulge also. They have 2 coffee bars in London. Southbank Centre and in Charring Cross road, which is where I have found them today. Ahh the Italians! Got to love their dedication and passion for the grand things in life.

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Jaye
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November 21, 2009

Market Lane COFFEE
Shop 13, Prahran Market
163 Commercial Rd
South Yarra  VIC   3141
It is with a great sense of anticipation and excitement that I make my way through the traditionally bland and boring Prahran Market. As an old Prahran boy, I know it well so its right to the back, Elizabeth St side in search of coffee nirvana.
Normally I would be talking about espressos and ristrettos right now, but I know that this new landmark will offer so much more, and boy does it live up to expectations!!!!
With a heavy Monmouth influence, there is no denying that the emerging UK specialty coffee scene has played a major part in the creation and design of this concept store from the team @ Melbourne Coffee Merchants. More than a cafe, a destination, more than a mere coffee chop it is truly an education centre a new wave born from the third wave.
Single origins, cup of excellence, pour overs, CLOVER…….a coffee haven for the weary pilgrim.
I can’t go past the CLOVER and with Costa Rican ‘La Pira’ Cup of Excellence on offer I take a seat, take a smell of the floral aromas permeating the air as my beautifully presented beverage arrive and prepare for caffeination.
Anything that tastes this good must be bad, I feel guilty merely partaking of such a divine drop, thankfully it lives up to and far exceeds all expectations, pure bliss on the palate and truly a 3 bean beverage if I’ve ever had one.
With lots of love from all the staff, an in house roaster, cupping on site and beans for sale, this is truly a one stop shop for anyone in search of true coffee bliss, as they mentioned to me while I was there, at Market Lane “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COFFEE!!”
Coffee: Melb Coffee

Shop 13, Prahran Market

163 Commercial Rd

South Yarra  VIC   3141

mcr

It is with a great sense of anticipation and excitement that I make my way through the traditionally bland and boring Prahran Market. As an old Prahran boy, I know it well so its right to the back, Elizabeth St side in search of coffee nirvana.

Normally I would be talking about espressos and ristrettos right now, but I know that this new landmark will offer so much more, and boy does it live up to expectations!!!!

With a heavy Monmouth influence, there is no denying that the emerging UK specialty coffee scene has played a major part in the creation and design of this concept store from the team @ Melbourne Coffee Merchants. More than a cafe, a destination, more than a mere coffee chop it is truly an education centre a new wave born from the third wave.

Single origins, cup of excellence, pour overs, CLOVER…….a coffee haven for the weary pilgrim.

I can’t go past the CLOVER and with Costa Rican ‘La Pira’ Cup of Excellence on offer I take a seat, take a smell of the floral aromas permeating the air as my beautifully presented beverage arrive and prepare for caffeination.

Anything that tastes this good must be bad, I feel guilty merely partaking of such a divine drop, thankfully it lives up to and far exceeds all expectations, pure bliss on the palate and truly a 3 bean beverage if I’ve ever had one.

With lots of love from all the staff, an in house roaster, cupping on site and beans for sale, this is truly a one stop shop for anyone in search of true coffee bliss, as they mentioned to me while I was there, at Market Lane “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COFFEE!!”

Make sure you make your way down to Market Lane and check it out, you won’t be sorry: Till next time, keep on caffeining on!!

Coffee: Melb Coffee Merchants

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Steve Agi
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November 11, 2009

 172 Oxford St

Collingwood VIC 3066

 

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Big wheel keep on turnin…..Nolan keep on burnin: Rollin on with a SIX group SYNESSO! What the ?!?!?!

 

Let me just say you gotta see this thing to believe it, 6 groups of espresso excitement, commandeered by the one and only Nolan of Liar Liar fame.

 

This is quite the caffeine destination, a real espresso extravaganza! So much to sample, to ry, to taste, to sip, to pour, to partake of, I felt like a kid in a lolly shop.

 

Nolan’s obvious skill and passion is not only matched by his eccentricity and clear vision, but judging by what he’s managed to achieve with PROUD MARY he has outdone himself and created a whole new concept in cafes a clear winner, from the Syphon bar, to the turntables, the sample roaster to the multiple grinders and even the custom built knock box!

 

You’ve gotta go down and check it out!

 

The coffee must be tasted to be believed, faultless, delightful an amazing addition to this city’s vibrant, dynamic and totally unique cafe scene. A definite 3 BEAN destination and one of the city’s finest, make no mistake you will keep going back for more as long as Nolan keeps ‘em coming.

 

A great place to enjoy a delightful meal too, the quality right across the board was superb, the attention to detail reassuring the vibe, eclectic and exciting!

 

Go down and say g’day to Nolan and the team at PROUD MARY, tell em the CaFFiend sent you and keep on caffeining on!!

 

 

 

 

Coffee: 5 Senses

 

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Steve Agi
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