January 14, 2011

Of course like everyone else we have been shocked and dismayed at the tragic floods, loss of life and property in Queensland. I have just returned from there with my family and we were lucky to dodge this disaster.

As a mark of respect we will not post any reviews until mid next week and will also donate 100% of all our Top 100 book sales to the victims for the next 7 days.

Rather than throw any donations into the big bucket and wonder if it ever made a difference, we have opted to give it to Ron and Narelle Lambert, trusted Friends of Andrew Smith, CEO of the Private Equity Gateway. They are hands on in the recovery efforts, and I have no doubt the funds will be put to good use. We will be giving a combined donation on behalf of Christo Partners, Pitch Club and MCR. We are also inviting you to make a small $50 additional donation to assist if you feel compelled.

Thank you!

Peter Christo


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June 13, 2009

3/100 Commercial rd
Teneriffe , Brisbane 4006

caffeineespresso

 

The CaFFiend is pleased to present first time reviewers Colin & Kym from up north, letting is know all about what’s hot and what’s not in sunny Queensland, keep on caffeining on guys:

This boutique coffee roastery is situated on one of the busier roads in Teneriffe. Rumours of their quality coffee had reached our ears before it had touched our lips. After a short drive we found the shop, a rather small one that didn’t bound out to invite you in. Inside the fit out is a combination of an older style building with ornate cornices combining a cleverly economical funky fit out that suits the area well. They also offer a selection of food.
Now the most important aspect…. The coffee.
The coffee was an in-house blend called ‘Krank’. The former owner of the café on-sold the business but kept the roasting side, and continues to roast this delicious blend for them.  ‘Medium-dark roast, rich and smooth with a lingering chocolate aftertaste’ is the blurb.
Coffee’s ordered were short black, cafe latte, decaf latte and a cappuccino.
The short black sure packed a punch, but after talking to David the Barista, we learnt they used a triple shot basket and double ristretto bases on the coffees, punch explained.

We also learnt that the beans are best 6-10 days post roast, day 7 on the day we were there.
The Shot – Rich dark crema looked very inviting.
Aroma – Dark chocolate with a slightly smokey after scent.
Milk – The only way we described this was ‘liquid marshmallow’, delicious.
Taste – Well balanced full bodied coffee that was enjoyable to drink.
LaMarzocco GB/5 + Mazzer Robur + VERY knowledgeable barista = great coffee.
Given the number of clients that came through the door the service was not as fast as expected, but the wait was explained after watching David the Barista fill a triple shot basket with painstaking care, ensuring each coffee was the best he could make it.
If Caffeine Espresso was closer to our part of town it would soon become a regular stop for us.
Barista Dave made this a two bean experience for us.

Coffee: KRANK

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June 4, 2009

58 Mollison street
West End   Brisbane   4101

105_0186

105_0186

Open 7 days til late – kitchen open til 11pm

The CaFFiend would like to thankMikey Pepperell again with his awsome reviews from up north, well done mate, keep on caffeining on! 

If atmosphere is what you look for in a café, next time you’re in Brisbane, look no further than The three monkeys coffee and tea house; with their many lush lounges, surprisingly diverse choice of décor and an oasis-like garden area in the back, one soon forgets the city is just a stones throw away.
Being in the heart of West End, Brisbane’s cafe central, if the locals don’t approve then you are sure to fail no matter how hard you try, so when you’ve lasted as many years as they have, you know you’re on to a good thing.  While the food isn’t always the greatest, the coffee and ambience more than make up for it.  Whether you’re looking for a place to catch up with friends or just a quiet spot to escape the pressures of the city, I highly recommend the The three monkeys.  While you’re there why not indulge in one of their giant affogatos or a piece of cake; of which you have about 15 to choose from.
Just another of Brisbane’s hidden treasures, which can learly impress even the most refined palate with their obvious focus on and passion for all things coffee.

This one was a real ONE bean wonder as my short black was just perfect, realy doing justice to the Devil’s Cup.
Coffee – Vittoria

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January 2, 2009

123 Eagle St

Brisbane QLD 4000

groovetrainbris

Another guest review here this time from Team Caffeine up north in sunny Queensland, thanks guys, sounds like a real winner up north, even by Melbourne standards:

As far as Melbourne coffee standards go this one is right up there, as it is a very welcome addition to the Brisbane restaurant/cafe scene……Using locally roasted beans from the newly opened Veneziano roasters over in West end.

The place is beautifully designed and very cool, the vibe electric, it is staffed by friendly and obliging people who are hapy and really make everyone feel welcome.

Apart from having an excellent menu and a beautiful wine list, man does not live on coffee alone…

(Who you kidding dude, it’s ALL about the coffee – The CaFFiend.)

This place really does take pride in its coffee. Between us we ordered four different types and all were incredible, the milk velvety smooth, the espresso rich and caramelly, the experience rates as one of Brisbane’s best.

This has to be a 2 bean cafe, even by Melbourne Coffee Review standards, a real HOTSHOT:

http://hotshots.melbournecoffeereview.com/

Thanks guys for this one, good choice. Till next time, keep on caffeining on…….The CaFFiend!!!

[Support MCR and delight your taste buds by joining our Home Barista Hotshot Club]

Coffee: VENEZIANO

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