March 6, 2010

81-83 Church St

Hawthorn Vic 3122

IMG_0151

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

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Steve Agi
Posted in 3 Beans, Beverages, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | No Comments »



March 3, 2010

IMG_9199

100 St George’s Tce, Perth

Mon-Tues 7am-5pm

Wed-Sat 7am-midnight

A totally new and exciting concept to Perth, Greenhouse is located at the St George’s Terrace entrance to swish new Enex100 retail complex.

Greenhouse was brought to fruition by Joost Bakker who initially built the concept in Federation Sqaure,  Melbourne for a three month season, the Perth Greenhouse will be a permanent fixture on the landscape and has been a hot topic of conversation around our fine city.

IMG_9204

Check out the website to see how it was constructed in only six weeks, view the time-lapse photography detailing the construction and the use of re-cycled materials wherever possible.

www.greenhouseperth.com

By now every media outlet in Perth has covered Greenhouse concentrating mainly on the food, decor and accentuating the environmental friendliness of the place.

IMG_9206

I have passed by several times hoping to try their coffee but Greenhouse has been bursting at the seams with people lined up waiting to get in, today we finally managed to score a table and  ordered our coffees–a short mach and a flat white, an attentive waitress kept our water glasses topped up while we waited twenty minutes for our coffees to arrive.

My short mach was temperature perfect, nice crema, medium body with rich choc/cocoa notes and a lingering aftertaste.

The flat white looked the goods, crowned with smooth microfoam, a caramel coloured crema circling the rim on the cup, the blend cut through the milk producing a smooth creamy chocolate taste experience, a couple of good but not great coffees.

Coffee by Fiori, Osborne Park

Perth has embraced this totally innovative new addition to our cafe culture with gusto.

Three beans for the innovative design and decor, one bean for the coffee

For a food perspective check out:–

www.bowlofhoney.com/fine-dining/greenhouse-perth

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Trevor Green
Posted in 1 Bean, Beverages, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Western Australia | No Comments »



February 22, 2010

IMG_9299

Mayfair Lane, West Perth

(behind the Commonwealth Bank)

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm

Hidden away off Mayfair Lane in a heritage-listed old stable with rough-hewn and caulked timber floors, rustic brickwork,  stainless steel benches with two very shiny three group Wega espresso machines. A large communal table is the centrepiece of the inside area, adorning the walls of this area are some striking photographic artwork which the artists have for sale. The umbrella-shaded alfresco area has a long shelf with stools running down the side  creating a pleasant setting for a lunchtime break.

IMG_9303

IMG_9301

Coffee is the focus with Garrett (he also runs Blink in Fremantle) with whom I had a lengthy discussion about coffee, he has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, a sign on the wall tells customers they are welcome to bring their lunches to enjoy with his coffee, a small selection of biscuits and slices are the only food on offer. Coffee is served in takeaway cups, an honour system exists whereby if you have the correct change you just drop it in the chute located in the countertop. I love the layout whereby clients can interact with the barista and share the coffeemaking process instead of standing in front of a counter.

There was a steady flow of eager clients calling in for their daily nectar of the gods so I joined them and ordered a flat white. My flatty was an ideal temperature capped with silky smooth microfoam and a lovely golden brown rim of crema, the blend cut through the milk giving a most pleasurable taste experience and a lingering choc/caramel aftertaste.

Two very well dressed business executives arrived and decided they would have traditional short machs today. I watched as they savoured the viscous liquid in the cups and departed with a huge smile on their faces.

Coffee by Crema Roasters, Kalamunda

I love the rustic ambiance and relaxed style Garrett has created and the passion he displays for what he is doing, sure to be a popular destination! Worth  a couple of beanz

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Trevor Green
Tags:
Posted in 2 Beans, Beverages, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Western Australia | 5 Comments »



February 13, 2010

309 Exhibition St

Melbourne  VIC  3000

IMG_0128

Well, well, well, here’s one that’s sure to strike a chord with coffee fans around town , it is the re-emergence of the original 7 grams owners, the brothers Haralambopoulos: Con, Peter & Jim…….at their new place called 65 degrees.

Sure to be a hit in the heart of the CBD, 65 degrees has just opened its doors to a caffeine fuelled city that is sure to appreciate the level of quality and meticulous care these brothers are sure to bring with them.

Judging by past performances it’s destined to be a BIG part of Melbourne’s funky cafe scene.

Just opened, it’s still a work in progress with this review being a sneak peek at the place before the brothers smother it with the sort of TLC that true operators show, that really set the great cafes apart from your run of the mill corner shop….

Gracing the bench space is the instantly recognisable little red La Marzocco which is as part of the brothers repertoire as is quality, service and plenty of big smiles…

The lads are now custom roasting all their coffee and let me tell you the ristretto that I was presented with was as good if not better than any I’ve had in recent memory. Need less to say my cafe latte chaser looked incredible and tasted even better, pure poetry in a cup!!

Keep an eye out for the updated review after the renovation in the next few weeks, and whoever emails me @ steve.agi@melbournecoffeereview.com and can tell me what significance the name has, or why you would think to name a cafe 65 degrees will win a copy of the cafe guide 2010 FREE !!

No beans to report yet, waiting for the make over before the official review, but go down and check it out, tell ‘em thecaFFiend sent you! Keep on Caffeining on!

Coffee: Gridlock (Custom Roast)

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Steve Agi
Posted in Announcement, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | 2 Comments »



January 17, 2010

@ David Jones

297 Little Collins St

Melbourne   VIC   3000

IMG_0022

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

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Steve Agi
Posted in 3 Beans, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | 5 Comments »



126 Union Street, Brunswick VIC.
IMG_0372
IMG_0371

One of the hardest things to keep a track of in MCR is new cafe’s popping up in obscure places, so when my buddy and industry oracle Nathan Wakeford from Somage Fine Foods suggested we meet at a new place, I jumped at the chance. Face time with Nathan and a new cafe, I love it.

I arrived at Miss Marmalade (just 2 days old on my visit on Friday), and was greeted by what seemed ‘very friendly’ and enthusiastic staff (I didn’t know they had just opened). The place is immaculate, clean and laid out with an obvious attention to detail. There was even a tradesman still doing his thing while I was there, but it didn’t detract from the operations of the cafe.

I had a meet, a meal and held off my coffee until after a stupendous steak sandwich (nearly registered MelbourneSandwichReview.com), and then ordered up my double shot espresso. I was delighted at receiving a well presented, and simple coffee. What hit my lips was a smooth nectar that complimented my meal perfectly. Strong, and bold, with definite chocolaty taste.

Great job guys, welcome to MCR and a solid 2 beans.
(why Miss Marmalade?)

Coffee: 5 Senses
Barista:TBA
IMG_0368

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Peter Christo
Tags: ,
Posted in 2 Beans, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | 3 Comments »



January 10, 2010

Address: 1a Bluff Rd, Black Rock VIC.
Ph: +61 39589 1991
IMG_0348
IMG_0348
It seems that every time I promise myself to slow down, the rhythm of life goes up a beat, especially now that MCR has taken over my life, thanks to y‘all (I mean that in the nicest way). I have been trying to shed some unwanted pounds by enduring a few regular circuits down near the rotunda at the end of Bay Rd in Sandringham. It’s a picturesque spot, but I have yet to find a worthy coffee spot there to end my session with (correct me if I am wrong).

At the end of this particular session, I opted to zoom up the road a few k’s to try and find a worthy play in Black Rock, and found myself in Odo, a rather trendy looking place on the very end corner of Bluff Rd.
Seems that it is popular with the bike riders as well as the intelligentsia of BR. Papers out, deep and possibly philosophical discussions, and from what I can tell, kiddie friendly!

All good signs, and behind the counter two men, who seems to be deeply in caffeine land, taking orders and pumping then La Marzocco to its limits. I was dripping with sweat, when I ordered the Long Mac, and then proceeded to gather intel.

Coffee was Gravity, a decent contributor in the caffeine world. While it took a while to produce (it was busy), the shots finally hit my cup, and I heard one of them yell out that it was ready.

I took my first sip with some hesitation as I stepped out into the street, fearing a tongue burn, but no. The sweet bitterness hit my pallet on the walk and the aroma wafted into my nose with delight. I could taste the crème, while never having actually seen it. I was happy, and by that stage less sweaty after my run. Obo is definitely a contender for Top 100/2011, and a solid 2 beaner for now.

Great job guys!

Coffee: Gravity

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Peter Christo
Posted in 2 Beans, Bike Rider Haven, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | 1 Comment »



December 26, 2009

Shop 6/19-21 Wellington Pde

Williamstown   VIC   3016

IMG_0047

Boxing day breakfast with the family, always a bit of a gamble, anyone there, will they, won’t they? Oh what the hey, time to whip out the iPhone and head out west to look for some serious caffeination over the bridge, especially after all the requests from everyone: Your wish is my command!

It’s always a bit of pot luck heading out west….that damn bridge, so unpredictable, so lucky today the roads were empty, looking for some holiday joy, a feed for the troops and some quality caffeination!!

This one’s a bit of a tongue in cheek recommendation, as you all know BeanScene is also  my coffee magazine, so I was curious to check out a cafe named in homage to the nation’s number 1 coffee magazine!

Not only was it absolutely packed, the staff were extremely friendly and even the owner Brett, came out to say g’day after he recognised me! Ordering coffee and breakfast was easy, the menu simple yet enticing, the barista was poetry in motion to watch!

Although his extraction for my espresso was a tad longer than I preferred, maybe I should have ordered a ristretto, the flavours were smooth, the aroma intoxicating, the  mouthfeel thick and viscous. My cafe latte was a well prepared and combined beverage that was presented in a delicate way that really was pure bliss. The milk and coffee uniting perfectly in my cup to create a beverage that I was proud to call the Devils Cup.

Truly BeanScene was the place to be seen  and I was more than happy to have made the trek out west to check it out.

Plenty of beans to be seen at BeanScene and two BIG ones from the CaFFiend!

Well done! Go down and see for yourself, tell ‘em the CaFFiend sent ya!! Keep on Caffeining on!!

Coffee: Green Bean Espresso

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Steve Agi
Posted in 2 Beans, Beverages, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | 10 Comments »



« Older Entries