Lock-Box

September 1, 2010

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omarbird

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!
Omarbird2

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Peter Christo
Posted in 3 Beans, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | No Comments »



August 27, 2010

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soto

It’s rare that a bar restaurant gets the balance between cafe and the other bit right, but it looks like SOTO has cracked the code. This is truly a stylish place, with enthusiastic staff and a bloody great coffee. I got a delightful long macchiato, served up in a beautiful class cup, the dollop of froth sitting atop the double shot perfectly, and the taste was exquisite given I have had a few by Friday avo. Contrary to public opinion, you can stuff up a great roast, but not here. The guys have done well, this is a great p;lace to just plonk and do some work, ponder life, have a business meet or even call your significant other for a random long lunch.

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Peter Christo
Posted in 2 Beans, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | No Comments »



August 25, 2010

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Braeside-eatery

Call me over the top but my three pet gripes in quality coffee is 1. the fine dining restaurants, 2. The hotels and 3. the Business & Industrial parks. Well, looks like number three is a changing. We get about 15-20 new cafes recommended to us a week in MCR and when i saw this one, I was keen to get out here myself to review. I had some feedback from my spies that I was in for a treat. I knew we were looking good when I entered and between a bevy of coffee orders the madam barista looked up and smiled at the new face in town. This is a good thing, I know they care. Next, I spied Dukes Coffee on the shelves, goal 2, I know Peter and the guys at Dukes and they are mad about their product! I ordered my Long Macc from an equally pleasant lady at the register, and they soon delivered my first injection for the day. It was noticeably Dukes with that smooth deep vibrant blend. A worthy place to get your fix ladies and gents.

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Peter Christo
Posted in 0.5 Bean, Business Meetings, Family Friendly, Melbourne | No Comments »



August 18, 2010

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eugenius
You know when you are in sync with the Tyche (the Goddess of Fortune and Prosperity of a City, our beloved Melbourne in fact), when you imagine it and it comes. It dawned on me that good cafes and cafe experiences can be anywhere now, we’ll find them and let our readers know via the web or the phone. A few days later I find Eugenius, an oasis of coffee love in the back streets of Windsor.

Eugene has developed his home garage into a most exquisite cafe serving all who care to venture in. He is an enigmatic man, with a passion for food and coffee. His coffee is his own blend, and I found it quite satisfying, in terms of strength, flavour and a lack of bitterness. I love it, it was unique, high quality without pretentiousness, and a little bit fancy I must say!!

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Peter Christo
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August 17, 2010

125b Broadway, Nedlands
Open 7 days -  6.30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 6.30am-2pm Sat & Sun.

streetview

I sought out La Galette after my wife tasted their almond croisants at another Perth cafe,where she soon became obsessed with these delectable pastries.

We headed down to Nedlands with our 8yo Cavalier Georgia in tow to sample the much vaunted pastries and try their coffee. A water bowl near the alfresco tables in front of the store for visiting pooches was a nice touch.

The décor was light and bright with a black and white theme giving it an oh’ so French ambiance.

Apart from the Almond croissants also on offer are baguettes, cakes, pies, fruit tarts, friands, brioche breads and authentic sweet and savoury crepes.

The staff were very busy but friendly and efficient, we ordered our croissants and coffee choosing a table outside so that Georgia could socialise with the other four-legged clientele.

Our coffee arrived soon after, mine being a flat white and my bride having a latte, both coffees had good temperature and were well presented with silky textured milk. The blend cut through the milk giving a pleasant and flavoursome taste experience.

The croissants were sheer decadence and every last crumb was devoured leaving  the plates  sparkling clean!!

Coffee by Five Senses

A most enjoyable visit and I’m sure I will be coerced into visiting again  in the not too distant  future, gotta be worth a little brown bean.

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



August 16, 2010

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Dr Jekyll Cafe 1Dr-Jekyll-7

If Carlton is the underbelly, St Kilda is the loin of Melbourne, and we love it. It has some of the most authentic places in Melbourne and Dr Jekyll is right in the thick of it. This is authentic and inspired cafe offers the coffee lover an exceptional coffee experience, with great service and a sublime menu to boot. They choose to offer Syndicate coffee, and they know how to use it. I have visited three times now, and each time I found my coffee to be perfect in temperature and taste. Consistency probably equates to the barista who is the owner and clearly knows his stuff. Welcome to the family.

Dr Jekyll Cafe 3Dr Jekyll Cafe 6Dr Jekyll Cafe 9

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andreelhay
Posted in 1 Bean, Family Friendly, Melbourne | No Comments »



August 7, 2010

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GT 7

I think an urban war has errupted,.. Northern suburbs vs everyone else? The Green Tambourine offers a cozy atmosphear, embedded within the old bluestone walls of what was. the jail wardens of residence.

The Synesso coffee machine and fives senses coffee humms along as quite conversations fill the warm air. This place offers communal tables, and boxy padded ottomans. The coffee had a deep rich flavour, with a bright aftertaste. Simply great. And what of the name? Well interistingly, its to do with a song from 60’s, guy who didn’t want to beg on the street, so played his Green Tambourine. I Love it.

Green Tambourine 1

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Peter Christo
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August 5, 2010

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hecktor

Ambiance is everything, and this place has it in spades. Groovy music (Talking Heads actually), a cozy warm wintery spot to mellow, eat nice food and drink coffee by the Yarra. The coffee is a good strong blend if ya like it like that. It was delivered at about the right temperature, probably a bit watery but I found out later that they do drop a bit of water in it because its so strong (depends on your taste I guess). We are not talking over the top, but it was good and a lovely complement to a great meal. Officially no wifi but someone has left a door open if you know what I mean.

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Peter Christo
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