ADDRESS: 753 Glenferrie Rd, Hathorn. +61 3 9818 2003.

I have to confess, MCR Crew now gets hounded to review cafes we haven’t got to yet. Of course we do our best, and depending on location and our own schedules we fit them in where we can. As it turned out, I was on my way to Preston to check on MCR Guide Stocks (dwindling) and Chapel Bakery cafe was on the way, so here I am. Around the corner from Liar Liar, they have their work cut out for them.

I am happy to say that the first box was ticked as I entered, where a young lady greeted me with a hello and a smile. Small detail but essential IMHO. After ordering my coffee, I noted this old style place had that warmth I look or in winter. Its a grey day today, so its working for me. I made my way outside, and settled into what can only be described as the ‘Cafe Garden’ to await my pleasure.

My Long Machiatto arrived expediently and from a presentation point of view it was perfect. The groovy glass, the attempt at latte art on the froth, but what about the coffee?

Well, not bad. I found it a little strong on my pallet, and a touch under extracted. There was some bitterness, but not so much as it would cause a ’send back’.

I like this place, I think that its worth a tentative 1 Bean, and worth a visit,.. I suspect this is a diamond in the rough and a bit of focus on coffee making skills here and Liar may have a worthy competitor.

Welcome to the family Chapel Crew, we are watching you!!

Coffee: Gigante

533 Church Street, Richmond VIC.

Maybe sometimes the unassuming places surprise or maybe 7 Grams just set a standard, but I think Church Street is now starting to become a community of high quality coffee shops.

Red Pepper could easily be missed, but I have to say it serves up a decent cup of Joe, especially to a man who has been off the golden nectar for 48 hrs (nearly).

This is a relaxed venue, and the service if friendly but respectfully distant so you can crack on with a meet or work. The coffee was slightly bitter, but well delivered, extracted and presented.

I haven’t had del Zotti before, so a good baseline and a solid hotshot candidate for a bean rating.

Coffee: del Zotti.

121 Glenferrie Rd
Malvern 3144 VIC

Three year old Vance and I cruised Glenferrie Road looking for a coffee gem, as if we were hunters looking for a prey.

In the heart of Armadale (or is it Malvern?) we spotted Eden Espresso. It looked packed, but it’s style and vibe promised a great coffee experience, and I was not disappointed. This place rocks. We settled into the back room, and with the soundtrack of Top Gun taking me back to yesteryear, I sipped my first Long mac EE and I was delighted. The first thought was simple yet elegant, the way coffee used to be. I downed it in no time and it left a lingering yet delightful feeling, maybe it was the memories Top Gun rekindled of motorbikes and hot summer nights twenty years ago.

The follow up latte was smooooothe!!! And creamy. It had a great balance of milk to coffee and serverd at the perfect temp. As usual what gets me is the attitude of the staff and here the guys are great, but maybe its Vance that attacts the attention. Who knows?
Welcome to the MCR Family!

It is with a great sense of pride that Melbourne Coffee Review announces that the CRIVELLI Cafe of the Year is SEVEN SEEDS of Carlton.

http://www.sevenseeds.com.au/

After the successful launch of the CAFE GUIDE 2010 available on line and in stores nationally, and the even more applauded launch of its innovative iPhone application COFFEEME which is the number 1 new app on iTunes, Melbourne Coffee Review congratulates all those involved in this vibrant and dynamic industry that is what makes Melbourne so………. Melbourne!

A BIG thank you to all the sponsors, predominantly CRIVELLI Fine Coffee who helped turn the dream into reality.

Thank you to everyone for your support and well wishes, I promise you this is only the beginning, sit tite this caffeine fueled ride has only just begun: Keep on caffeining on :The CaFFiend!!

p.s. If you have access to a mobile application service such as an iphone, check it out at our website and download from the itunes store now! COFFEEME

328 Swanston st Melbourne VIC 3000

Mr Tulk is situated next to the Victorian State Library facing out onto LaTrobe Street, with it being meters away from RMIT University; it makes it the perfect spot for all young students wanting to spend the afternoon hanging out with friends and drinking coffee.  However, early mornings and weekends provide a quiet haven to dedicated book lovers and city coffee dwellers.

Before you sit down to order your coffee take a walk over to the bain-marie and pursue the assortment of delicious pastries and panini.   Breathe in the beautiful smell of coffee, and then make your way over to a booth.  Next to the row of booths you will find a bench full of old books.  The fast pace and friendly staff are quick to take your order and describe in detail the specials. It is definitely worth ordering a snack…or better known as a modern cuisine to tempt the taste buds.

The coffee is so good that you’ll pick up any old book…even an Encyclopedia just so you can stay awhile to enjoy your cup of coffee…or two. Two beans!
Mr Tulk is a good spot for both good food and coffee, whether you join the University crowd in the afternoon or quiet weekenders.

Coffee: Monte > Mr Tulk Blend