In Seddon for the first time, I was in desperate need of a coffee with no idea where to find the liquid I needed to satisfy.
Le Chien had been recommended and was just doors down from the shop that had drawn me to a suburb so far away from home.

Wandering in from the dazing sun, the first thing to catch my eye is a large communal table packed with people end to end. This really did set the scene for what eventuated into a relaxing half hour in a real neighbourhood cafe.
The interior has a mix of communal seating and small intimate tables with enough space to feel comfortable. One side of the cafe is inhabited by a mural that covers the entire wall and the other with deep red velvet floor to ceiling curtains and soft furnishings… there is an arty, almost bohemian feel.
I started as usual, ordering a short black, and took a seat in the window with the paper.
My coffee arrived promptly and was exactly what I was waiting for.
The rich dark crema stubbornly clung to my lips as I took my first sip inhaling the sharp pungent extraction. It’s flavour was that of dark caramel and very well balanced with a medium acidity and body.
With the taste of my short black still lingering, I ordered a strong latte to follow which was equally impressive. Smooth creamy milk giving the punchy coffee the round consistency and full creamy mouth feel I love in milk coffees.
Hands down the best coffee supreme I have had the pleasure of drinking.
Thank you.

I didn’t sample the food on this occasion but after perusing the menu, I may have to venture back for a long lunch at some point.
Really friendly staff and a great local cafe oozing personality.
A solid 2 beans for sure.

On an overcast, miserable and drizzly Sunday, I’m taken out by my wonderful girlfriend for a birthday breakfast and most importantly, coffee.

The destination is Cavallero, a long bright dining hall reminiscent of an elegant minimalist hunting lodge.
We’re greeted at the door by a personable and friendly staff member who quickly seats us with water and menus.  I have to take time to mention the menus. Thick dark brown leather folder filled with crisp cream pages of tantalising options to slay my hunger.
At this point I’m thinking this may have to be my new regular.

After a frazzled looking waitress took our order, I settled into people watching and soaking up the energy of this colossal space.

My coffee arrives as a short machiato not a short black, as ordered. I politely ask the waitress for a short black not short mac, at this she replies ‘you mean an espresso’ and walked away.
My ‘espresso’ was at my table about 2 minutes later. Quite quickly, considering the mass of people in the place.
It looked as though it had been sitting for at least a minute before coming to my table as the thin crema was clinging for dear life to the sides of the cup leaving a 10c piece of dark coffee exposed in the centre of the cup. By this stage, desperate for the taste of coffee, I took a sip of the luke-warm liquid.
It was watery and flat, very little body or acidity and lacking in personality in the flavour department.
As I finished, the girlfriends strong latte arrived with a thin head of bubbly foam that disappeared by the first sip to leave a greyish milky brew. After the first sip she sent it back for a stronger one which was equally disappointing.

Our food arrived soon after and wiped the disappointment off our faces.
I have to take my hat off to the kitchen. One of the best breakfasts we’ve had out since being in Melbourne.
A pity the coffee and service from the waitress let down the rest of the team in this otherwise great venue.
My final word, Cavallero is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch and make your way through the wine list, but go somewhere else for coffee first. No beans for now.
I’ll be back in a few weeks to see if there’s a change.

Fitzroy North VIC 3068

Hello all you lovers of coffee.
My name is Calum and I’m the new kid at MCR.
I have an infatuation with coffee, which started in New Zealand just over 6 years ago and I have started reviewing to share my excitement for and experience of the Melbourne coffee culture.

Late Sunday morning and I’m on my way to North Island cafe for a much needed coffee fix.
Stepping through the door into the clean open space, I choose a seat with a good view through the huge glass frontage onto sunny Scotchmer St.
The stark white walls are contrasted by the warm wooden counter down one side of the space, and small tables, lining the opposing wall. Behind me, past the newspapers, is a large communal table and one section of wall has been painted for use as a black board, perfect for families with kids to entertain.
Despite the minimal design of the cafe, its welcoming and comfortable.

I order a short black and sit back watching the barista pull a delicious looking shot into my cup.
It’s at my table in seconds with the rich, dark crema, well balanced flavour and sweet aroma I’ve been craving.
I follow this by ordering a strong ¾ latte, orange juice and a bagel to munch on.
Unfortunately, the strong 3/4 part is lost in translation, but a well put together latte arrives at my table. Although not what I ordered or to the strength I desired, I finished it enjoying every last drop.
Devouring my bagel with avocado and lemon, I take a proper look at the menu which covers all the usual bases with it’s own personal twist.

A great start to my Sunday and highly recommended. Thanks to the friendly staff who painstakingly hand squeezed my OJ and delivered supreme coffee.
I’ll be back again for sure. beans here.. X2

Coffee: Coffee Supreme