Coffee @ friends

Once you become a coffee snob it becomes increasingly more difficult to go and have a coffee at a friends house.

Its gone from:
"Anyone want a coffee?"
"Yes please!"

To:

" Would you like a coffee Stefan?" asks your gracious host.
"...um ... sure... ... Um... Hmmm... Tea?"

I just don't know what they are offering.

It sucks.

I want to be nice and just grin and bare it, but I have been burnt so many times. I'm just not sure I can go there again. Ok, big deep breaths...

Unless you surround yourself with people who know how much you love coffee. Then they either don't offer for fear of refusal or a micro grimace that flashes across my face. Or they step up and face the challenge head on.

In some way I feel I am improving the condition of coffee wherever I go.

Some of my friends and family are totally onto it.

Some have been into coffee for years and are improving there game on a daily basis. Others are just new to this coffee game and are taking it in both hands and giving it there best shot.

I applaud this effort.

It not hard, really it's not. Don't think that by buying a tin of coffee you are getting the easy alternative. Its not. In fact you are doing yourself damage by consuming something that has already been made once and when you add your hot, nay boiling water to it your are mearly making it again. Ew. Oh and did I mention that they add MORE caffeine to it? Why? Perhaps they should add more taste!

So one cup of instant needs three cups of water straight after it. Two to counter act the added caffeine and one more to wipe the taste from your memory.

Instant coffee has one place in this world, CWA roadside stops.

So do yourself a favour this Christmas, go to the store and buy a plunger. It just as easy as instant. Pour water just off boiling, on coffee... Wait a few seconds... Plunge and pour. See, it's easy!

I defy you to tell me that it is not better.

You deserve a better morning.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Mad espresso

Sunday in the city and it was time for a coffee.

We stopped at Mad Espresso for a coffee. Woah! It was more like a double ristretto than a double espresso and I'm glad for that. It was like syrup. Thick and dark. Bitey.

Almost, but not quite undrinkable.

Better than some of the other coffees I have had in the city but still not great.

Campos coffee.

Keep trying Brisbane.

Location:Queen St,Brisbane,Australia

Eat n runway

Airports.
Waiting.
Lots of waiting.

Why must the coffee suck?
I went to an Expresso outlet thinking it might be ok. I have had coffee there before and I had thought it to be passable. Not this time.

The black bile in a cup handed to me was rancid. The flavour was way too dark to bare and even with my lack of taste due to my cold I had this retched burnt and over-extracted aroma. I guess that is what they mean by writing
"Aromas" on the cup!


And the pastry I bought was like plastic. Luck I don't write a blog about pastries.

So I tipped it out and bought another from Eat and Runway.
It was really nice. Still a little dark but the taste was great.


So there is hope while waiting for your flight.

Just don't expect anything when your in Mackay!

"Life is too short for bad coffee."

Location:Hibiscus St,Brisbane Airport,Australia

Green Caffeine

green is nice
It has taken me this long to get my hands on some Green Caffeine to taste. I know! I have only been working for the company, what, Three Months!

There are several contributing factors here...
- We only had retail packs for sale and not for testing.
- Bob had his hands full winning "Three" awards at the Golden Bean!
- I'm a lazy bastard.

So thanks for your patience.

Today we ran it solidly at the gate and it came up strong, but not too strong.
Intact it has a pleasant sweet body. It can be a bit bitey at the front but it does promise a nice sweet aftertaste. The customers we gave it too seemed to enjoy the flavour and one even preferred it over the Midnight Oil. Now I personally wouldn't go that far, the Midnight Oil is still my stand out favorite, especially when it is slow pressed for the Athena leva machine.
D Licious!

you can try all of our coffee blends as we now have a coffee rotation. Ebony Ivory is the house blend and the others swap every day.

Mmmm coffee.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Blue Sky Launch

Finally we are officially launching the company. We have been trading for awhile now and the area knows we are there but in the eyes of the media and bloging community we are but a little baby about to take it's first steps into the world.

We are doing so well.
We won three medals at the the Golden Bean. Not bad for a company that has really only trading for less than two years.

So if you read this in time your more than welcome to drop in and help us celebrate.
4:30 - 7:00
32 Commercial Rd, Newstead

I'll make you a Leva!


"Life is too short for bad coffee."

Location:Newstead

Oh Otto

With my machine out of action for awhile I have returned my attention to the Otto that Jasper's gave me when I left.

I had shelved it as a temperamental device that would take me ages to get right. Until I introduced a grinder into the equation. It's great!

Instead of your usual espresso shot it can produce a sort if liquor thick extraction that really packs a punch. Add milk and your in a new coffee sensation.

It's difficult to do two batches one after the other as the whole device get really quite hot. But for one effective coffee before work, the Otto has got what it takes.

Come try one.


"Life is too short for bad coffee."

The Top Shop

Think retro funky.
I imagine myself as a young boy walking half on the hot footpath and half on the prickle filled grass to the Top Shop for a bag filled with lollies.

Flash forward to now. My desires are equally as strong but now coffee is my lure. I want it just as badly.

The Top Shop is a great little place we stumbled upon while exploring Byron Bay. I was still a little drawn but my experience at my brothers wedding and a good coffee would be all the difference between a good journey home or a crap one. We hedged out bets and Laurene went in to order our fixes.

She said that the staff where very lax and the general attitude was that of too cool for school. So the coffee had better be something to rave about. She returns much later with two white Bio Something or other cups filled with the object of our desire...

Wow. The Doppio was brilliant. The flavour was smooth, rich and full of life. A real sensation. I wish it didn't end. In fact it's almost worth driving back there for another.

Laurene loved her Latte also. Smooth and well rounded taste with the right balance of milk and espresso.

So, if your in Byron and you want a treat then I recommend the prickly walk, it's worth the pain.





"Life is too short for bad coffee."

Coffee as far as the eye can see

Are there too many coffee shops?

I don't think so. Think back to how it was before, you had very limited options. If you didn't like the coffee at your local you had no choice but to suck it up and drink it anyway or go home and have an instant. Ick.

Now you can just pop to the cafe next to it and hopefully enjoy the experience. The competition has also greatly improved the general quality of the cups available. If you don't step up the customers will go elsewhere.

We are also slowly becoming an educated coffee drinker.

We know what we like and most of us know how to order it too. Even if it sounds a little strange. I'll have a flat white with extra foam please...

So I guess what I am saying is stand up and tell us if your coffee is shit. We don't mind. Well most of us don't mind. We want you to come back. Again and again.

Find out more about this beloved bean and really embrace the coffee culture. Come in to blue Sky and I will talk coffee for hours. We can have a syphon coffee or even an espresso.

You already know what I'll be having...



A syphon in action.

Location:Leopold St,Newstead,Australia

Feeling neglected?

I am sorry my friends for the long delay between entries. As you can well imagine it has been a big few weeks and it has taken a while to fully settle into my new job.

I am totally not complaining. I love my new job.

Cafe Bella Centro @ Toombul

Lavazza coffee.
What a waist of money. Scalding hot. Why did I go back for a second sip, why?

I should know better. But I can't help thinking there is such a thing as a good shopping center coffee.

Fool I know.

"Life is too short for bad coffee."

Location:Centro Toombul Access,,Australia

Clear blue sky

When you start working with a new company it is often hard to find your feet and settle in to the new crew, with Blue Sky I feel like I am going to fit in well with these guys. I feel the passion behind the bean and I feel confidant that I will be able to make a difference here.

Of course I will wait for Stefano to finish before I make any major changes to how things are being run, I don't want an angry Italian after me. And besides it's not bad, it's just not how I would run things. He will be missed by some of the locals and I can see why. Ciao, Stefano!

I am loving being back in Coffee again. I really did miss it. It feels like I am home again.

We had a open door night last night where we invited a few people to the Roastry to show them how the place is run and to fire up HG and do a small boutique roast.

This will be a regular thing once we start the ball rolling. Join us on Facebook to keep in touch if you want to experience it.



It smells sooo good. Not many people know this but it tastes fairly crap once it is fresh from the roaster. It has to sit for a few days the finish releasing it's gasses before it can be ground and extracted.

I have my first take home beans (Ebony & Ivory) to try out on my domestic machine in the morning so I will let you know how it goes.

ciao belo!

"Life is too short for bad coffee."

Blue Sky Coffee!

I might be jumping the gun a bit here but I am too excited to keep it to myself... I have a job with Blue Sky Coffee!!

I have no idea what my job title is yet, that is to be defined on Monday. All I know is that I applied for a role as a Barista and they saw more than that in me and are creating a role for me. I set my terms and they agreed. I will know more as of Monday.

How cool is that!

So no more will I gripe about selling lights and begrudge going to work. I will spring out of bed knowing that there is passion in what I do and it is being recognized and appreciated.

My two job interviews gave me a good opportunity to scope there vibe and taste the bean. One of six blends. I was dubious at first glance into my cup because it had that ominous dark hue which could mean burnt. But again that was dispelled by a beautiful rich smooth flavour. They gave me the Ebony & Ivory blend.

The factory is a huge open plan space with the roaster on display at one end and a cafe at the other. Hanging from the ceilings are a few very expensive but very sexy bikes and some huge Kangaroo paw art pieces. There is contemporary Aboriginal art pieces on the walls and a few luxury cars in the main space. Perfect place to sit and chat or read quietly while the afternoon waists away without you.

I will be seeing a whole new side of things in a couple of weeks but worry not my friends I will still bring you the great news when I find great espresso. BSC or not.

Give me a few weeks to settle in and then come in and say "Double espresso please!"

www.blueskycoffee.com.au

- Shot on location.

Cosy corner cafe

Our next day was a little more relaxed as the gig was done.

I decide to give the coffee cart a go. It is set up out the front of a framing and gallery shop and the Surf Dude owner is behind. Driving the machine. I think I threw him off his game a bit when I asked if the machine was plumbed I. Or not. His look was like " no-one ever asks about my machine".

He was using Pioneer coffee and I am sure he got all elements of the pour right. It smelt great.

My double was great. I could taste the subtle hazelnut and cocoa flavours under the smooth soft velvet crema.

Laurene's latte however. The dude Burnt the milk. There is no coming back from that. I don't care how good your pour is if you go and spoil it with ruined milk.

I know I should have gone back and let him know but we where already on the beach and the focus was on baby's first time on the beach.

After that we went on down the coast towards Brisbane and we decided to find a place to stop for lunch. We have a grand vision of eggs benedict on a beach boardwalk somewhere. But our vision was smashed a bit when it seemed we had driven past all the good stuff.

With limited choices we stop at a place called Golden Beach. Not really what we where looking for to be honest. The beach was several blocks away and obstructed by unit blocks. No board walk either. We figure the best the limited options is a place called Cosy Corner Cafe. The best is used loosely here. They had fair trade coffee and eggs benedict on the menu. Sitting outside in the shade and in a cool breeze we reluctantly order or brunch.

My coffee is the first thing to arrive and it looks promising. Nice light crema and the aroma was sweet. I enjoyed it. It was a surprise.


Then came the food. BLT, does not mean burnt limp toast! Old lettuce is not meant to be served to customers is it Gordon?! And with no mayo. Oh the humanity!

And eggs Benny. Not too hard. Really. Microwave sauce? I mean really. Is Hollandaise sauce that hard to make fresh.
Lucky this is not a blog on Eggs Benedict eh?

Coffee. Tick! Food. Bup bow!



- Shot on location

Location:Kift St,Deagon,Australia

Emjays

We spotted it on our way to our holiday unit and both said "we gotta Check that out!"

There was room for disappointment. As we walked in Laurene noticed the coffee syrups and we are not big fans of flavoured coffees. Unless the flavour comes from the bean... Duh.
The shop is setup kinda like a Gloria Jeans in dark browns and patterned cushions etc. But fortunately that is where the similarities end.
The service was friendly and the coffee, although I had to collect it from the counter when my silly buzzer went off, was dark to look at. Which worries me most times as it could be burnt. It smelt dark. But the taste was much nicer than I expected. Rich creamy tones with a full flavour.
Nice one emjay.



- Shot on location.

Location:David Low Way,Coolum Beach,Australia

Special Thanks!

This morning I had an excellent coffee experience. At home.

My machine is playing up and I have not been able to get anything from it for awhile. But my wonderful wife, not only cleansed my machine so that it works again but she also bought me some pre ground coffee so I don't have to hand grind it first thing in the morning.

Isn't she wonderful!

Thank you baby. Your the best!

To add to the sweetness last night our friend Bobbi-Leigh bought us some double walled coffee cups as a belated housewarming gift. So it was super special!

And here's a picture...




- Shot on location.

Added Ink!

Finally i get a good cup of coffee!
After a long time between fixes I had a chance to stop by a new caffeine den that has opened at the Albion shops. It's called Sweet Delicious Espresso and it has a unique Tattoo parlor feel about it. With some fairly rad art on the wall.
But of course it all boils down to the coffee...
The lovely lady behind the machine seemed to now what she was doing even if she gave me the wrong change to start with. I can see that this could be a great place to stop for a hit more often if only my train would be just that few moments earlier every day. But no, I only just make it in time as it is.
The coffee was by Vivo? I think. I was in a bit of a rush but that sounds right. It was quite bold and had a nice fruity taste. I really liked it.
So if your into sailor tattoos and some seriously good coffee then get to Albion and get drinkin.






- Shot on location.

Added 14/8/10

I went back today and the coffee was just as good as the first visit.
They have great looking food too guys! Get into it.

vivocoffee.com.au
I think it is a Merlo coffee.

Italian style

One of the perks of my current job us the random occasion that I get to go to the bank. This is fun because I get to leave work and also I can drive past a great bakery with really nice coffee and Italian Canolli!

The first visit set it aside from most other cafes I have been to in Bris. When I entered the sound of Italian words stirred my hope even higher than my need for a good coffee. The gent behind the machine was spouting so words of wisdom, or just a basic cooking hint, but to me it tasted like true espresso.
When I ordered my double espresso he imediatly corrected me, as Italians can do so innocently with "doppio!"! My hopes hit the roof!

The bakery is filled with decadent looking sweet treats and I cound not resist a chocolate Canolli roll to compliment my caffine injection.

The coffee, I'm happy to relay was everything I expected it to be and just a little more. The rich but smooth velvet taste was exactly what the doctor ordered. Delicious. The canolli roll was just heaven.

So I suggest that if the are ever between New Market rd and Ashgrove that you explore this little italian breath of fresh air.

As a habit I like to return to a shop and see if the coffee is consistant. I am happy to report that even though the coffee was made by a lady this time it was equally as tasty. And so was the roll!

Alberto's Shot

Tuesday. I'm sitting with my wife and new 1 day old baby at the hospital having just made my second cup of revolting hospial instant. God only knows what they offer. Caterers "floor" blend is my best guess.

In comes Grandma and Grandad. They sit and revel in the glow that is our pride and joy for a few hours and then offer to take Dad "hey that's me!" out for lunch.
Far be it for me to say no.

We head out in search of a coffee place that John drove past at some stage and thought would be a good place to try. He has a keen eye for coffee now.

It's called Alberto's Shot and it's on the corner of Cordeau & Montague St in West End.
There are heaps of people there even though it is a Tuesday afternoon and it is located in a most residential part of West End. That is a good sign I feel.

The staff are young, funky and very friendly. The coffee is Segafreddo Zanetti. I know this is a stronger blend so I brace myself for that and to my surprise it is a great pour. No not really a surprise. They have a beautiful La Mazzocco machine and the driver looks very capable. The coffee was very pleasant and so was the foccacia I had. Even if the cheese was not melted through.

I would recommend that the seek this one out for a relaxing cup of exceptional coffee. Obviously made with passion.

Well done guys.


- Shot on location. Stefan

Prenatal caffine

So I'm an 9 3/4 hours into the birth of our first child and the need for caffine has never been greater. There is really only one option for my fix and that is the Mater Fig Tree cafe. Aka the caf.

It looks like a nice cup.




The taste is quite strong but I really need it today. Perhaps that is why they use the blend they do. Hmm?

I need sleep but I can not see it coming to me any time soon.

I will keep you up to date as I am sure there will be more coffee had today.

So very excited!!!
- Shot on location. Stefan

Location:SE Freeway on ramp,Woolloongabba,Australia

Melbourne!!

I had run out of Jasper Coffee.
For a week now I have been drinking stale coffee and instant at work. I was in coffee hell.

Then a shining light come into my life. My father in law offered to cover the postage of an order from Jasper.
Woo hoo!

A few days later comes a gift. So wonderous it was like a vision. A care package from my Jasper family. Full of glorious coffee and a few extra goodies thrown in for good measure. They are too good to me. And such a great price too. I miss you too guys.

It made me miss Melbourne even more. It is the reason I am so passionate about coffee. The reason I am so picky now.
Jasper Coffee, 267 Brunswick st Fitzroy. If you are ever in Melbourne I highly recommend that you pop in and see the crew for a fabulous, smooth and very tasty short black. Now I don't care if you love a latte or a flat white. This coffee deserves to be tasted! Add a sugar if you like but it is so lovingly well made that you should savour it's essence.

While your there ask for some advice for the right beans to take home and try out on your [insert caffine maker style here]. If you just guess, you will get a great coffee but it might not be exactly to your specific taste. So ask for some guidance.

Say hi for me when your there.

My favourites are:
Blend One - Rich, smooth and creamy
Sulawesi - strong and smooth
Jamacian Blue Mountain (if you can afford it) - very smooth and velverty. One of the worlds best.
If they have a Cuban instore, get some!

Not to say that Jasper is the only good coffee. Oh contraire.

Check out these pearls:
The Lab @ David Jones in Little Bourke St.
These guys are using a Slayer machine which is a sight to see and also have syphon coffee and a slow drip coffee that takes hours to pour.

Proud Mary in Collingwood off Oxford St.
Similar to The Lab buy in a more welcoming atmosphere. They joined two machines together to make a six group. Just because they can!

Rosamond off from Smith St. (I'll let you find this one) Tiny place, great coffee and good, simple food.

The affore mentioned Pellegrino's on Upper Bourke St. Traditional.

Try Brother Bubba Budan on Little Bourke St in the city. I think. I found it hard to find at first due to the lack of signs so just look for the chairs hanging from the ceiling.

There are more to rant about but I will save that for later entries.

- Shot on location. Stefan

Coffee Club

I'm at The Coffee Club again. I hope that this experience is better that some of the others I have had. I'm on Park rd so the standard should be higher right? You'd think.

Although my fear rises when Jules ordered her Flat White she was asked "in a cup or a mug?" mug? Are you serious?!

The gods are smiling again. This is quite a good cup. It is restoring my faith in the good people who named the joint.

Good pour. Nice crema. Smooth soft taste.

Phew!



- Shot on location. Stefan

Flaming on!

So, as quickly as the gods smile on me for loving coffee, they then smite me for drinking instant.
I left home this morning without my morning bliss in a cup, because I had made myself late by pressing snooze one too many times. Never a good call. (missing the coffee that is)
Only to get to work, the place they keep the emergency coffee substitute (instant), only to be told that the kettle had spouted flames this morning when it was turned on. FLAMES?! What would I do? Brain is already starting to pulse...

And so i turn to Freedom furniture cafe. Hmm. My expectations where very low. Vittoria coffee at $3.40 a cup.

Cardboard cups should not get that hot right?

It did save my life. Would I rush back for another cup? Not in a hurry. If I was shopping at Freedom and needed a fix I would defiantly give them a second chance. Apparently, the flat white my boss had was quite nice. The flavour was good. Not smooth and creamy like it like but it was not burnt like the hot cup implied it's contents to be.

My best Vittoria experience has been at Pelegrinos in Melbourne. But the guy there has been making coffee on the same machine, the same way, every day all day for over thirty years! That's a long reminiscence to go into at another time.

I should not complain as my boss shouted me the coffee and had no naked flames to deal with. Just a minor cardboard scolding.


- tasted on location. Stefan

Location:McDonald Rd,Windsor,Australia

Cafe2U

Yesterday, when I got off the train at Albion Station I had a coffee van directly in front if me. To be honest I was torn, firstly I thought the gods must be smiling on me with this beautiful gift of coffee right there when I needed it but I was also torn as to what the quality of it would be. What do I do? (oh and I was also running a bit behind to get to work)
So, I did what any coffee lover would do. I gave it a shot. Pun intended.
I paid my $3 and was very surprised. Pleasantly.
It was almost one of the best I have had yet. Almost. I know, what are the odds? Some random coffee van at Albion Station!

The older guy running the van, Ron I think, was personable and had a good idea as to what he was doing with the van mounted machine. Goes to show it does not take much room to a good coffee.

The flavour was smooth and creamy and the aroma was sweet. Even though I was almost powerwalking to work I tried with all of my might to savor the flavour as much as I could. Very nice way to start the day. Thanks Ron!

I guess if that is the sole thing you do for 12hrs a day you would hope he was bloody brilliant at it. I know I would be.

There are franchises available for anyone wishing to kick there real job to the curb and invest onto a start-up van.
Visit www.cafe2u.com.au


So I guess what I am saying is that if you see a coffee van somewhere don't palm it of as a dud until you have tried it. You just never know...

- shot on location. Stefan

Home coffee

I have been often asked about what I do for coffee at home. I have two options open to me at home and they are my Breville 800 Cafe series machine and "the Otto".
I like the ease and convenience of the Breville and for my morning fix before work it is 'good enough'. But if I am feeling in more of a challenging mood I can attempt the Otto.

Breville, although it is a thermoblock*, yields a good flavour because I use freshly ground coffee in it. Unfortunately, I have to grind by hand at the moment but I am hoping to get a good burr grinder soon and it will be Much easier from then on.
I have worked out the quirks of my machine and I can manage a decent cup from it. Not as good a coffee as I can get from my father-in-laws Rancillio Miss Silvia! But that's another story.

Unlike the Breville, the Otto needs to have the right conditions to yield a brilliant cup. I am yet to master the device but it is a challenge I will not back down from. It is a beautiful stainless steel stovetop machine, made with precision and I know it can do better then what I have managed so far. Don't get me wrong I have made several drinkable cups from it but I know it can do much better. The problem is the grind I think and once I get a decent grinder to use I will sort it once and for all.

So that's my home coffee experience in a nutshell. I have not had instant coffee in my house for over six years and I am happier for it.

If it's a coffee you need then I say take the time and make it a good one. If not, have tea.

The 800 & hand grinder



The Otto




*Thermoblock verses Boiler.
Too much info needed to explain this here but if you want more information about this I am happy to tell you in further blog entries.

My first month in Brisbane

Hey guys and girls,
Here are some of my first notes on the experiences I have had so far since moving from Melbourne.

They are mostly notes I jotted down but the will get the idea.

--
Garden city.
Monte Carlo @ dbl esp $4.10
Burnt. Unable to drink it. I poured it out in the carpark.

--
Simply Duo, Nundah
Grinders coffee $3.50
Drinkable, nothing special.

--
Jam, Nundah
Segafreddo $3.50
Excellent. Good crema, smooth taste. Nice surprise.
Consistent. Second visit creamy and caramel tones.

--
The ironically named...
The coffee club, South Bris
$3.40 dark and burnt flavour. 2 sugars to make it drinkable, just. That's no surprise.

--
Neat, Edward st city
$3.00 darker roast. Segafreddo
Smooth and tasty. Good for the city buzz.

--
Chase the rider, Jindalee
$3.50 darker Piazza Dorro
Smooth and drinkable
Award winning? That's what I heard. Hmmm.

--
Spoon, East Brisbane
$3.80 diBella
Dark pour bitter bite.
Not horrible but not great.

--
Gallery cafe, Chermside
$3.40 abrisca
Dark pour, not bitter until the end.
Meh.

--
La dolce vita, city
Nutty aroma. Darker nutty flavour.
Served with water! Had to ask for raw sugar. $3.00




--
Coffee club Sandgate
$3.50. Home blend
Actually quite good. Smooth and creamy.
Nice surprise.



--
D'Lish cafe, Laidley. Yes Laidley!
Belaroma coffee $2.90
Nice surprise. Smooth and creamy. Very easy to drink. Who'da thunk it.

This is just the beginning.

- Stefan