North Melbourne   VIC   3051

It seems that North Melbourne is quickly becoming quite the coffee hotspot, a real destination for any weary pilgrim looking for some re-caffeination. And you can’t go past a place like Fraus, a real Melbourne landmark as far as coffee and chocolate go, and what better way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon than downing an espresso while enjoying the sun and the company of my amazing wife.

Ordering a serve of their trademark Crepes and a hot chocolate, my wife seemed totally content to partake of the sumptuous fare on offer, totally indulgent and very well presented. I ordered an espresso to test theit dedication to the humble coffee bean and found that they presented me with a decent drop, well extracted, with a thick, rich crema that revealed a viscous and caramelly drop. I went back for seconds and ordered the obligatory cafe latte to test their skill at combining the Devils Cup with milk and found that they did quite a thorough job, a real well made beverage that was both pleasant on the palette as well as delightful to the eye.

A solid ONE bean for this little hidden treasure, go down and say g’day to Marco and the team @ FRAUS, make sure you try the chocolate and tell ‘em the CaFFiend sent you….till next time keep on caffeining on……..

Coffee: Genovese

Hi, yes I am still alive and emerging slowly from the beautiful coffee chaos that is the top 100 Guide! Why a Pizza Bar? I hear you ask, well, it was highly recommended a week or so ago, and the Pizza was lovely I have to say, but the very Italian lads here boasted of a great coffee experience, and the place is rather groovy I have to say so here I am on this 28 degree Melbourne spring day! Through the buzz of this place I got my order post haste (good!!),.. my Long Mac arrived in the obligatory glass, but the give away was that the coffee was cloudy and murky. I norbally see the thick richness of the dolop seeping through. Ok, so visually we are not there… smell? also not a hit. The taste? respectable, very strong and a bit of aftertaste. Italians, what do they know? (kidding paizanos!)… I like this place, its a respectable coffee, but have the pizza! No beans!

Coffee: Roma Caffe.

So this place is another Australian owned dream. I don’t mean to find all these Australians but it seems we know our stuff. The quality that comes out of this place is really consistent too; I’ve been to Taylor St in Richmond several times. The staff are all very keen on coffee and genuinely nice people so I do like to go back often.
This time, I noticed that they have changed the blend that they are using which I was truly excited about. It’s called Bright Note espresso and it’s a combination of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans. Described to have a chocolate taste. And too right it did. My flat white was delicious as usual and I really truly tasted the chocolate notes on the espresso. It was a joy.
These guys pride themselves on their latte art which is just so pleasing in a beautiful coffee and I love coming time after time. They are located inside Source Food Store, which is interesting enough in itself, a great place to stop and grab some fresh delicious lunch, to go or to stay and have the treasure of Taylor St Baristas tucked in the back waiting for you. They always have a copy of Bean Scene lying around for you to read and their loyalty card…buy four get the fifth free! Such a treat. They source their fair trade, 100% Arabica beans from union coffee roasters and the care starts at the beginning all the way to this delicious flat white sitting in front of me.
Taylor St Baristas, finely crafted coffee for serious coffee drinkers.
Taylor St was founded by 3 Australians who couldn’t find a good coffee in London. There are 3 locations so far. This one in Richmond, another in New street purely for the foot locals and directly across from a massive Starbucks which I know for a fact they all find amusing. Also, in Brighton, where I am yet to venture too but will certainly visit soon.
The barista’s at Taylor St go through some serious work to be able to stand behind their machines, there is an exam that they work really hard to pass before they are even considered apprentice standard. It delves into the science and not just the art of coffee making and it is an important level they set for all the staff to be able to keep their quality across the board. It certainly pays off!

A time poor day did not stop me from my usual Mid morning cup. The stop, an exciting one. Penny Royal is an inconspicuous gem hidden away on Union St, about 500 meters from the bustling Sydney Rd. I have been eyeing this place off for weeks, but have been either too busy to stop and smell the roses, or I find myself begging for caffine on the only day they are closed! (Monday).

As I turn the corner, and stroll toward the small strip of shops where this place is located, it was as if I had lived here for years, the local vibe just blew me away. A beautiful dog out the front and some middle age folk just taking a break to enjoy some of Melbourne’s well missed sunshine.

My order, a strong caffe latte. I sat and took notice of some art magazines which balanced the scenery perfectly. And when my coffee arrived I began to build an enourmous excitment, as the colour and texture was wonderful to watch, as the kind barista placed it down in front of me. I had found a place to rest for  short while, and although the milk was a little over heated, the temperature causing a significant decrease in the flavor output, it was still the creamy strong latte that I craved, and it did enough to win me back another time. I may sit in on a cupping of various sorts if anyone wants to join?

Ill sneak a single bean in this time, and have high prospects for this hole in the wall.

Coffee: Jasper coffee

134 Johnston Street

Collingwood 3066

Bluebird Espresso is fast cars, fast bikes, rock ‘n’ roll ‘n coffee.

The small Johnston St address is packed with pre-loved, tenderly maintained and restored gems. The first thing to catch my eye is a beautiful manual 2 group Gaggia espresso machine, with a copper plate, embossed with ornate Turkish coffee pots, flanking a central logo.This well loved piece of machinery dates back to the 1950’s and is, I’m told, one of 3 imported to Australia. One of which has since been destroyed and the other belonging to one of the Genovese brothers, I’m informed.

I order a short black at the counter and take a seat. I have the pick of the entire cafe as I’m the only customer this late in the afternoon. As my coffee arrives, I spy an old juke box at the rear of the cafe that’s responsible for the rock ‘n’ roll music filling my ears.

A thick mustard crema stubbornly clings to my spoon as I test its viscosity. The coffee is strong and well prepared. A medium body and low acidity leave it feeling flat but still enjoyable.After reading the paper, I ordered a strong latte. The coffee powered through the bubbly milk with robust burnt caramel flavours. Although the milk lacked the texture and sheen I was looking for, I have got to give Bluebirds Espresso 1 bean and the recommendation to everyone who loves fast cars, fast bikes and fast coffee.

Coffee: Genovese