We ticked off the first one, and opened for business in Dukes, 65 Degrees, Calzones, and the Sensory Lab.

We are offering a free coffee to the first 50 registrations that come through today and tomorrow. Go to mcr.jumporder.com to set yourself up via your MCR account. The system might take a few hrs to respond, so don’t stress,.. we’ll zap you an sms with the confirmation when it’s ready.

Any probs call Mark on 0417 544 616.

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!

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.

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.

All I can say is wow… this lovely little cafe appeared in my peripheral vision as I headed into town for another one of those days (Thanks to the 2010 Guide).  I thought, to hell with it, I am pulling over for a feed and a good coffee.  I was not dissapointed!  The vibe of the place was peacful, busy but happy.  The fire roared away and people tapped away on PC’s or were immersed in their news of the day.  The staff looked attentive and very interested in serving their guests.  The coffee, took a moment to come out but it was worth the wait.  My Long Macc had a strong and inviting aroma, and was followed up with a thick, smooth crema.  It was right up there with out a doubt. 

Later– I came back… lovely..

Coffee: Genovese