Preview: Omar and the Marvellous Coffee Bird

Dean and Andy of Omar and the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Gardenvale.

Despite the name of our magazine, we are not really all that coffee focussed. Sure, it's a good thing. Sure it's a beverage many of us drink daily and some of us would consider life considerably less rich without it. But all the same it is after all just a drink. (Mmmm, coffee...) In edition Three we will meet Dean and Andy for whom coffee is not just a beverage. It is their livelihood and their passion. Volume Three is  out in May, when you will be able to read all about it!

In the meantime catch up on VOL 1 and VOL 2 here

Omar and the Marvellous Coffee Bird
124 Gardenvale Road
Gardenvale Victoria 3185

Espresso Tales meets STREAT

Matt (head roaster) and Rebecca (CEO) or STREAT

STREAT is a small chain of inner Melbourne cafes that takes great pride in it's food and coffee - but is is also a social enterprise. Over the last few years STREAT has had over 180 disadvantaged and 'at risk' young people through it's doors on one or more of a number of schemes they offer ranging from work experience to six month training courses in hospitality.

The full story behind STREAT will feature in Volume Three of Espresso Tales due out in May -
Which I guess means I had better get writing!!

Second Shoot for Volume Three! Ruby's Cafe in Coburg

Becky and Mik Tsatsis of Ruby's in Coburg

It was a pleasure hanging out at Ruby's for a few hours to photograph the kitsch space and get to know Becky and Mik a little. Ruby's is this couples first cafe together but they know what they want from the business. They love the open ended possibilities in having their own cafe and, although it only opened late 2013 Becky and Mik are already working on the next phase of their business.

Catch the full story and interiors photographs in Volume Three of Espresso Tales due out mid May 2014.

Catch up one Volumes One and Two here

Ruby's Cafe
138 Nicholson St
Coburg,
Melbourne

Patricia Coffee - meet Bowen Holden

Bowen Holden, owner of Patricia Coffee

I think the best part of my work for Espresso Tales is chatting with my subjects and learning about what makes them tick. Bowen is young, but single minded in all he does. Patricia coffee is a business, of course it is, but it is not typical 'good business sence' that drives Bowen's decision making. The coffee cups are hand made and cost 'a fortune', for example, but Bowen knew he had one chance to realise his dream of owning his own cafe... and he wasn't about to waste it. He could do nothing but put in 110%.
Step into Patrica Coffee and this commitment shows....

Buy Espresso Tales Vol 2 in November and get the full story!

Can't wait? Then check out Vol 1 now! Buy Vol One now

ESPRESSO TALES MAGAZINE, nearly ready for the printer!

These are exciting times. I have been designing ESPRESSO TALES MAGAZINE Volume One for several weeks now  and it is finally print-ready... I have just received a hard copy of the magazine and its true: there is nothing like going to print! The real thing will be perfect bound, but the spiral binding is pretty cool in it's own right.

The Cover

Cheerio spread

More on Cheerio

My favourite spread, I think (Market Lane Coffee)

Truman, my local.

I am awaiting the printing up of 50 digitally printed versions of the magazine which I will send out to a select few groovy local business in case they would like to spread the love and advertise in the Mag. I do hope so!

Until next time...
RH

Coffee on the Gold Coast

Coffee on the Gold Coast...

I say Coffee you say Gold coast, right? No? Well the times, my friend, are a-changing and there are some quality venues along the coast to be found.

My recent 4 day trip uncovered the following cafes - one near the beach one near the stunning new Bond University and one up in the Hinterland. This should cover most bases. Several places looked interesting on the main highway between the airport and Surfers Paradise too - but I'll only comment on paces I actually visited...

Mount Tambourine Coffee Plantation

It is always good to get a recommendation when venturing out on a day trip. Here is mine to you if planning a day 'on the mountain': Mount Tambourine Coffee Plantation.

The cafe is set in a traditional Queenslander with verandas overlooking the garden. From the car park you can spot the actual coffee plantation out back plus some specimens surround the car park as ornamental foliage.

The interiors are more homely than remarkable but I came here for the coffee not the interior design. I was a little dubious upon entering as back in Melbourne one is spoilt by the bombardment of funky interiors, hipster staff, groovy tunes and reputable coffee brands. 

We decided to give the plantation a go and ordered our coffees as out kids leafed through the pile of kids books in the corner.

The woman who served us (who owns the plantation with her husband) asked where we are from and when I said Melbourne she offered to 'make the coffee stronger as Melburnians like it strong"

I pondered this, thinking that really we are fussy about proper extraction, more than 'strength' but all the same I appreciated the thought!

The coffee indeed came out strong - a double shot I guess - and the own-brand single-origin coffee was really very good with richness and a heavy mouthfeel. (That is about the limit of my coffee tasting skills I'm afraid!)

Normally when the man of the house is around a tour of the coffee plantation can be arranged but no such luck on our visit. 

A great refreshment stop all the same.

Mount Tamborine Coffee Plantation

64 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

No Name Lane

We based ourselves for our stay a few streets south of the madness that is Surfers Paradise. Interesting...  (that is me being polite...) but I would consider Broadbeach next time for the family friendly vibe and less of a 'Schoolies let loose in the clubs' kind of atmosphere. Broadbeach boasts an amazing beachfront playground that we could hardly drag the kids away from as well as finding in the pedestrianised mall a carousel that cost a mere $2 donation per head to ride.

The kids were happy and we were too upon trying No Lane Cafe. (Located off Elizabeth Street in a laneway leading to a classy eating and shopping development). 

This small 'Melbourne Style' cafe spills out into the laneway and offers a simple menu of cooked meals and cakes as well as deliciously smooth coffee.

We came here twice - it's a great place to stop and enjoy a coffee whilst people watching and it's the most centrally located decent coffee shop on my list.

This is a cafe that would fit in well within the Melbourne scene in all regards from interiors to quality of coffee. Not that I like to imply that Melbourne = Good... but it is a good benchmark!
The regular coffee is served in quite a small coffee cup, which I don't mind at all but does perhaps make the coffee all the more 'more-ish' and on both our pit stops we ordered a second round. 

No Name Lane Cafe,

Elizabeth Ave, Broadbeach Queensland 4218

Blackboard Coffee

I could see from Google Maps that this place was out of the way but analysis of BeanHunter assured me it was worth tracking down. (As much as these user review sites can assure one, anyway)

It is in a most unlikely spot in a 'village' that has sprouted near the new Bond University. One of those soulless, unlikely strips usually harbouring a travel agent, a hair dressers and a chemist... or similar.

I'm pleased we did track it down - we visited as a group of four adults and two kids and nicely fitted into one of the many large booths.

We opted for coffee all around as we had planned on lunch elsewhere.

Service was attentive and we were offered the choice of house blend or a single origin bean. The coffee was well extracted and full flavoured.

In all definitely worth the drive.

Blackboard Coffee,

7/240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227

So there are my findings from our spring-time mini-break to the Gold Coast. If you can add to this list then please do leave a comment - and perhaps this list will grow if we return next year.

New Lots

Jon, Matin and Luke, cafe proprietors. 

MEET MARTIN, LUKE AND JON OF NEW LOTS, cafe, South Melbourne.

After a year of planning and renovations New Lots throws opens it's doors to the locals. Meet the men behind this handsome, airy cafe on the South Melbourne/Port Melbourne border...

HI MARTIN, CONGRATULATION ON THE RECENT OPENING OF NEW LOTS - TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, AND ABOUT WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED:

New Lots is a joint venture between myself (Martin) Luke (my brother) and Jon. My role primarily has been in coordinating and managing the project. I have a background in cooking.
Luke has been managing and working various in venues for many years, in more recent years as a bar manager, with stints at Nobu, The Atlantic, Vue de Monde and currently bar manger at Radio Mexico in St Kilda. Jon is a fully trained chef, working at Automatic, Albert Park Deli and Canvas in Burwood.

THIS IS A BRAVE MOVE OPENING IN THIS CORNER OF SOUTH MELBOURNE - WHAT DREW YOU TO THE SITE?

We were drawn to the space itself and the location. We like that it is away from Bay Street and that it is directly across from Page Reserve, which is one of the few parks in the area and doubles as an off-leash area - so dogs (and kids) can run around freely. I guess the idea was to create kick off.

'NEW LOTS' -  HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME?

The name comes from New Lots Avenue, which is on the outskirts of Brooklyn, NY, right at the end of the line. I have always liked the name and I recall this '80's Melbourne graffiti artist who used to write ‘New Lots 501’.  We have always had a fascination for destitute New York areas and  ramshackle deco design in the subway system. I guess we are also a new lot in an older area.

WHAT DID YOU WANT FROM THE SPACE AS YOU SET ABOUT DESIGNING IT?

The idea was to make the space as natural as possible, utilising both the inside and outside environments to their greatest potential.

This turned out to be far more challenging than we expected. We had never done anything like this before and had a box of ideas without understanding what would be required to make them reality!

It is thanks to the endless patience and commitment from our Master carpenter Craig Gadsby and his determination to get the project finished, that we are here today.

The biggest job structurally was replacing the windows, and adding the window overlooking the park. This created a great aspect and seamless integration with the environment.  

We wanted the walls to look organic and smooth.  

The ceiling was taken out to extend the roof height as much as possible to create even more space.

WHAT IS 'THE PHILOSOPHY' BEHIND NEW LOTS? WHAT ARE YOU WANTING TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS? 

To provide a great locale for people to eat, drink and relax. We are aiming to extend our food options much further and when our liquor license comes through a range of wine and the best beer around; Brooklyn Lager. The location provides great access to the park, where you can spend time with friends or family, whilst enjoying great food, coffee and professional service in a pristine inner city environment.




New Lots, cafe
1/204 Gladstone St
South Melbourne
Melbourne 3205
Open Monday - Saturday


See more photos on MELBOURNE CAFES PHOTO BLOG

SALFORD LADS CLUB + TUCK SHOP

SALFORD LADS CLUB and baby brother TUCK SHOP


This place is an institution. No, seriously. It has not been here for that long (a couple of years) but it has changed this area. Rejuvenated it. And what a change from the kind of eatery you would expect to find in an industrial park environment. The business men (and women too of course, but this really is a bit of a lads club, given the location and all) have been treated to a top class cafe with industrial designer interiors, fantastic coffee and amazing food. Owner Greg, a bricky and a man's man (this guy is great - he is a bricky and he looks like a bricky and he runs this awesome place - kudos!) is also as it turns out a self taught designer. He has worked on the interiors bit by bit with significant changes over the Christmas period. The latest edition is Tuck Shop, a tiny attached space with a separate entrance selling take-away sandwiches (etc) and coffee. 


Recently a Pilates studio has opened behind the cafe and a traditional men's barbers shop is under construction next door. Like I say This cafe has rejuvenated the area.


I think it is time to let the pictures do the talking.

The tyre swing and kitchen garden add a little homeliness to this industrial park.

Love those steel framed windows.

Meet Tuck Shop. This wee fellow is only days old. Aw, cute.

The moulded metal counter reminds me of a groovy retro 50's caravan.

Greg put in the brick pizza oven.

Steps to the office double up as shelving. Love the porthole windows cut from the brickwork The brick 'plugs' now make ideal garden seating, outside.

SALFORDS LADS CLUB + TUCK SHOP
1 fennell st (cnr bridge st)
port melbourne
melbourne 3207

GRIDLOCK COFFEE - roaster profile

GRIDLOCK COFFEE 
- roaster profile

Meet Con from Gridlock Coffee. Con is 'a coffee guy'. He bought into his first cafe at only 18 years old with his twin brother Peter, older brother Jim and their Mum.


A desire to seek 'something better' has always been his driving force.


That first cafe - Cambridge Cafe in Collingwood - was the beginning of Con's coffee journey. The cafe had no espresso machine and the norm at the time was to heat up some milk and add instant coffee and sugar. Con and his family immediately started researching into espresso machines and coffee bean suppliers. That was 1988.

Many years (and a few cafes) later Con started to notice something new and different coming out of America: latte art. He signed on to a course, persisted, found himself on the Barista Championships circuit. Con did well on the circuits, winning several titles and finding himself rubbing shoulders with world class coffee suppliers and roasters. This exposure drew him into the world of coffee roasting. Initially for his own use in competitions, then for use in the cafe. Customers and contacts took an interest and so from here Gridlock has become a coffee retailer and supplier to other cafes.
















Con says he immediately fell in love with the roasting process.
The aroma was the first of cupids arrows. He loves also the inexhaustibility of the craft. Every bean is different according to its origin. The altitude, growing region, harvesting methods, processing methods and age of the beans all have an affect. Con insists that with roasting there is no one-rule-suits-all. Constant experimentation is required.


In roasting Con is trying to hit 'the sweet spot' in every batch. "Roasting is about achieving balance. Bringing out balanced acidity, sweetness and bitterness. Every bean is different"


Gridlock has attracted many fans and much media interest. As a business Con says they almost hold back from getting too caught up in this. They want to remain 'boutique'. There are plans to relocate the roaster (currently housed in the back of the family run cafe 65 Degrees on Exhibition St) to a warehouse which will allow even more time and space to perfect every roast. "We are happy to grow slowly and steadily. We are in a good place right now and we want to remain a small batch roaster."

GRIDLOCK COFFEE
309 Exhibition St
Melbourne 3000
www.gridlockcoffee.com.au

See Photos of 65 Degrees cafes on MELBOURNE CAFES PHOTO BLOG




words and photos Rebecca Hughes www.rhphoto.com.au

BURB GUIDE - BALACLAVA

BURB GUIDE:
BALACLAVA, MELBOURNE, 3183

I lived in Balaclava back in the late 90's. It was my first taste of Melbourne. And I loved my corner of this great city. I loved that it was urban, bustling, cosmopolitan and a little rough around the edges. I loved the way hipsters, Hasidic Jews, yummy mummy's and a good smattering of local nutters happily rubbed shoulders. Now, over 10 years on, after spending a day eating drinking and wandering Balaclava I am delighted to see that nothing much has changed. There are more cafes, and more boutiques, perhaps a few less Jewish bakeries... perhaps... oh and the second hand record store has gone, now part of cafe Wall Two 80... but that is about the extent of it.

Ye Olde trams still trundle up Chapel Street. It only takes about 4 and a half hours
to reach Abbotsford at the other end of the line...

I started my day at Monk Bohdi Dharma, a cafe I seek out on occasion for it's amazing coffee. Today I resisted the coffee though, by means of pacing myself for the day ahead. I opted for a specialty tea, made with love and a timer, and the French Toast which I heard good things about. And good it was.

MONK BOHDI DHARMA: The crustiness of the baguette called for a somewhat (satisfyingly) hands on approach...

Love, love, love the interiors here at MONK BOHDI DHARMA -  earthy, rustic, cosy...

BALACLAVA STREET PHOTOGRAPHY#1

After a most satisfying breakfast I headed over the road to The House of Balaklava - a beautiful accessories store with an emphasis on locally made quality products and with a distinctly vintage vibe.

The HOUSE OF BALAKLAVA is a great spot for browsing beautiful hats, scarves, jewellery and more...

BALACLAVA STREET PHOTOGRAPHY #2

After browsing it was definitely time for a coffee. A little further up the road under the overpass is Batch Espresso - I photographed here months ago for Melbourne Cafes Photo Blog but didn't sample the coffee that day... so today I did.

BATCH ESPRESSO: That was as good as it looks - they make a flat white with a double shot here to help differentiate it from a latte... sure was tasty! Coffee is made on a Slayer - which is impressive, I hear, to the coffee geeks...

BATCH ESPRESSO: This buzzing, long standing local is run by Kiwi's and choca with Kiwiana...
makes me feel right at home...

And so, time for a little cultcha. Over the road to Obscura Gallery. I come here as often as I am in Balaclava (in the afternoons - as they only open at mid-day) and have seen some fantastic fine art photography here. Careful though, this gallery is pretty... um... obscure (ha ha!) it is down an unassuming arcade and up a dodgy dark stairway and around the corner.... look out for the signs!

Off again for more exploring, over the road to Lulu.

LULU stocks beautiful clothing, accessories, home-wares and giftware - well worth a rummage - I bought a purse here a few weeks back. That purse changed my life, man.

BALACLAVA STREET PHOTOGRAPHY #4

It has been quite a day. Time to see if I got a ticket in Coles car park (I had well exceeded my 2 hour limit!) But one more stop before I go - this store was here when I used to live in Balaclava... in fact it has been here over 40 years.

THE COFFEE COMPANY: A huge range of coffee available here with a steady stream of locals buying
beans to go. Also an impressive range of unusual imported goodies
(plenty of Easter treats in right now)

I hope you enjoy reading and find this useful if you are not familiar with Balaclava, or indeed new to Melbourne. If you are a local, I hope you are content with my coverage of your hood, feel free to suggest other 'can't miss' or interesting spots!

Oh, and I didn't get a ticket, woo-hoo.

1) MONK BOHDI DHARMA

202 carlisle st (hidden down alley)

balaclava

www.monkbodhidharma.com.au

2) HOUSE OF BALAKLAVA

167 carlisle st

balaclava

houseofbalaklava.blogspot.com.au

3)BATCH ESPRESSO

320 carlisle st

balaclava

batch espresso

4) OBSCURA GALLERY

285 carlisle st (first floor)

balaclava

www.obscuragallery.com

5) LULU

332a carlisle st

balaclava

www.lulustore.com.au

6) THE COFFEE COMPANY

260 carlisle st

balaclava

www.coffeecompany.com.au

BOUNDARY ESPRESSO

BOUNDARY ESPRESSO, 
CAFE, PRESTON.

Meet Dave and Lea




Husband wife team Dave and Lea opened Boundary Espresso in 2010 after a long search for just the right premises...








WHY A CAFE - WHY NOW?

Dave's always wanted to open his own cafe. We just found the right place at the right time - we'd been looking for the right spot for years. We found the space the day before we were going on an overseas holiday and snapped it up.

WHY HERE?

We really wanted an old corner shop in a local neighbourhood, and it only took us years to find it! We liked the nice big windows which give lots of light and also loved the old school flooring. Being on a tram line was also important.

WHAT KIND OF CAFE DID YOU WANT TO CREATE?

We wanted to create an intimate, comfortable space with industrial elements and lots of natural light with the focus being on good simple food and great coffee. A cafe that reflects us - the music that we like to listen to, a friendly atmosphere, and a local community feel.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Paperwork! Being a first time business owner it's always challenging keeping up with the paperwork. I'm more into making coffee!

AND THE NAME?

We tossed up a few different names and thought about it for ages. Then we came up with the idea of the cafe being at the boundary of the inner north, located just south of Bell St. It just made sense!

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENTS OF A GREAT CAFE?

Good simple food, great coffee and friendly service  

ANY ADVICE TO OTHERS OPENING A CAFE?

Know the area. Expect things to take a while through Council. Do it for love not money.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

Yes. It will be easier next time as we'd know what to expect (hopefully!)




BOUNDARY ESPRESSO
107 Plenty Rd
Preston, Melbourne.
Open Daily to 4pm
BOUNDARY ESPRESSO




Thanks for your time and it was great meeting you both!!


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