As I walked around the Adelaide CBD last week, it seriously blew me away hour many cafés and speciality coffee places are around the place. If you decided to work your way through the city, starting at one end of North Terrace and systematically working your way down and up every street, and lane – it would seriously take you a year (especially if you wanted to sleep at some stage….perhaps an idea for a future blog??).  I had heard of Blefari, only because I have been hounding the guys at Veneziano about when the ‘First Pour Adelaide’ will be opening on Melbourne Street – and they told me, in the mean time, to check out this place.

Located on the ground floor of the ‘Flinders University’ building – or at least that is what the sign on the roof says; I thought it was one of the Premier’s Department buildings – Bleflari looks like your typical ground floor of an office building café come cafeteria - and I guess, I considering that is what they are – then they hit the mark.  If you can get a table outside, either looking across the road at Pilgrim Uniting, or at the grassy knoll on Victoria Square – then the quality of the ambience increases ten fold.

I ventured in around 1:30pm and the place was busy – all tables but one inside were full – but service was quick and efficient – and I was soon at my outside table, book in hand enjoying the sunshine. The coffees arrived in around 3 minutes – which is super fast, and the guy who delivered them was able to fill me in, in what I was about to drink.

Just in case you were wondering what a ‘Cucina’ is – well according to an Italian to English Translator it is a “noun –  kitchen; cooker, stove; cookery, cuisine” – hopefully that helps.

Ristretto Quality - Good – certainly not a subtle drink – it was HUGE, thick and syrupy. Tastes were of Dutch Licorice and very dark chocolate.  As I sat there in its aftermath, the following text came to mind…“It says that the best drink in existence is the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, the effect of which is like having your brains smashed out with a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick.”  That is kind of what it was like….

Latte Quality – Excellent – although following on from the power of the Ristretto, this drink was soft and tender.  It reminded me – in a sensory way, not so much on taste – as a cup of Nanna’s white tea, served at about 3:30pm in the afternoon – comfortable.  There was a citrus hint to this one, although the chocolate that was promised, I was unable to detect.

Cost – $3.50 Latte, $3.00 Ristretto

Coffee Supplier – Veneziano Coffee

Fair Trade – No mention that I could see – although the menu board was pretty busy. Veneziano do do a Pure Fairtrade Organic coffee. 

Customer Service - - average – pretty much what you would expect – the guy who delivered my coffee was able to tell me what I was about to drink.  It was their ‘house blend’ which is the award winning ‘Forza‘ blend. Similarly to my criticism of PURE the other day – when it is a possibility, I think the person behind the counter should give the customer the opportunity to order a single origin, or two – rather than assuming that everyone knows and understands how coffee houses work – and what the additional costs will be.  It was not until after I had placed my order and had the time to read the complete board – that I discovered the other options.  Similarly to how Fast Food joints always want to know if you want fries with that – how about coffee places asking which beans you would like?  Too much??

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat,  Deep and Meaningful, and/or Study and Reflection – I guess it all depends on whether Blefari has a quiet period of the day or not – they were certainly busy when I was there – but there is always the option of grabbing some coffee to go, and sitting on the lawns of Victoria Square for some reading or conversation – of perhaps ducking across the road and making use of the resources at Pilgrim Uniting Church.

Located in the centre of the city, facing the generally beautiful Victoria Square (at this time of year it resembles a fancy smancy caravan park – with all the tents and temporary buildings of the Tour Down Under) Delish Espresso is the last in a line of cafés that begin at the Franklin Street end and create a wall of caffeinated opportunities heading south. What sets Delish apart is also what drew me to them in my search for quality coffee, is that they are the only one NOT sporting some kind of large coffee roasting company paraphernalia on their store, umbrellas and bollards.

A fairly small establishment, with plenty of outdoor seating (6 tables outside, 2 inside) – Delish is run by Barista Marcus Clarke (I assume NOT of the State Bank) and when I was there – his Mum – serving ’boutique coffee’ and light lunches to the many suits (lawyers, bankers, journalists and politicians) that frequent the area.  My order was quickly received - after the possibility of a ristretto was confirmed with Marcus –  the ultimate of espresso beverages does not appear on the menu board – and I took my seat amidst the ambience of the poplar shaded alfresco area to wait.  In less than 2 minutes, Marcus had brought my coffees to the table and when asked about his coffee blend, he told me that he blends his own beans, sourced from 5 Senses.

Ristretto Quality - Excellent – Good texture, but a bit light in colour (compare and contrast with photo from Coffee Branch – both using 5 Senses – although different origin we assume) – with some interesting flavours which reminded me of nectarine and other unidentifiable summer fruits.

Latte Quality - Good – under a very, very dense foam that was sporting a tulip design, was a subtle coffee – bland when following the ristretto – but well made nonetheless.  I found it hard to identify any specific flavours, other than coffee.

Cost – $3.90 for the latte (pricey – but it came in the mug – not what I ordered though) $3.00 for the ristretto

Coffee Supplier – 5 Senses - blended inhouse by barista.

Fair Trade – No mention specifically of Fair Trade – however 5 Senses do sell Fair Trade blends.

Customer Service -  - average – what you come to expect.  Marcus delivered my coffee where I was able to ask him about his beans and blend.  The contents of his blend were not forthcoming, but I got the impression that even if I had pressed him, he would not have given up the secret.  

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat,  Deep and Meaningful, and/or Study and Reflection – probably all of these.  I was there just before lunch, and it was pretty quite.  More than half the tables were vacant, although if you do decide to sit outside – with is lovely – be prepared to consume vast amounts of carbon monoxide from the traffic and second hand smoke from those with a death wish.  I had almost forgotten how horrible it is to have smokers all around – but there they were.  There in an Internode Wifi hotspot somewhere near by, which my iPhone hooked into – which could be handy.

 Not sure how long the Coffee Branch has been open for – but for quite awhile it has been the place of legend.  Even amongst the quality baristas that are popping up all around the city, they speak of the coffee experience at ‘the branch’ in hushed, awestruck tones…and finally – much like Bilbo on his way to Smaug’s Mountain – I made it to Coffee Branch.

Nestled in a ‘hole in the wall’ on the very trendy Leigh Street (complete with tree growing out of a Volkwagon Beetle – I kid you not) – this is one of Adelaide’s premium speciality coffee houses – it even has bicycles hanging on the wall – that is how premium it is!!  What you can’t see from the photo – just off to the left – is a ‘gate’ style architectural feature which will remind worldly travellers of a poor man’s ‘Nottinghill Gate’ – or similar, that you will find dotted all over London.

I arrived at 10:45am on a working Wednesday – and the line was still out the door.  I had been warned not to arrive in the peak hours of before work, lunch time, smoko, and after work – because the line is ridiculous – but I was surprised, and yet at the same time not – that the line was still out there. Once getting in the line, it took of all three minutes to get to the front and place my order – and I ventured out back into the tree lined street to commandeer one of the tables (there are only 2 of them) – there is some bench seating inside and a few tables at the back – but I suspect that most of their business is take away.

I thought to myself, based on previous experiences in 2012 – that this could take awhile – so I, checked into Foursquare, opened my book and before I got to the bottom of the first paragraph (about 3 minutes) my latte was being delivered – and soon after that, my ristretto…

Latte Quality – Lattastic! – a really brilliant coffee to start the day – and hats off to the Branch for delivering the latte first.  As as aside – the Parson in his Patch would be happy to know that I agree with him!!  As you can see from the photo – it came with some art – feeling the love already – tight micro foam – and a gorgeous sweet caramel flavour with hints of English Toffee.

Ristretto Quality - Excellent – pretty much on par with the best I have had in Adelaide – it looked pretty watery in the cup, but in reality it was the perfect syrup – rich and sweet with tastes edging on burnt butter and golden syrup.

Cost – $3.40 for a regular size latte.  $3.00 for ristretto

Coffee Supplier – 5 Senses

Fair Trade – No mention specifically of Fair Trade – however 5 Senses do sell Fair Trade blends. 

Customer Service -  - memorable – you talk about this place – considering how busy they were, the guy who took my order was also the guy who delivered my coffee – and while not the barista – when I asked him what beans I was drinking, he was quick to tell me that my latte was the house blend, of PNG & Costa Rican and that my ristretto was a single origin Colombian Monserrate.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat,  Deep and Meaningful, and/or Study and Reflection – If you can get a table outside and you can concentrate as a sea if people reminiscent of the exodus walk and que past you – than by all means use the branch as a study location.  Easily a place suitable for a chat – just make sure you choose your time wisely.  But if you just want a fantastic coffee – get in line now!

10,000 hits since the MakeCoffeeNotWar.com relaunch.  Thanks to my dedicated reader and your ability to hit refresh

Seriously – thanks to all those who read regularly and to those who just stumble on through – this is my hobby, and my passion – and it is nice to know that I am not alone in loving great coffee!

This place has the potential to one day be printing money for its owner.  It is the ultimate expression of the burgeoning speciality coffee industry in South Australia, located in what is arguably the city’s premiere tourist strip, one street back from Moseley Square and the beach, in partnership with three of the best coffee roasters in the land – yet, on my first visit I was left with a nasty taste in my mouth (literally).

I ventured in on my wife’s birthday (with her blessing) and I said to her , “I would be – no longer than 30 minutes MAX” – and then would catch up with her.  I went in, and there was one couple ahead of me waiting for service.  We waited (there was four people behind the counter – one of whom was the barista – although it was not 100% clear who that was either) – and looked around at the dark decor, and read all the wonderful coffee ideals on the wall – and we waited – I checked in to Foursquare.  Eventually the couple in front of me were served – while a couple who were already seated approached the counter, and embarrassingly asked whether their order had been forgotten…I had a sinking feeling.  Finally it was my turn for service and I ordered my standard – a Latte and a Ristretto (always interesting to see what order they come in) – and waited to be asked what beans I would like (assuming that this would happen as they promote their various suppliers on their wall) – but nothing. Hmmmm.

Took a seat – and waited.  According to my check in, it was 20 mins until my Ristretto and Latte arrived – together.  I proceeded to ask what the beans were and where they from – and I was told they were 5 Senses from Perth.  I clarified my question, and was told that he thought they were from Costa Rica.  My sinking feeling continued…but now to the review.

Latte Quality – Good – similar to what Bobby encountered in his Cappuccino in that the micro-foam was not so much full of micro bubbles as it was surrounded by macro ones (hard to see in picture – but just around the edge of the glass), but the latte art was appreciated.  On first taste it seemed really, really weak, but then it began to exhibit quite nice caramel flavours  but was very, very sweet.  Hate to think what it would have been like with sugar.

Ristretto Quality - Good - was very short and watery (as opposed to being more like syrup) . Quite sweet with a definite blood orange on the palate with a sour dough after taste.

Cost – $3.50 for a regular size latte.  $3.00 for ristretto

Coffee Supplier – 5 Senses – yet they also promote Barossa Coffee Roasters and Veneziano as partners.

Fair Trade – No mention specifically of Fair Trade – however, Pure are dedicated to sustainability in their business – as per the clip boards which are just lying around the place. 

Customer Service -   - acknowledged my presence and value as a carbon based entity – but not much more; Interaction at point of sale was what you would expect from a franchise establishment – not a boutique coffee bar – when you are serious about coffee you want to take every opportunity for people to explore and experience that ultimate ‘god shot’ – so it would have been nice to have had the three coffee suppliers explained (unusual to have three suppliers) and whether you can choose the beans in your espresso, or whether the beans were attached to an extraction method (i.e. 5 Senses – espresso; Barossa Coffee - pour-over etc).  As above, when I finally got my beverages the guy who served them was not really that certain what I was drinking – and he kind of insinuated that I could have asked for a different bean in the Ristretto – but that option was not given.  I think if you are going to place yourself into the marketplace like PURE have – then all staff members – from bus boy to barista – need to be able to talk at length – with passion – about the beans and the processes, which will encourage the dedicated fans to do the same…am I expecting too much in Adelaide?

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat,  Deep and Meaningful, and/or Study and Reflection – Perhaps suitable for a chat – but seating was limited, and the music was loud.

Post Script – while this may seem like a completely negative review – it is based only upon one experience, and while not great – it will not deter me from coming back the next time I am in Glenelg.  Pure is only new – it is (I think) less that one month old, and so there are bound to be teething problems – however, I think the future is bright for these guys, as the location is perfect – the associations they have made with bean suppliers is spot on – and it is now only a matter of getting the kinks out. It may one day rival The Barun, Red Berry Espresso and Paddy’s Lantern.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,900 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

This does not happen to me very much – so I was very excited when I tore open this month’s BeanScene Magazine and saw this ugly mug staring back at me! (make sure you click on the image to read the detail…)

Also to my surprise was the fact that they  edited down the less than 200 words  they asked me for – removing some theological reflection, and also a mention of my current favourite coffee beans – which for the record was Barossa Coffee Roasters – sorry!

While not on the massive media scale of some other colleagues and brothers (radio, newspapers, DVDs…) – I made the press!

For a small appearance fee, I would be happy to come past your café and sign copies for patrons

‘Twas the night before a few days before Christmas…and I was checking my Twitter account when I discovered I had a new follower (with only 40 or so – I notice every new one) from a mysterious (meaning I had never heard of them before) company called ‘Red Berry Espresso’ – and so – as we polite tweeters are known to do – I tweeted back ‘Thanks for the follow – and where are you?’  The following morning a reply came, with an address – and I added Red Berry Espresso to my ‘MUST VISIT’ List.

As luck would have it – my wife needed to go to Adelaide to conclude the Christmas Seafood Shopping that very day – and due to the heat and potential stress of the situation asked me to drive her and the two boys – after a quick consideration, I agreed on the proviso that I get to check out one coffee shop on the way home – they reluctantly agreed.

After purchasing big from Angelakis Brothers – I headed the few streets down Greenhill Road from BV Darling – to check out – Red Berry Espresso.

Red Berry Espresso is one back from Greenhill Road and is almost like a self contained hole in the wall – in the middle of a carpark – but it does, beyond the shaded outdoor seating, have a front door, and some comfortable chairs/tables inside.  Once inside I met Walter – owner, barista, cyclist and coffee afficianardo – who had only opened the place seven days previously.  I also met and admired his gorgeous assistant – a brand spanking new SanRemo Verona TS in Pearl White, which looked like it was convertible sports car lost in time from the 1950s, just waiting for Arthur Fonzerelli to snap his fingers and say “hehhhhhhhhh.” Walter roasts all his own beans, under the Red Berry Espresso label – and has plans afoot to include a roaster on the floor of his shop, so that customers can see the hypnotic action that brings them forth the espresso goodness.  And now, to the coffee review…

Latte Quality – Lattastic! – the second in as many reviews!  Serving a single origin Costa Rican – this was a complex coffee that reminded me (only metaphorically) of a Raindow Paddlepop.  The aroma was second to none across my 150 or so reviews – my non-coffee drinking wife, was even attracted by the smell, and took a sip – she was impressed!  With each taste, the Costa Rican seemed to reveal more – with hints of cinnamon, aniseed and summer melon – until my wife got sick of me going on and on about how good this was.

Ristretto Quality - Good – Walter wasn’t happy with his first go, so he went again – and while looking and feeling great – it was really hard to get a good handle on it as it came in a cardboard take-away cup.  But what I did get was a ristretto that was thick and rich, smooth and syrupy, very sweet with a wonderful citrus acidity that followed.  I can’t wait to have one in porcelain. The next time I go – I will bring a book, take a seat and photograph the drinks.

Cost – $3.50 for a regular sized take away latte and  $3.20 for ristretto

Coffee Supplier – Red Berry Espresso – while the twitter account does link to a website, it is not functional yet.

Fair Trade – No mention in-store that I could see.

Customer Service -  - Walter was great – very friendly and engaging and passionate about the future of the speciality coffee industry in Adelaide, and of course about Red Berry Espresso.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat,  Deep and Meaningful, and/or Study and Reflection – Yes to all of these – but I suspect that once word gets out, it may become a busy little place – especially being so close to the new Movies Studios down the road…

This is one of those fortunate occurrences, that some would call luck, some would call an answer to prayer – while others, to quote Sheldon “who are unfamiliar with the law of large numbers would think this to be a coincidence.”  But on my most recent trip to the city for a day of coffee and reading (also in preparation for my next 21st birthday) I  decided that I wanted to check out The Espresso Room, Coffee Branch and if time allowed – another place.  Well as time and weather would have it, I made it to The Espresso Room, had to rush past Coffee Branch on my way to NOT BE LATE for lunch with my mother, and then after a quick search on The Beanhunter discovered this gem across the square from my Mother’s office.  On a side note, I had tweeted Campos Coffee a few weeks back trying to find out if anyone in Adelaide served their beans…and now I discover this place, who since their grand opening in early October, have become the ONLY place in Adelaide for Campos.

Nestled in a nice part of the city, you’ll find A’Vila coffee – named such, because the of the Spanish inspired colour scheme that was already in place when the current owner decided to turn it into a coffee place (the staff tell me it  has been toned down a bit…).  In what I like to call the ‘old Academy Cinema City’ part of Hindmarsh Square, A’Vila is pretty much adjacent to the new Crown Plaza hotel, with a nice view of the recently re-grassed landscaping of the square.  If you squint, you can also see the guy (there was only one the day I was there) who is the Occupy Adelaide protest….

With the possibility of outdoor seating, this place was a quiet spot for a coffee and a chance to recoup before the drive home. So, to the coffee review…

Latte Quality – Lattastic! – with a lovely tight mircofoam, and nice ‘tulip’ in the latte art, this was a great coffee – with flavours of butterscotch and caramel – and if I hadn’t already had five coffees (it was only 1pm) I would have gone for seconds. 

Ristretto Quality - Excellent – no photo again, as like before I drank it while standing adjacent their large La Marzocco machine.  It was think and rich, with a perfect consistency – although perhaps a little short – but with lovely red wine flavours and a malted finish.

Cost – $3.10 for a regular size latte – which is a good price.  $3.00 for ristretto

Coffee Supplier – Campos Coffee

Fair Trade – No mention in-store that I could see – however Campos Coffee declare on their home page that they have as a hallmark “Integrity in coffee…and we are driven to meet our commitments to our customers, while ensuring the coffees are produced ethically and sustainably.”  

Customer Service -  - the staff were very friendly and were happy to talk about the shop and the Adelaide speciality coffee scene. The barista who was on her second shift for the day spoke highly of her former place of employ (The Espresso Room) and their barista but was unable to tell me what beans were in the ‘house blend’ they were serving – but considering it was her second second shift…

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat,  Deep and Meaningful, and/or Study and Reflection – Yes to all of these – but when busy, you may want to get a take away and sit on the lawn.

1. Paddy’s Lantern - Adelaide, SA: This place launched not long after I signed up to Twitter – and there was some hullaballo when it opened – and on my first try, I was not disappointed. Hard to find with crap parking – but a great comfortable interior, serving 5 Senses coffee from a sexy Synesso machine – and awesome light lunches.
2. The Pantry on Egmont - Hawthorn, SA: In this little out of the way cafe in the leafy greenness that is Hawthorn, lurks Stef and the team – with a great love of coffee, serving the excellent locally roasted Dr Groot – this place is just wonderful. Russell does a great breakfast too!
3. The Two Bees Café - Victor Harbor, SA:  Whenever I get the opportunity or have the need to travel the 22kms down the coast to Victor, this is the place where I MUST stop and grab a latte.  Serving fantastic Zentveld’s from Byron Bay, The Two Bees has super friendly staff, great food and in good weather a great view down towards the Island.
4. Coffee By The Beans - Lockleys, SA: Another one of these great places in strange locations – this is a must stop if you are going too or coming from the airport.  Roasting their own beans off site, Vincent, Daniel and Richard are serious about coffee and are serious about you liking their product.  The only draw back in the location and the fact that they don’t do online shopping….
5. A’Vila Coffee - Adelaide, SA: The nearly not yet review place serves the legendary Campos Coffee – so this MUST make the top 5. Located near the old Academy Cinema City in Hindmarsh Square, these guys love their coffee – and so did I.