Merry Christmas from Perth Western Australia!

I feel it only appropriate to post a quick note to say Merry Christmas to you all and to no one at the same time. I've braved Tiger airways and returned home to Western Australia for a much needed and deserved Christmas break with my fantastic family and my old friends not forgotten. I've spent the last five days on the water with Chloe the houseboat and my family and I have had new visitors everyday to join us in the persistent relaxation demanded from the life of leisure. Alas, land must come or we must return to it as the dwellers and strollers that we are. I hope this entry finds you all relaxed and doing what you love most or avoiding what demands so much of your energy. Christmas morning found me relaxing and experimenting with the likes of my new Syphon Coffee maker, invented by the Germans and developed by the Japanese it is now a permanent part of my coffee repertoire and I'm proud of it. There's something to be said about spending time with family on a houseboat with the beautiful sun beating down on you and sharing a seafood meal over and over and learning about yourself and the people around you. I am grateful for each second here and will remember it always always. Merry Christmas xx

Espresso 3121, Cremorne

Espresso 3121 made this years Top 100 and rightfully so. It's got its own style here and I really like it. Seems like a lot of regulars coming and going. I'm not going to talk so much about the flawless piccolo latte I was served here...

Espresso 3121 reminded me just how comprehensive and broad the coffee industry is now and I'd like to ponder that with you. People who know this cafe know it well. I can see by the way they interact as customers, clients and neighbours. They have a massive flat screen on the wall with their live twitter feed... great touch. Especially considering it's a sure way to advertise another way to order your coffee in the morning. Tweet it in! Doesn't that just show you how far this industry has come! Displayed on the wall, a black silhouette world map illustrating the origins of the coffee served and sold here.

I had a moment of appreciation for the vastness of what comes in a take away cup to us on our way to work, or the afternoon espresso that saves our day. Recognising value of knowing exactly where the 'single origin' of your coffee comes from in order to give credit to a farmer living in perfect conditions growing thousands of trees and combing each one in whatever form they deem fit. To find a cherry that conceals, colour and fruit, to pick it only when it's ready. To dedicate your labour, intensively to each cherry and reveal beneath the layers and after all your time, a simple green bean.

Now, to think of the relationship that each bean has with how many people, countries and cultures before it even reaches our lips in the morning. It's huge! The entire process, I could tell you about it all day. To be able to specify exactly where my coffee has come from to satisfy me this day, is a moment of appreciation for the work before the cup. To be able to tweet my order before I leave my house, is a matter of the future. Tomorrow when you take that first sip, stop, reflect and take time to, remember the journey and not just the destination.

Table Talk - Hawthorn

Cute Cute Cute…. I love it when people realise that food and coffee can go hand in hand with other things! Table Talk Cafe on Glenferrie Road has paired a cute little cafe with a homewares and gift shop where you can sit and sip amongst the products and throughout. They use organic, fair trade Red Star coffee through a neat la Scala machine. My flat white has come to me in a cute ceramic ‘latte glass shaped’ cup with a bright red star on it. Really great actually, perfect temperature and decently texturised milk. The staff are smily and quick to serve and obviously enjoy being here. It would be nice to sit and relax here and have a few coffee’s, or a little meeting as I’m sure the various Hawthorn 9-5ers in the area do. They cater for grab and go lunches and afternoon tea’s with some yummy treats on display. If you’re in the area be sure to stop by and say Hi to Jaison and have a coffee and a browse.

Red Door Corner Store - Northcote

What a little treasure to find. The Red Door Corner Store is a neat little place on the corner of Mitchell and Andrew Street in Northcote. I arrived on a sunny Saturday at the tail end of a breakfast rush to find, people reading newspapers outside on bright red tables in the sun. A buzz and hum inside met with clever and cute eye catching enamel pots and pans and all things red can be found here. Muffin trays and the like have been framed and decorate a whole wall on one side. It is a feast for my eyes. Tables dressed with flakey sea salt and red pepper grinders along with raw sugar bowls and mismatched art deco, 50’s style cutlery. Serving Gravity coffee in gorgeous cups and saucers, quaint and sweet attention to detail has been paid. My flat white was the perfect temperature and beautifully presented and although it wasn’t as strong as I would have preferred it was still a lovely cup of coffee. I watched as plate after plate of delicious breakfast feasts pass me by and remind myself to come back for a feed another day. I decided to try the Gravity as an espresso to see if it had more punch in it. I think that I should have stuck to my regular flat white as it was the least favourite part of my experience here and its crema did not last long at all. The milk based coffee’s here are just fine and are a compliment to the fabulous food and venue on offer. A lush and green courtyard to catch the rays in and slow the day down is available or you could grab a red and white ‘keep cup’ and get it on the run with your breaky groceries from the Red Door Corner Store.

Three Bags Full - Abbotsford

Rocking a slick stirling Synesso and matching Mazzers all round….the vibe of this place is best kept hidden in the residential/commercial Abbotsford area where only those that know it visit, or those that want to know find it. Sneaky as they are they may be, they also brew various drip options by way of the Clover and a classic pour over cup version, which although I haven’t tried on this visit, I will endeavor to return for. From a near approach of Three Bags Full, its hard to ignore the style in which they have presented to us. Old road signs turned into well designed tables and chairs, the yellow and black theme permeates throughout the cafe from furniture to pepper grinders. Two kick ass barista’s working hard and after some slight suspense, a flat white worth waiting for arrives. Upon my genuine interest in the coffee and my approach to said Barista, the spring espresso is served to me, black, fast and hot, along with an ipad supporting coffee notes on all and any of the blends and single origins that are on offer here.

The spring espresso is a light and bright blend of Columbian and Kenyan (my favourite) sun dried beans complimented by a perfect extraction of 20mls presented to me as a delicious golden syrup in a black and white ceramic cup. The sweetness of such a ballsy espresso surprises and delights me and I am left with no choice but to walk out with a bag of beans of my own. Have heard about you guys before, it turns out the word on the street has sorely underestimated you even though I have heard nothing but rave reviews. Three Bags and Three Beans Full.

Rowena Parade Corner Store - Richmond

My relationship with coffee has been given life once again! I'm back on the tools, pulling perfect shots and getting my rhythm back. Rowena Parade Corner Store has been one of my favourite spots in Melbourne for years. When I lived here previously I lived on Rowena Parade, I was here very often drinking coffee, eating delicious food and generally spending quality time here. It is a cafe for locals, we have people who come to us several times a day and we cover so many aspects of everyones day to day life that you simply cant resist being apart of the community here.

It's an inspiring time of year with finals footy and being in the heart of Richmond there is certainly a buzz in the air. Currently we are toying with the possibility of expanding our range of coffee available on site, ground to order and we are looking at having fresh roasted beans to take home as well. So the hunt is on, tasting and sampling different beans from various origins and seeing what will work well with what already works fabulously at Rowena Parade.

Recently we have expanded into stocking our own range of items for the grocery shelves. Home packed and labeled and hopefully you will see Theophani's smiling face spread across the shelves of the store very soon! A reminder of where the inspiration for quality, generosity and community really comes from around here.

Home!

22 months later and I've come all the way back home. Perth. Such a strange feeling to be coming home. It's one of those times where the thought crosses your mind, "I'm never going to experience this again." Nothing can replicate travelling and living overseas and finally coming home to that feeling. For those of you who know, I'll just sigh.

I'm greeted by my very excited family at the airport, My Mum, My Dad and My Sister all in one go which was strange enough as it is. Quickly whisked away to drive back with Mum to York. About an hour inland from Perth to a small town outside of the city to just slow down and ease myself back into civilisation. I am really grateful for this and especially for Mum's cooking! I've always claimed I make the second best poached eggs on toast and that is second to my Mum. Farm fresh eggs, first day back. It's great to be home.

We went out for lunch to The York Mill cafe and it all comes rushing back. Australian food, good coffee and one thing I had forgotten was how good our ice coffee's are! Mmmmm. Mum happens to be heading off to Italy herself this week (of course) and she has decided to start trying espresso's after her meals so she can be ready for them in Italy. Turns out she is not quite ready yet but I assure her, you haven't had an espresso until you've had it in Italy.

Soon I'll be heading back to Melbourne where it is all waiting for me. Back on the tools, I start work almost as soon as I arrive and I am so excited to be making great coffee, again.

Sorrento

When you arrive at a hostel you've booked online, you are never really expect it to be anything like the place I stayed in here. It was just so sweet. Mami Camilla! I arrived and was immediatley excited about it. Lemon trees in the garden, great outdoor seating to relax in. This hostel actually hosts a cooking school as well. The students live in the rooms and attend cooking school for 3 months and cook all day for the guests in the evening! Learning about traditional Italian cooking and gaining qualifications at the same time. They offer a placement in restaurants in Sorrento after the course is complete. Breakfast was to die for! 5euros for an array of food to choose, straight from a dedicated Italian kitchen. I really struck gold booking into this place.

When I checked in at reception, they informed me that my shared dormitary was actually full so they were going to have to book me into the private room for the weekend. At no extra charge. I mean, come on! This room had a balcony! Big huge outdoor chairs with cushions to relax in the shade during a European summer dream!

Sorrento itself was just as impressive, I was about a 10 minute walk from the centre square that was filled with cafe's, nightclubs, restaurants and those cute little shopping streets that I love to wander through. I ate here everyday and watched the wonderful human salad that passed me by. Beautiful people, gorgeous weather, delicious coffee, great atmosphere. I am so lucky to be here.

I spent a whole day on the beach again, which is a lot of stairs down to a winding road that leads to the water and 20euro beach chairs. This my friends, is where I tried the best Gnocchi ever to pass anyones lips before. Melted in my mouth!

My last few days I finally got sick. I'm surprised it took this long, after a month of travelling and staying in hostels breathing shared air and pushing yourself to fit as much into your day as you can, I was bound to catch a cold at some point. I was grateful to have my own space to get better and make sure I was well enough for my flight to Spain next! So I sacrificed my visit to Pompeii, which obviously I did not want to do and have since decided that I loved Sorrento so much that I will just have to come back and do the Pompeii trip next time. Perhaps, I need to do a cooking class as well?

Capri

Capri is like an escape. A little island of the coast of Napoli that you can reach by ferry all day long. I went in search of sun, food and relaxation. The further I go south the more I feel like I am on holiday instead of that I am travelling. Because I assure you they are two very different feelings.

I took time here to slow down, and to stop. I took in every smell and taste and really let myself relax. It is a beautiful little island. I took the cable car accross to the centre of the island and then walked all the way down to the beaches on the other side. Such a different sight again, to see pebbles on the beach! No sand. Blows the mind. All through Italy you pay to use the beaches. You can pay 20Euros or more just to get on to a beach, and then to find pebbles! However the view and the water and the sun are worth every last cent and more. I endured a whole day of such fabulous relaxation and had a traditional pizza for lunch. Napoli is where pizza was first made and there for I am on a strict pizza diet whilst I am here especially.

I leave for Sorrento next and I know it can only get better!

Roma

La Dolce Vita!

What an amazing city! Rome has everything all right there waiting for you to experience it. So much history and culture in an incredible city. I loved every moment here. I stayed for 3 days and I had the greatest pleasure of seeing the Pope on my first day there! How surreal! What a wonderful moment. Just sitting there with hundreds maybe thousands of priests at a blessing held at St Peters Basilica. Puts my entire life in perspective. I visited Fontana di Trevi which I must say was my favourite. It's a beautiful spot in the middle of some wonderful streets to sit and ponder where you are and how you got there. I hope to be back here one day and sit in the same spot to ponder all over again. I've added a few photos for you this time because it was such a visual experience for me I wanted to share that with you.

Firenze

I think that so far Florence is my favourite. It's the place in Italy I stayed still for the longest and allowed myself to really relax. I have soaked up the people, the food and the lifestyle here and I could really see myself living here. As long as we can get rid of all the tourists. But honestly, when in my wildest dreams could I imagine standing in front of Michelangelo's most famous works and be surrounded by beautiful art and culture at every turn. I love it here. I have found a place where I stop every morning for my breakfast cappuccino and it is a delicious as it could be. I am knocked out by the evening buffets that the cool bars provide free as long as you buy a drink. Endless supply of italian creations to fill my tummy while I sip on my coffee martini! Firenze, you have my heart forever.

Venezia

Aha!!! A city like no other you will ever see in your life. A place that exists only in the corners of your imagination! And coffee.... I found it! Nirvana! Cafe Vergnano 1882. 1 euro espresso's that I would have sold my soul for. Well ok, slight exaggeration but seriously good espresso. Don't ask me how to get back to this cafe because in Venice you are supposed to be lost! But it is somewhere near the Rialto Bridge and it's a must find! It's the same cafe that I reviewed in London, but the real deal. Digtal Faema machine that does everything except tell you the weather outside. I am starting to learn to just drink espresso alllll day. It's wonderful here. Next stop is Firenze and I have a feeling it's only going to get better.

Di'zain

As their web page states, Di'zain refers to pattern with a purpose, and that it does. Slick, chic, cool and appealing. Perfectly presented and the attention to detail is impeccable, not just with the coffee. Owner and well experienced barista Albi puts his heart into every cup and it pays off. Serving a delicious flat white in a rounded diamond shape cup that suits the decor perfectly. If I lived in Fulham I would be in this cafe everyday, feeding my addiction to caffeine and free wi-fi. The roast used here is a light bourbon made up of 80% Brazil and 20% El Salvador and it pulls through the creamy high quality milk exceptionally. It packs quite a punch served as a classic espresso with a crema to die for in this city. Although I am favouring the perfect macchiato served to me today. Di'zain boasts a centre coffee bar showing off my favourite La Marzoco machine in a sunny front room. You can venture through to more tables and another dining area looking out on to a quaint summer garden. The cafe is stylish and black and white themed, great wallpapers and art. Attention has been paid to the little things and it is a good looking place. I highly recommend you make you way to Fulham and to Di'zain and give yourself time to drink the afternoon away, treat yourself to a delicious breakfast or lunch and even dinner Thursday - Saturday. I'm grateful I found it even if it was in my last days in London.

Milano

Ahhhh, my first stop in Italy. Finally I am here to experience where it all began and to see if everything they tell me about Italian coffee is true. I assure you, it is. I've tried not to go too crazy 'cause I still have weeks left to try it everywhere in Italy. However, my first espresso, sitting right in front of the Duomo, the most massive and intricately designed cathedral I've ever seen, was incredible. I was nervous the people around me may have been watching as I almost swallowed the cup once I was finished. Bellisimo!

On me second day, pretending that I was Italian, I decided that my breakfast would be a cappuccino, as real Italians do. "Buongiorno! Come Stai? Molto Bene, Grazie. Uno cappuccino, Grazie Mille" Ummmm HEAVEN. Didn't take a photo of this one ('cause then they would have known I wasn't Italian) but it was pretty, and smooth and perfect temperature and I suspect not even the best of the best in this country. I paid and left with a big grin on my face... "Ciao Ciao, Grazie"

After a stroll in the park and an hour or two long snooze in the sun. I decided it was time to test the Italians on their cold cofffe.... yeesh how stupid was I! This was by far the most delicious iced coffee I've ever had (shh don't tell the Greeks, I still love their cappuccino freddo). Sweet and strong and shaken on ice, served in a champagne glass while I sit in the sun. Honestly, I'm happy in la dolce vita!

Fernandez and Wells

This place is amazing. It is so stylish and just perfectly presented. And the coffee is AMAZING. It is rather expensive, but when you see whats going on in this joint its all worth it. The piccolo latte is featured here and what a joy it is to see. Everything is designed with intention here and I like that. Fernandez and Wells currently has 3 venues in London, a Food and Wine bar, a Cafe and the Espresso Bar that I find myself in today. I must must must see the other two if this is any indication of the quality I may find. Fernandez and Wells only uses full cream milk, and I have no arguments there. It's delicious and creamy and the strong coffee sits perfectly in the centre of my tongue. They really have it bang on here. They also serve organic soups made on site, organic luscombe drinks and delicious freshly carved meats for sandwiches. And the afternoon treats are not to be ignored either. This Espresso bar is very pleasing on the eye and leaps and bounds beyond anything else I have seen in London to date. Located in a small lane on St Anne's Court it attracts the sneaky passers by and those that know they are there. Full of Australians and Kiwi's again although this time run by a very enthusiastic English man who has a definite passion for his job and for coffee. Really great strong coffee, good tunes, warm atmosphere, great food and wonderful people, in the heart of London, really this is quite a gem.

Kaffeine

A nice new cafe to find actually. Again, Australians! It makes me so proud. New cafes popping up all over London and giving us the credit that we deserve for our dedication to the liquid gold that it deserves. I read about this cafe in a magazine and decided that I should definitely go and check it out. My flat white arrives in a super cool black ceramic kit and as you can see it looks like a nice strong cup. We are drinking coffee from Square Mile Roasters here which is in my opinion of a high standard and in some very good cafes in London. The barista is very enthusiastic and I like the look of him straight away.
On the menu at Kaffeine, each drink sold is also described in ounces of coffee which is really of great interest to me but perhaps not to everyone else that walks through the door. I order my flat white created with 6oz of wonder on the grand Synesso machine alongside the array of lamingtons, baguettes and treats ready for lunch service in central London. A perfect temperature again and a strong rich espresso that is instantly familiar from Square Mile roasters here in London. An interesting tea menu also found here including a Moroccan Whiskey fresh mint tea that I should probably come back and try another day.
This cafe is clearly very new, the pine decor and immaculate presentation complimented by the uber cool staff and buzzing grinders and cafe goers. It's not my favourite find in London but definitely worth a word from me and a visit from you if ever you pass it by.

Lantana

I spent a long time on Lantana's website before I visited the cafe in Central London, which I don't usually do until after I have been there. I don't know why that is relevant, but it is a very good website. This is a cool cafe, a very cool cafe. I like the way it looks, it has a great feel from the outside and from the inside and I could certainly waste an afternoon here. Another Australian gem on the sunny side of a central London street. Monmouth coffee used here and I must say that it is my favourite coffee in London so I am really excited for it to be my first today. And duly noted as I enter a shiny La Marzocco machine and two happy Mazzer grinders buzzing to the late morning crowd. Beautiful looking flat whites served here and one of the coolest Barista's I have seen in ages. I would have liked the temperature to be a little higher to be honest, but I'd prefer it not quite hot enough as opposed to too hot any day. The coffee was not strong enough to strike any lasting characteristics on the palette however very enjoyable. Perhaps clever in attracting a broader range of coffee drinkers in a city accustomed to very milky coffee. Or perhaps a way to make you order two? I proceed to order a piccolo in order to scratch my itch and find that this is indeed a much better choice for me. A strong espresso and less milk and a sure kick of caffeine that is not at all bitter and completely complimented by a fairly sweet milk. Lantana was the winner of Best New Cafe in 2009 and rightly so I think. Not only is the coffee wonderful but as Lunch is getting set up around me I see fabulous choices and a regular lunch rush on its way.