A Strange and Wonderful Day

Yesterday was a strange but wonderful day. We've been driving around in the same old Holden Apollo since Mrs Grendel first fell pregnant with Jnr. Grendel Number One. It's a great car - really a Toyota Camry under the Holden badging and although it has needed a bit of work lately it has seemed more than able to keep going another year or two until we could afford to look at replacing it.

Then there was the phone call from the Sunday Times.

I

Won

A

Car.

I'm still in shock - this alters my carefully planned budgeting and responsive cashflow spreadsheet irreparably - I'll most likely have to throw it out and create a new one. How could all my carefully crafted work be suddenly worthless?

Hang on, what do I care?

I


Won


A


Car.

This one:

Of course I'll have to have a tow bar fitted so that we can tow a trailer with the kids in. . .

Election Post-Mortem

Fortunately for John Howard the Australian political system allows him to depart government alive. This is an outstanding feature of our political system and one that should probably be preserved.

Ahem.

Coffee?

Not once in the whole campaign did I hear a serious policy statement about coffee. Oh, I know, some people would say that I am too eager for my own interests to be addressed, after all education, employment, health care, people with disabilities all have issues that need a response.

The Coalition was throwing money around like beads at Mardi Gras and Labor was almost (but not quite) matching their profligate approach to electioneering, but as far as I am aware not one dollar, not one word was spent on the crucial issues for coffee snobs.

All through the campaign we waited to hear, but silence on the issue of a national barista accreditation scheme, nothing on the proposal to build a national espresso machine water supply, not even a whisper of a ban on freeze dried coffee-based products and no committment to the International Treaty for the Prevention of Crappy Coffee.

No, but at the end, at the very end of his speech, after millions of Australians have elected him Supreme Mugwump of the nation, then and only then does Kevin07 reveal his diabolical secret - Tea. "A good strong cup of tea" he said "and perhaps an Iced VoVo on the way through".

We are shocked and appalled here at Cafe Grendel, for though we did not Vote for Rudd we did preference him before the other mob and we had high hopes that in fact he would govern for all Australians, but it seems in fact that he will only govern for the Lipton dippers.

We shall carry on the good fight however - the Greens may well have the balance of power in the senate and although one or two of them seem bent on forcing herbal tea upon us all, the solid core of the Green movement is based on and fueled by coffee.



I shall await developments with interest - and a little trepidation.

Urbanista

Working North of Perth Station in the city?
It's there.


Love back-to-basics food?
It's tasty


Like a cafe with the bohemian feel and real edge?
More edge than U2.


Love great coffee?
They've got it.

It's been a rough time for coffee lovers in Northbridge with the best cafes all located South of the tracks. Fortunately there is Urbanista, tucked down an alley just along from Kakulas Bros. on William Street, Urbanista is the kind of cafe where ideas are had, romantic assignations arranged and revolutions planned.



Leigh has had a varied career, but also a long term dream of owning a cafe. His location is a challenge but his reputation for great coffee is spreading like wildfire through the Northbridge area.

I dropped by at lunch time on Thursday and tried a ristretto (I am told it was the first they had been asked for!) and a flat white, my usual sample pair. I was very please with the result, the Fiori blend showing its usual complexity and verve through the 2-group Wega they guys have as their workhorse. Leigh's also got a collection of Moka pots and even a Bodum espresso machine on display.





Leigh is making the salads and sandwiches himself and they looked fresh and tasty and he had a constant flow of people dropping in for lunch.



The coffee though, and this is always the key for me, the coffee was brilliant.

Who: Urbanista
What: Coffee, cakes and light tasty meals
Where: William Street Northbridge (alley entry beside Flight Centre near Kakulas Bros.)
When: Thursday, 22 November 2007
Coffee: Fiori Coffee
Accessibility: Awkward - narrow doorway.

Live election blogging

17:25 Polls are still open here in WA but already counting from the Eastern States shows a distinct trend towards what the Liberals disparigingly referred to as the "Latte Set".

17:26 Not sure the blokes I saw in their union shirts would be into Lattes really.

17:27 Looked more like they'd short macc drinkers to me.

17:29 Bennelong is shifting with a 5.2% swing from Liptons Yellow Label to flat whites - probably made using Toby's Estate being in Sydney and all. Looks like Liptons may have to cease deliveries to Kirrabilli.

17:30 Not looking good for JWH overall either. Big Green vote says he oughta pushed Organic Coffee a bit harder during the campaign.

17:36 Yemen Bani Ismali espresso over a fresh merangue is quite interesting, but the merangue goes gelatenous at the end - not so nice an a waste of a perfectly good shot. There goes one signature drink idea.

17:37 This was either going to be a long drawn out election or a very very swift one - I'm leaning towards swift and don't think WA will figure in the end decision. Might be critical for the senate however.

17:47 I'm calling this one for Labor. Counting hasn't even gotten underway in Queensland yet and they are well on the way already. WA's count will be an academic exercise in the end.

17:49 The Prime Minister has conceeded - he's conceeded that the last 11 years of serving Moccona may have been a grave mistake and that the electorate seems to be punishing him for it.

17:53 I've been live election blogging now for 28 minutes - about another 5 oughta see us through to the end of the election at this rate.

18:01 Ok, perhaps that was a little optimistic - might have to blog a little longer. . .

18:02 Finished making the mango ice-cream and transferred it to the freezer. Looks good - submitted it to the scrutineers and have received a favourable response.

18:07 Mrs Grendel now watching Pirates of the Caribbean, election same level of boring on every channel apparently.

18:08 JWH seat still in doubt - can the Lipton god still reign supreme?

18:09 Strains of 'Star Spangled Banner' provide a weird backdrop to the live blogging as Junior Grendel Number One kicks arse in Battlefield 2 beside me in the Cafe Grendel technology bunker.

18:10 Results showing 68 espresso fueled lead over 50 for the Lipton lovers. I bet Greg Hunt (Lib, Flinders, Vic.) regrets him "Latte" comments now!

18:12 On that note - sadly it seems he will retain his seat - I don't like people who diss coffee.

18:15 Polls have been closed in WA for 15 minutes so I think we should start seeing preliminary results fairly soon. My tip is that we'll see a strong performance by Fiori and Five Senses over the imports. Oh and stuff the political results.

18:17 reminder to self - bump the Urbanista post up to the top after I'm done live blogging - would be a crying shame if people missed out on seeing that cafe just because of the election!

18:19 Labor looks set to gain at least 15 seats as things stand right now - they only need one more for government and Qld hasn't started showing much in the way of results yet.

18:21 Longman in Queensland is showing a big swing to Labor - 7.9%. Held by Mal Brough, who as an ex-infantry man can hardly be blamed for his preference for coffee from little sachets, may lose his seat if this trend continues.

18:28 Bennelong trend still holding for Labor.

18:34 Yawn. Count faster guys, that last ristretto is wearing off! Sam, if you're reading this, know that I am forever in your debt, that Yemen Ismali is stunning.

18:37 Roast beef sandwiches for dinner - still have to cook the beef though! Looking forward to the Mango ice-cream for dessert.

18:45 That looks to be it - 76 seats and government to the Latte drinkers - hopefully we can turn some of them to ristrettos over the next few years.

18:54 Looks like Mal Brough is gone too - will make my work interesting for a few weeks.


Live erection bogging - continued. . .

Shtardate 20:19.somethingmumble We've shuccseshfully negotilated the cork out of the bottle. To paraphrase JK rowling, it appears a change of decoration ish in order.

Can we at least hope the new mob treat coffeesnobs with respect.

20:29 Shifting sands. Judi Moylan, Petro Georgio, Malcolm Turnbull. All retaining their seats - and others like them as well. The centre 'small L' Liberal Party members seem to have a greater remenant than the more conservative side of the party. COuld this be the reshaping of the liberal party into a coffee-loving collective?

20:38 Howard is conceeding now. He says he bequeath's an Australia that is stronger, prouder and more prosperous than before. Talks up economy and his decision making prowess. Sad he took his buddies down with him. Talks up Dollar Sweetie as the next leader.

20:48 Does family stuff - should have shown more of this during the campaign I think. Come to think of it, if he'd treated Australia like his family he wouldn't be conceeding right now.

21:02 Lots of congratulations/comiserations all round. Nothing nasty - obviously they've had some decent coffee served to keep them all in good humour.

21:06 Prime Minister Elect Rudd makes his first official address. Looks happy. Celebrates democracy, and utters words of respect for John Howard's service to the nation. Talks about the future. No coffee mentioned yet, I'm getting worried. Talking about new pages - hope coffee gets a mention next. Voters. He's talking about voters - its the Coffee, not the voters! Come on, say it - A-rab-i-ca. . .

21:12 Still talking. He's going to be a Prime Minister for all Australians. Indigenous Australians, those born here and immigrants, city and country people, the troops, the federation, everyone - coffee snobs? no mention of coffee snobs? we are a significant force, surely. . .

21:14 Tomorrow he's going to work. He'll have an office with consensus (this will require coffee Kev!). End federation-related arguments by working with states and territories. Is he suggesting he wants to make my work boring?

21:18 Uh-Oh, he's thanking people already! I bet he's a closet tea drinker!

21:21 Down to Julia now and shadow ministers.

21:23 Wrapping up. Coffee mentions = 0.

21:24 Blood, sweat and tears all got a mention though.

21:25 Mrs gets a hug. And warm and fuzzies. Family next. Reckons his dad would be surprised that he's PM. Without family we are nothing - er, ok, but what are those who lose their families?

21:28 Tea - oh crap he mentioned tea. We're screwed.

I have a dream

Waaaaaay back in April I made an election prediction on CoffeeSnobs:

The Cafe Grendel Election Guide

Well, in the home straight and finally we have responses from the major and minor parties on the most crucial question of the election campaign:

"What about coffee?"

All major parties responded along with many of the minors - a big disappointment were Family First who chose to "abstain" and I reckon we'd see a lot of that out of them on many issues.

The position of Labor and the Coalition on so many issues has been very close as Rudd tries to match his wily opponent, but I am glad to say that on this crucial issue there is daylight to be seen between the dancing partners.


Liberal Party Response

Coffee has never been better than it is now under the Coalition. Beans have never been more plentiful, and Australian coffee drinkers have never had it so good. We are responsible for this. The minister for coffee personally oversaw the harvesting of each bean and the Treasurer has ensured the unique quality under the Howard government by feeding all coffee through the Prime Minister. This unique Kopi Howard (no, not you Kevin, sit back down please) has been the grounds of our success.

We would also like to add that the frequent derogatory references to Cafe Latte drinkers over the last term of the government were meant in jest only.


National Party Response

We like tea. And there is no truth to the rumour that we paid kickbacks to Saddam in order to be able to sell Australian coffee beans to Iraq - they prefer Yemeni coffee anyway.


Labor Response

Whatever the Prime Minister said we can say it better. Chairman Rudd is even now gobbling down beans to commence production of Kopi Ruddy which we guarantee will be more fiscally responsible than Kopi Howard. Ours will also come with a sustainability certificate signed by Peter Garrett. We love all coffee drinkers and will ensure that fairness is returned to Australian coffee.


The Greens Response

The Greens see coffee as a crucial part of Australian life and we would like to see more sustainable coffee production. Every Australian should be entitled to have access to fresh coffee from organic dolphin friendly Fairly Traded beans grown in rainforests inhabited by free-range civets. Unless the civets are not indigenous to that rainforest in which case we would ensure that a full environmental program is initiated to ensure the removal of the feral civets and repopulation with indigenous species.

We embrace diversity in drinking coffee and will not discriminate whether you prefer espresso, milk or organic soy based coffees


Australian Democrats

Look to be perfectly frank its highly unlikely that any of us will be here next week, this will give all of us plenty of time to really think hard about coffee - which is, after all, a very crucial issue for Australia. We've worked hard to keep the government honest and if not for us, coffee beans would have GST applied to them. Coffee has been a core part of the Australian Democrats party in Australia and was the source of many of our better ideas. Of course it is disappointing that Meg Lees attempted to take the party in the direction of Italian roasted beans, and Natasha compounded this by trying to get us all drinking Segafredo, but we have seen the light and our support for artisan roasted specialty coffee over the last four years indicates our commitment to improving coffee for Australia.


Pauline

Coffee? Yes please, one flat teaspoon of Blend 43 and one sugar thanks. Oh and white - it must be white!




Written spoken and made up in its entirety by Grendel on behalf of the Cafe Grendel appeal to please elect somebody who knows something about coffee and doesn't 'diss' coffee drinkers.

Finally Fiori

Finally a Coffee thing I can enjoy this weekend without any taste.

Hey, that didn't really come out right did it?

Finally, A Coffee thing I can enjoy this weekend while not being able to taste anything!

(Much Better!)

Yes, the new Fiori Website is live:



And so very stylish.

Nice work guys!

Election Rubbish II - Naughtyman

Is Senator Fielding breaking the law?

Senator Steve Fielding's personal website has the Commonwealth coat of arms (in a poor quality Jpeg) on the left at the top.



I thought that the coat-of-arms is only allowed to be used on official parliamentary pages and other Commonwealth documents/property, NOT on personal web pages. I checked a number of other senators and didn't find it used on their personal pages. Then I found this site with information about the proper use of the coat of arms.

"Use of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms without permission may be in breach of Sections 53 (c) (d) and (e) of the Trade Practices Act 1974, Section 145.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 or Section 39(2) of the Trade Marks Act 1995."

"The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the pre-eminent mark of Commonwealth authority, power and function. Its use, with a few limited exceptions, is limited to the Commonwealth Parliament, the Australian Government and the Federal Courts. The Arms are not in the public domain."

"Permission to use the Commonwealth Coat of Arms in other than the context of denoting Commonwealth authority and property, is granted by this department, on a case by case basis, but usually in only two circumstances, to sporting teams representing Australia in international competition, and for educational purposes."

Okay - it's likely a mistake made by an over-eager first time Senator, but I think the problem has arisen before on campaign leaflets (with other senators in previous elections).

Compared to the money currently being wasted in unfocused attempted bribes of the electorate in this campaign I reckon its a minor infraction.

Summer Colds

I have a cold.

It sucks - I can't taste a thing.

I feel like, er, Kopi Luwak - without the coffee beans in.

Killer Coffee Bean

It's one mean mother of a bean. . .

Killer Bean

Hot hot hot

The 39.8 degrees yesterday - lets just round that up to 40 shall we?

The 40 degree day we had yesterday hammered us all after the mild weather up until Saturday and I must confess it has put me off large milky coffees.

Affogato season, that's what this is. I had one this morning and it was very refreshing. Between that and the cold process in the fridge I might just make it through summer. It is a challenging time to roast the beans however!

For some reason I'm still getting better pours from the Harrar and the Honduran even in the hot weather - maybe it's an 'H' thing, as in only beans from 'H' places are any good on Hot days.

Thin reasoning I know.

A friend has just returned from cooler climates in the UK but relates that apart from one brief shining moment at 'Flat White' in SoHo his general impression of coffee across the broader UK was very poor. I know we all think of the UK as a 'Tea' culture, but lets face it, they've had coffee for over 400 years (longer than tea).

Fortunately with James Hoffmann winning the world barista championships they have their own 'coffee champion' to promote specialty coffee.

In some ways they are at the most exciting point - all new territory to conquer and not yet moribund by self-congratulatory hubris.

Election Rubbish

I'm tired of the election already - and in particular I am tired of hearing one party tell us that they are better economic managers than the other party. From my perspective there is not much difference anymore.

I did see a misleading graph that made me spit my coffee over the morning paper (From the Coalition this time) about interest rates.

I decided to make my own graph showing (ONLY) the home loan interest rate since 1975. Note that although the cash rate was 22% during one period of the Fraser/Howard government the home loan rate was artificially capped at 13.5% so I imagine the banks loved that one (NOT!).

Anyway the question being posed by the parties is 'Who is the better economic manager?" and they are suggesting that interest rates are the way in which you can decide. Personally I think that is a load of rot - but hey, it's their game.

So, if interest rates are the key, are you a better manager if you can maintain the status quo, or deliver on the goods when it matters.

I'd suggest that it is always easier to manage than to act decisively and on that measure the Coalition are NOT the better at economic management. Why? Because they took over at 6%, and the rates were on a steep downward trent at that time - in fact once they finished the natural downward trend all they have done is go up (mostly) since then.

From what I can see the rates were about 10% when Labor took over from the Coalition in 1983 and rising. The worst period around 1990 saw rates at 17% but then a dramatic 11% decrease over the next six years - and still going down in 1996 when Howard and Costello arrived in time to take credit.

Currently rates are higher now than when Howard and Costello took over. Hmmmmmm I don't think I'd be calling myself 'the best' if I was using rates as a criteria on that basis.

Anyway - I made my own graph:





Disclosure: I won't be voting for either Labor or the Coalition so this is an exercise in cynical analysis on my part!

Coffee Rama

In some ways the new Perth underground station makes the daily commute more difficult, but the new exit from the station that pops up right in Murray Street Mall is great.

The whole western end of the mall and the adjacent block are being redeveloped with some very stylish new premises appearing.

The lurid fluoro paint on one window has had me intrigued for months "Coffee Rama" it shouted - "Unique Coffee".

I'm a sucker for "unique coffee" signs, even written in orange fluoro paint so when I saw that the bright paint was gone and replaced with a calming timber framed set of windows and doors I was rather more encouraged.



Stepping inside the first thing I noticed was the very new and very very shiny Wega.

A classy feature wall and a minimalist approach to the design makes the interior very accessible.



Coffee Rama are brilliantly placed to take advantage of the traffic leaving the underground station and the traffic that will be generated by the revitalisation of the area.

Even better, they are using a Fiori Blend that the Wega seemed to love - my ristretto was thick and dark, and while they are only in their first week they are turning out creditable coffees.



With its so-close proximity to the stations it'll be a definite stopping point when I NEED THAT COFFEE NOW!

They've still got the L-Plates on the Wega, and I imagine business may be slow until people realise they are there, but they have the passion for the bean, and that is at least half the battle.

I've added Coffee Rama to the Perth Coffee Map, but it is practically on the corner of William Street and Murray Street so it is pretty hard to miss.

Who: Coffee Rama
What: Coffee and pastries - Italian style
Where: 113 William Street Perth
When: Thursday, 8 November 2007
Coffee: Fiori Coffee
Accessibility: Small step at the front but easy inside and a moderate height bench.

Tour of the Town

Well part of it anyway. I had a really great time today strolling from cafe to cafe enjoying some of the best coffee in Perth. Even better was the company. I was joined by Hamo, Terry (of T5) and Justin (of Fiori coffee). This was a great crew to have along because one way or the other I was able to learn from each of them.

I'd love to be able to cover all the great cafes in one big run, but we do have a few more than we used to and they are spreading.

This morning we started at Cafe 54 (5 Senses coffee), then hit Tiger Tiger (a Fiori Single Origin - Honduran), Ristretto where we tried both their 5 Senses blend and the Mountain Top Bin 549 roasted by St Ali in Melbourne. We finished the morning with a great ristretto at Velvet - Justin Kenny did his reputation proud!

I arrived at work well caffeinated and just in time for my caffeine enhanced reflexes to catch 'it' as it flew off the fan. . .

Next I think we'll try some of the very very new cafes in Perth - I see 3 at least that have just opened.

Why?

Once upon a time I though Lavazza Creme E Gusto was the pinnacle of coffee - of course my only comparison was Nescafe so I can find it in my heart to forgive myself - and others for making the same mistake.

BUT WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU SPEND $30 A KILO ON STALE COFFEE IMPORTED FROM ITALY!?!

It's not even a good deal on special - not when you can walk out of Fiori with a bag of Kenya AA that packs a punch and is only an hour or two out from roasting for less than that.

Fiori, Essenza, Five Senses, Crema - all locally roasted and yet we import shiploads of cheap beans bought at practically slave labour rates to flog off to the unwary as 'Premium Coffee.

Sigh.


Rant Over.

Coffee Tour Tomorrow

Just a Reminder for anyone who wants to come along on the Coffee Tour tomorrow that it starts at 7.30 am at Cafe 54 on Pier Street in the city.

Legends of the Sacred Bean - Baba Budan

Babu Budan was a Sufi mystic who travelled widely Including Africa, the Arabian peninsula and India. He is revered by Muslims and Hindus and should also be revered by coffee lovers. According to the legend it was Baba Budan who took coffee beans to Yemen - and from there they spread.

Here is the legend of Baba Budan in the style of the Rubaiyat.

The sky grey dark and the wind howled,
Down through the dim mountain valleys.
The road through the pass was narrow and stony,
Beset with dangers and haunted with fears.

Along that road stepped a solitary man,
Quickly, lightly, with dust on his feet.
A Sufi’s cloak, hem frayed with wear,
A staff, as weathered and hard as his face.

Down from the mountains he came,
Down to the sea and the waves.
Down the road to Djibouti,
With a treasure in his heart and his purse.

Well hidden it was in his robes,
Not gold, or gems or precious oils.
Small red berries of nature’s delight
In his robes, well hidden from sight.

Baba Budan it was, who strode to the sea,
With his hidden beans and the treasure in his heart.
There at the port he boarded a dhow,
And left the land of the Negusa Negast.

“Qahwat” his mind sang with the sea,
“Qahwat al-būnn” his heart pounded with the waves.
Wine of the bean, the sacred drink,
From Ethiopia’s most rugged heights.

There in the stony ground of Yemen,
He planted the seeds of the future.
There grew coffee away from its home,
And began anew its story.

From this time and from this place,
It crossed the world entire.
Growing only where the poorest live,
A treasure carried by one man.

Alea iacta est

Yes, in the words Suetonius attributes to Caesar at the Rubicon - Alea iacta est!

Mostly because I can't manage Plutarch's more authentic Greek - but there you go.

One job application surrendered to the tender mercies of the panel - now lets see if I can still afford to drink coffee next month!

LoLCat Bible

If you don't know what a LoLCat is, best read this before you proceed.

I got this courtesy of Ampersand Duck - a genius in the world of print who can be found in the ACT.

A LoLCat translation of the bible has commenced in a wiki - and it's making my feeble efforts at a 'Coffee Bible' look very thin indeed!

For your entertainment here is Psalm 23. . .

1 Ceiling Cat iz mai sheprd (which is funni if u knowz teh joek about herdin
catz LOL.) He givz me evrithin I need.

2 He letz me sleeps in teh sunni spot an haz liek nice waterz r ovar thar.

3 He makez mai soul happi an maeks sure I go teh riet wai for him. Liek thru teh cat flap insted of out teh opin windo LOL.

4 I iz in teh valli of dogz, fearin no pooch, bcz Ceiling Cat iz besied me rubbin' mah ears, an it maek me so kumfy.

5 He letz me sit at teh taebl evn when peepl who duzint liek me iz watchn.
He givz me a flea baff an so much gooshy fud it runz out of mai bowl LOL.

6 Niec things an luck wil chase me evrydai an I wil liv in teh Ceiling Cats houz forevr.

And for the rest of it you will find it here.

Coffee

Just Coffee - G'night.

I knead the dough. . .

He came as a baker; but owned, when too late-
And it drove the poor bellman half mad-
He could only bake bridecake - for which, I may state,
No materials were to be had.

I came as the baker on this escapade,
I knead the dough, but I can't look after the bread,
The banker does it instead,
And although I never feel afraid,
Somehow I know
It could be the single worst mistake I've ever made,
To come as the baker on this escapade.

(Carroll/Batt)

OK Enough Snarking about - I've been trying my hand at sourdough baking but still need some practice. At least last night's effort is edible (and looks great!) - although I wouldn't recommend going in swimming after eating it for, oh I reckon, one or two weeks?

Haha

I love a good bit of political satire - and the 2007 election certainly has plenty of that online - a Uni student in Sydney is doing a particularly fine job:

Dave Walker Cartoons

Mrs Grendel found Dave Walker's Cartoons today - I liked this one!

Fortunately I finished my job application last night (mostly). Now I can find something else to procrastinate over.

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

An Extra Serve

I saw this blogged about by both Hamo and Vawz on their respective blogs and I think it is a terrific idea.

It did get me thinking though about how more small things could be done locally.

I know there are 'meals' services for the elderly and infirm, but there are also members of the community who don't quite fit the criteria, and for one reason or another go hungry for one or more meals a week.

Hamo had been running a bread service up our way - and I've thought of a bit of an expansion on that.

Basically you cook 'an extra serve' once or twice a week.

That's its - cook it, pack it in a take away container, label it and donate it.

Okay, yes, this idea does need someone to organise it etc - but it is a nice basic thing that a family like ours, that cooks a pot of 'spag bol' or a curry every few weeks could easily contribute to.

Not really sure what to do with that idea now that I have had it!

"How to get your ass kicked on the golf course"

Mrs Grendel sent me a link to this blog - which is just too funny not to share.

Brazil Fazenda Predra Preta - CoE 3rd Place

I dropped by Ristretto this morning to try the Brazil Fazenda Predra Preta that St Ali sent over to Emanuele.

It works very well as an espresso with citrus notes the standout feature. I also found a nice nuttiness on the mid palate and very clean overall.

Defintely worth a try - and not something we are likely to get to try often so get it while you can.

The Great Perth Cafe Tour - Date

It is on!

Banish those Melbourne Cup hangovers with a brisk journey into the dark and steamy side. of the coffee cup.

Wednesday, 7 November.

Starting point will be Cafe 54 on Pier Street - 1 Block East of the Hay Street Mall at 7.30 am.

Let me know if you want to come along - or just turn up!