Saturday, January 31, 2009
Australian Cup Tasting Championship
Congratulations to Nimeshan Namasivayam, Luca Costanzo and Anne Cooper for their amazing performance at the Cup Tasting Championship. They go through to join the others in the finals to be held tomorrow.
2009 Detpak Australian Barista Championship Results
The results are due in any time now. I'll post them as soon as I have them. Mark from the WA Barista Academy did well according to reports from Emanuele and we may yet hope for an Australian Champion.
Update: The finalists for tomorrow's Barista Championship round are:
The Cupping Commences soon - best of luck to Ben Bicknell!
Update: The finalists for tomorrow's Barista Championship round are:
- Zoe Delany
- Tim Adams
- Con Haralambopoulos
- Jesse Hyde
- Habib Maarbani
2009 Australian Barista Championships - Liveblog
The AASCA 2009 DETPAK Australian Barista Championship is on today and tomorrow.
Watch it live here:
I had some news last night from Emanuele of Ristretto who competed in the Open heats. He was pleased with the coffee he produced but unfortunately ran over time. Emanuele will provide further updates on competition throughout the day.
Update: just watched a very polished performance by NSW competitor Habib Maarbani - great stuff and I think he'll rank highly. This is the Semi finals and we will see the field trimmed from 10 to 5 competitors.
Update: Mark Chandler, WA Barista Champion will be competing at around 12.30 WA time.
Another photo update courtesy of Emanuele Muratore
Watch it live here:
I had some news last night from Emanuele of Ristretto who competed in the Open heats. He was pleased with the coffee he produced but unfortunately ran over time. Emanuele will provide further updates on competition throughout the day.
Update: just watched a very polished performance by NSW competitor Habib Maarbani - great stuff and I think he'll rank highly. This is the Semi finals and we will see the field trimmed from 10 to 5 competitors.
The Semi-finals progress (Photo courtesy of Emanuele Muratore)
Another photo update courtesy of Emanuele Muratore
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday Night Music
I saw this one posted on Cake Wrecks and thought it was the most innovative presentation of a dessert-themed version of Verdi's La Traviata that could ever have been made:
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Updates to the Map
We found a few new places on our travels and consequently I have made updates to the WA Coffee Lover's Google Map.
There will be more updates added over the next couple of weeks.
There will be more updates added over the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Last Busso
While I am a long way from exhausting the coffee and culinary charms of the South West, I fell the need to move on post-wise so here is a final set of images from Cowaramup.
These three little shops are great (unless you use a wheelchair or walker in which case you get to sit outside. . .)
However, often you just can't make it around all the little wineries and gourmet food producers so little shops that stock the local produce are great. This one, Margaret Riviera is neatly located beside Candy Cow which ensures that you have a little something savoury to go with all that sugar.
The photos show the style of the place, but suffice to say that we usually stop in here at the start of our holiday to stock up on tasty treats for the adult end of the Grendel clan.
Candy Cow is a Junior Grendel Favourite for obvious reasons - but I usually manage to fudge a sneaky purchase of my own.
Who: Candy Cow and Margaret Riviera
What: Great Sweet and Savoury Treats - depending which door you darken.
Where: Corner of Bussell Highway and Bottrill Street
Contact: Candy Cow(08) 9755 9155 Margaret Riviera (08) 9755 9333
When: Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Accessibility: Terrible - unless there is a hidden back entrance that I didn't see
Web: Candy Cow Margaret Riviera
These three little shops are great (unless you use a wheelchair or walker in which case you get to sit outside. . .)
However, often you just can't make it around all the little wineries and gourmet food producers so little shops that stock the local produce are great. This one, Margaret Riviera is neatly located beside Candy Cow which ensures that you have a little something savoury to go with all that sugar.
The photos show the style of the place, but suffice to say that we usually stop in here at the start of our holiday to stock up on tasty treats for the adult end of the Grendel clan.
Candy Cow is a Junior Grendel Favourite for obvious reasons - but I usually manage to fudge a sneaky purchase of my own.
Who: Candy Cow and Margaret Riviera
What: Great Sweet and Savoury Treats - depending which door you darken.
Where: Corner of Bussell Highway and Bottrill Street
Contact: Candy Cow(08) 9755 9155 Margaret Riviera (08) 9755 9333
When: Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Accessibility: Terrible - unless there is a hidden back entrance that I didn't see
Web: Candy Cow Margaret Riviera
The Goose
Probably our favourite family discovery this holiday was The Goose.
It is not hard to find - after all the Busselton Jetty is probably one of the better known landmarks in WA and The Goose is right at the start of the Jetty.
It is both a restaurant and cafe so I was prepared for mediocre coffee but decent food. Both surpassed expectations.
We went to The Goose twice - just to be sure, and both times the service was superb, the food excellent and the coffee some of the best I have had down South.
Junior Grendel Number One is a dab hand at ordering and asked for an iced Mocha - not on the menu - so he explained that he wanted both Coffee AND Chocolate with his usual 6-year-old precision.
It arrived in due course looking magnificent and tasting divine - I have never ever had an iced mocha as good as this one. It may have appears a bit dated in the style of preparation(cream-from-a-can towering from the glass) but it really was amazing. I was put to the test when we returned home as the Junior Grendels demanded a home made version complete with a scattering of coffee beans on top - lack of cream-in-a-can meant that I had to improvise but I think The Goose has made a lasting impression on both Junior Grendels.
Junior Grendel Number One (and friend) contemplates his first Goose iced mocha.
The return trip naturally featured a second try.
My own choice of an espresso and a flat white were great, but paled next to the Iced Mocha. . .
Bliss! (and a verbal comment that had Mrs Grendel and I in stitches "Ahhhh, this is the life")
The nicely crispy chips were served with an aioli that must have been made right there in the kitchen, it was a stunner.
Such a view doesn't hurt a restaurant, but matched with the service and the food it made The Goose a definite 'must return' in the Grendel Family holiday notebook.
Who: The Goose
What: Great Service, great food and great coffee
Where: 0 Geographe Bay Rd Busselton, WA (literally where the Jetty starts)
Contact: (08) 9754 7700
When: Friday, 23 January 2009
Coffee: Yahava
Accessibility: Good but via the back entrance for wheelchair and walker users.
QR Code with address and phone:
It is not hard to find - after all the Busselton Jetty is probably one of the better known landmarks in WA and The Goose is right at the start of the Jetty.
It is both a restaurant and cafe so I was prepared for mediocre coffee but decent food. Both surpassed expectations.
We went to The Goose twice - just to be sure, and both times the service was superb, the food excellent and the coffee some of the best I have had down South.
Junior Grendel Number One is a dab hand at ordering and asked for an iced Mocha - not on the menu - so he explained that he wanted both Coffee AND Chocolate with his usual 6-year-old precision.
It arrived in due course looking magnificent and tasting divine - I have never ever had an iced mocha as good as this one. It may have appears a bit dated in the style of preparation(cream-from-a-can towering from the glass) but it really was amazing. I was put to the test when we returned home as the Junior Grendels demanded a home made version complete with a scattering of coffee beans on top - lack of cream-in-a-can meant that I had to improvise but I think The Goose has made a lasting impression on both Junior Grendels.
Junior Grendel Number One (and friend) contemplates his first Goose iced mocha.
The return trip naturally featured a second try.
My own choice of an espresso and a flat white were great, but paled next to the Iced Mocha. . .
Bliss! (and a verbal comment that had Mrs Grendel and I in stitches "Ahhhh, this is the life")
The nicely crispy chips were served with an aioli that must have been made right there in the kitchen, it was a stunner.
Such a view doesn't hurt a restaurant, but matched with the service and the food it made The Goose a definite 'must return' in the Grendel Family holiday notebook.Who: The Goose
What: Great Service, great food and great coffee
Where: 0 Geographe Bay Rd Busselton, WA (literally where the Jetty starts)
Contact: (08) 9754 7700
When: Friday, 23 January 2009
Coffee: Yahava
Accessibility: Good but via the back entrance for wheelchair and walker users.
QR Code with address and phone:
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Olio Bello - return visit
Olio Bello is a regular spot for us to visit in Margaret River. Located on Cowaramup Bay Road it is conveniently placed when you are doing a loop from the Bussell Highway across to Caves Road.Last year we made a quick stop here for coffee and cake - which was superb but this year our friends Ben and Liz also had lunch and revealed some additional kitchen talents that we had not yet discovered.
I'll let the photos do most of the talking but just add that these meals tasted as good (or better) than they looked:
The real reason Mrs Grendel wanted to go to Olio Bello this year was the cake pictured above - a lemon and rosemary cake which is so amazingly good that Mrs Grendel just had to have a large bottle of Lemon Pressed Olive Oil so that she too could make it for herself. . .
Olio Bello is one of those places that we continue to have a great experience with every time we visit, which is surely why we keep on going back!
Who: Olio Bello
What: Olive Oil, Olives, Cakes, Pizza and Pasta and all manner of olivy treats for inside and out.
Where: Lot 1 Armstrong Rd, Cowaramup
When: Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Coffee: Either Yahava or Yallingup Coffee Co. (I think)
Accessibility: Good for getting in but you'll want some staff help to reach the sample platters if you use a wheelchair - high counters.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy Australia Day
221 years ago coffee first came to reside on our shores. I am certain that it visited in passing on Dutch and French ships who skirted our girtings, but it was with the First Fleet that it took up permenant residence here.
Listed among the plants and seeds on the cargo manifest were:
The seeds were most likely obtained in Cape Town - the last port of call before the fleet proceeded to Australia and it is known that many of the early crops failed and no record remains of successful germination of coffee seeds in the Port Jackson colony.
In addition it is likely that some of the ship's officers and Marine officers may have obtained their own supplies of coffee beans for personal consumption. Personal stores were quite common among those who had the funds to purchase them and the small luxuries helped ease the tedium of the long sea voyages but once gone could not be replaced.
No doubt a little more coffee would have been beneficial to the morale of the colony but it is interesting to note that there is no tea listed on the manifest of the ships, although again it is possible some stocks were privately held.
So coffee arrived in Australia along with convicts and marines, and is therefore a crucial part of the tiny part of Australian history that includes European settlers.
I think it is a good thing that we take a day to celebrate Australia and our national achievements. As for the current debate about whether we should shift the date, I thin we could without damaging any aspect of our national pride - after all, January 26 is merely the day that a British Officer read a proclamation claiming the country for Britain.
We've gone beyond that know and we also understand the harm that was brought to the original inhabitants of this country - even today they still consider the 26th of January as the anniversary of invasion, which from there perspective is entirely accurate.
I'm not given to wild exuberant expressions of patriotism, far too often they seem to be a shallow expression of nationalistic pride that is misplaced when many of those expressing it seem to care so little about the nation whose flag they are waving.
Lately it has been impossible to ignore the plastic flags fluttering from the windows of cars - illegally placed (they blow off and fly into the windscreen of any car following) and made in China - hardly an appropriate expression of national esteem.
We seem to have caught the American trend of flying the flag, but without the underlying respect and tradition for flag flying that seems to exist in the United States.
I think there is much to admire about Australia, we have a quality of life that is among the best in the world, we have a tolerant approach to others and many Australians are actively seeking to improve not only their own circumstances but also the lives of others.
As one ordinary Aussie I'd like to honour the unknown and yet extraordinary Australians today. Some are in the military and serve not only as protectors of our nation but also extensions our willingness to help others. Some are in emergency services, some work as direct care workers for people with disabilities or in aged care homes. Some are teachers, tradespeople, cafe staff and even coffee roasters.
In fact they are to be found across the entire population, working each day and giving more than they have to in their efforts because they believe that we can be better than we are. The existence of the economic crisis does not slow their efforts, it increases them.
They have a love for this country that transcends mere flag flying and is expressed more deeply than the recitation of oath or anthem. Most are never honoured with medals or public recognition and pass with their efforts unacknowledged except by family and friends but each contributes to making this a better country.
We live in a nation that is not perfect and can never be perfect but that does not mean that we should not strive to achieve perfection. We have a history of working together best when times are toughest, and many Australians are now facing difficulties they had not imagined a year ago. And yet we are still a wealthy country and should ensure that we provide not only for our own but for our neighbours also, thus ensuring not only their goodwill, but also their help when we may need it.
Regardless of crisis or recession, Australia and we the people who live here, can still continue to advance Australia fairly. So thank you to all those who help build this country, protect it, support and heal its people, grow its food, and most importantly, roast its coffee.
Happy Australia Day!
Listed among the plants and seeds on the cargo manifest were:
- Banana
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Cotton
- Eugenia
- Guava
- Ipecacuanha
- Lemon
- Orange
- Prickly Pear
- Spanish Reed
- Tamarind
The seeds were most likely obtained in Cape Town - the last port of call before the fleet proceeded to Australia and it is known that many of the early crops failed and no record remains of successful germination of coffee seeds in the Port Jackson colony.
In addition it is likely that some of the ship's officers and Marine officers may have obtained their own supplies of coffee beans for personal consumption. Personal stores were quite common among those who had the funds to purchase them and the small luxuries helped ease the tedium of the long sea voyages but once gone could not be replaced.
No doubt a little more coffee would have been beneficial to the morale of the colony but it is interesting to note that there is no tea listed on the manifest of the ships, although again it is possible some stocks were privately held.
So coffee arrived in Australia along with convicts and marines, and is therefore a crucial part of the tiny part of Australian history that includes European settlers.
I think it is a good thing that we take a day to celebrate Australia and our national achievements. As for the current debate about whether we should shift the date, I thin we could without damaging any aspect of our national pride - after all, January 26 is merely the day that a British Officer read a proclamation claiming the country for Britain.
We've gone beyond that know and we also understand the harm that was brought to the original inhabitants of this country - even today they still consider the 26th of January as the anniversary of invasion, which from there perspective is entirely accurate.
I'm not given to wild exuberant expressions of patriotism, far too often they seem to be a shallow expression of nationalistic pride that is misplaced when many of those expressing it seem to care so little about the nation whose flag they are waving.
Lately it has been impossible to ignore the plastic flags fluttering from the windows of cars - illegally placed (they blow off and fly into the windscreen of any car following) and made in China - hardly an appropriate expression of national esteem.
We seem to have caught the American trend of flying the flag, but without the underlying respect and tradition for flag flying that seems to exist in the United States.
I think there is much to admire about Australia, we have a quality of life that is among the best in the world, we have a tolerant approach to others and many Australians are actively seeking to improve not only their own circumstances but also the lives of others.
As one ordinary Aussie I'd like to honour the unknown and yet extraordinary Australians today. Some are in the military and serve not only as protectors of our nation but also extensions our willingness to help others. Some are in emergency services, some work as direct care workers for people with disabilities or in aged care homes. Some are teachers, tradespeople, cafe staff and even coffee roasters.
In fact they are to be found across the entire population, working each day and giving more than they have to in their efforts because they believe that we can be better than we are. The existence of the economic crisis does not slow their efforts, it increases them.
They have a love for this country that transcends mere flag flying and is expressed more deeply than the recitation of oath or anthem. Most are never honoured with medals or public recognition and pass with their efforts unacknowledged except by family and friends but each contributes to making this a better country.
We live in a nation that is not perfect and can never be perfect but that does not mean that we should not strive to achieve perfection. We have a history of working together best when times are toughest, and many Australians are now facing difficulties they had not imagined a year ago. And yet we are still a wealthy country and should ensure that we provide not only for our own but for our neighbours also, thus ensuring not only their goodwill, but also their help when we may need it.
Regardless of crisis or recession, Australia and we the people who live here, can still continue to advance Australia fairly. So thank you to all those who help build this country, protect it, support and heal its people, grow its food, and most importantly, roast its coffee.
Happy Australia Day!
Udderly Divine
One of our favourite stopping points down South is Cowaramup with Candy Cow being the sugar hit pilgrimage for the Junior Grendels each year.
We also usually try to drop in at Udderly Divine, a small cafe that we discovered a wet and cold September some years ago. They served a warm and filling sweet potato and lentil soup that was superb along with some locally roasted coffee.
They use coffee from the Yallingup Coffee Roasting Co. which although not my favourite is certainly fresh and the staff at Udderly Divine really make it sing.
Udderly Divine though is an amazingly relaxing place to stop, even though it is located on the main street of Cowaramup - which also happens to be the Bussel Highway.
They make much (if not all) of the cakes and biscuits in their cabinet and always maintain a solid menu of breakfast and lunch items using local produce.
Any visit to the South, including Margaret River can be an expensive exercise so we are constantly looking for cheap
family outings that Junior Grendel Number One and Number Two can both enjoy.
Junior Grendel Number One in particular is quite selective and prefers to return to places we have 'discovered' at an earlier time.
Fortunately this cafe rates highly in his estimates and when we set out in the morning his one ambition for the day was to have an iced coffee - accomplished here with the added bonus of crispy chips.
For parents Udderly Divine has the added bonus
of a play room - something that is rare in any venue let alone a small cafe.
If you are in the South West, tired, hungry and in need of a quiet place to be - Udderly Divine is a far better option than many of the crowded cafes of Margaret River.
Who: Udderly Divine
What: Meals made from local produce and good
locally roasted coffee.
Where: 22 Bussell Hwy Cowaramup, WA
When: Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Coffee: Yallingup Coffee Roasting Company
Accessibility: Good - small (3cm) rise to negotiate
Contact: (08) 9755 5519
We also usually try to drop in at Udderly Divine, a small cafe that we discovered a wet and cold September some years ago. They served a warm and filling sweet potato and lentil soup that was superb along with some locally roasted coffee.They use coffee from the Yallingup Coffee Roasting Co. which although not my favourite is certainly fresh and the staff at Udderly Divine really make it sing.
Udderly Divine though is an amazingly relaxing place to stop, even though it is located on the main street of Cowaramup - which also happens to be the Bussel Highway.
They make much (if not all) of the cakes and biscuits in their cabinet and always maintain a solid menu of breakfast and lunch items using local produce.
Any visit to the South, including Margaret River can be an expensive exercise so we are constantly looking for cheap
family outings that Junior Grendel Number One and Number Two can both enjoy.
Junior Grendel Number One in particular is quite selective and prefers to return to places we have 'discovered' at an earlier time.
Fortunately this cafe rates highly in his estimates and when we set out in the morning his one ambition for the day was to have an iced coffee - accomplished here with the added bonus of crispy chips.
For parents Udderly Divine has the added bonus
of a play room - something that is rare in any venue let alone a small cafe.If you are in the South West, tired, hungry and in need of a quiet place to be - Udderly Divine is a far better option than many of the crowded cafes of Margaret River.
Who: Udderly Divine
What: Meals made from local produce and good
locally roasted coffee.Where: 22 Bussell Hwy Cowaramup, WA
When: Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Coffee: Yallingup Coffee Roasting Company
Accessibility: Good - small (3cm) rise to negotiate
Contact: (08) 9755 5519
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Morning Rush
With the machine barely warm and the seasoning shots only just approaching satisfactory, the customers have arrived and the orders started flowing thick and fast. Three double ristrettos lead out, quickly followed by a hot chocolate and two iced coffees and topped off with a flat white. Yes, the Junior Grendels are awake, Mrs Grendel is hovering and all of us need an early morning coffee.
I thinks it's about as close to running a cafe as I want to get!
I thinks it's about as close to running a cafe as I want to get!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday Night Music
An interesting version of The Four Seasons - Autumn, with a wonderfully read introduction:
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Citizen
I'd buy this citizen a coffee any day - several in fact. It is good that the Victoria Cross has been kept to such a select group of recipients as it makes the awarding of the Cross that much more significant. One of the remarkable features of the Victoria Cross is that is given most often when a soldier selflessly risks his own life to save others, the most noble aspect of his profession.
Trooper Donaldson's citation is here, and well worth a read.
Trooper Donaldson's citation is here, and well worth a read.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Further observations on Third Place
A certain number of people attending or using a place is required for it to be come an interactive area between people - a Third Place.
It would be easy, but erroneous to look for a critical mass in quantitative terms alone to start this reaction. To be sure, a certain number of people are required , and if the place under consideration is a business then obviously to operate it requires customers.
Simply filling a space with people will not create a third place. It is the nature of the activities that are carried out in that space and the opportunities for interaction they create. Alternatively third party influences can initiate a chain of events that result in the establishment of the conditions necessary for a Third Place to come into existence.
I'm convinced though that being really busy is likely to have a negative impact, particularly if there is no 'space' where a back-eddy of people can pause and interact.
I'd love to be able to mount a camera on the ceiling that took time-lapse photographs of the patterns of movement in various Perth cafes and public spaces. It would be a wonderful study of time and motion in potential Third Places.
It would be easy, but erroneous to look for a critical mass in quantitative terms alone to start this reaction. To be sure, a certain number of people are required , and if the place under consideration is a business then obviously to operate it requires customers.
Simply filling a space with people will not create a third place. It is the nature of the activities that are carried out in that space and the opportunities for interaction they create. Alternatively third party influences can initiate a chain of events that result in the establishment of the conditions necessary for a Third Place to come into existence.
I'm convinced though that being really busy is likely to have a negative impact, particularly if there is no 'space' where a back-eddy of people can pause and interact.
I'd love to be able to mount a camera on the ceiling that took time-lapse photographs of the patterns of movement in various Perth cafes and public spaces. It would be a wonderful study of time and motion in potential Third Places.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I'm not sure if he likes coffee. . .
But regardless of what he will drink at that desk in the Oval Office, congratulations and good luck to Barak Obama, the 44th President of the United States.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I'll see your Hallucination and raise you an Alzheimer's
In tit for tat style reporting, The Age today carried the story that moderate coffee use reduces the risk of Alzheimer's.
This nicely balances out the story earlier in the week that coffee might possibly cause hallucinations.
Of course it may be that both stories are correct which means that you have to decide whether or not you want to risk hallucinations you can remember in your later years or not remember anything at all.
Yeah baby - look at the lights! Groooovy. I feel one with my espresso.
This nicely balances out the story earlier in the week that coffee might possibly cause hallucinations.
Of course it may be that both stories are correct which means that you have to decide whether or not you want to risk hallucinations you can remember in your later years or not remember anything at all.
Yeah baby - look at the lights! Groooovy. I feel one with my espresso.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Editor sacked for unnatural interest in poodles
Paul Armstrong, editor of the West Australian has been sacked.
I suspect poodles may be involved as evidenced by the website of the West Australian which today seemed to maintain an unnatural interest in the curly-haired canines. . .
I suspect poodles may be involved as evidenced by the website of the West Australian which today seemed to maintain an unnatural interest in the curly-haired canines. . .
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ristretto
If you happen to be in Perth City this week it might do to drop by Ristretto in Central 160 where Emanuele Muratore has some St Ali beans in the hopper this week.
These include the St Ali custom blend for in-house St Ali coffee sales and a Washed Indian Baalmadi Organic/Biodynamic.
The Indian should be available next week (and in short supply) and is a great espresso single origin with a rich buttery mouthfeel, spice, fruit and lots of depth.
They sound great but I understand he only got a couple of kilo's of the first and a single kilo of the second bean so it will vanish like midnight smoke.
Coming up after the Australian Barista Championship, Ristretto will also be running a 'Battle of the Beans' to explore a number of origins and blends on a single day.
Full details will be revealed later but it does sound fun!
These include the St Ali custom blend for in-house St Ali coffee sales and a Washed Indian Baalmadi Organic/Biodynamic.
The Indian should be available next week (and in short supply) and is a great espresso single origin with a rich buttery mouthfeel, spice, fruit and lots of depth.
They sound great but I understand he only got a couple of kilo's of the first and a single kilo of the second bean so it will vanish like midnight smoke.
Coming up after the Australian Barista Championship, Ristretto will also be running a 'Battle of the Beans' to explore a number of origins and blends on a single day.
Full details will be revealed later but it does sound fun!
Governments ban coffee in 3-2-1. . .
As Terry from T5 Espresso mentioned to me earlier today, the press is beating up a story about coffee's 'hallucinogenic' properties. Now I'm fairly comfortable with the Durham University research project, I think from what I can see it is well researched and within the ethical research guidelines, but it is not about coffee.
The full title of the article is: "Caffeine, stress, and proneness to psychosis-like experiences: A preliminary investigation" it appears to be linked to another study entitled: "In a dark time: Development, validation, and correlates of the Durham hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations questionnaire"
The second report is on the development of measures to allow people to report on the auditory, visual and felt (as in, 'I feel a presence. . .') experiences of hallucination.
The first article discusses the role of caffeine in raising levels of the hormone cortisol which is proposed to play a role in the manifestation of psychotic experiences. The study found that "Caffeine intake was positively related to stress levels and hallucination-proneness, but not persecutory ideation."
In other words, it does increase cortisol, and thus make people more prone to hallucinations (but not necessarily cause them).
But why is it that every time you mention "hallucination", the media go nuts?
In this case some media outlets are suggesting that coffee causes hallucinations without proper reference to the paper's conclusions. I imagine if you drink enough coffee that hallucination might be possible, but the study does not suggest that coffee is an hallucinogenic drug. It merely notes a link between people who have hallucinations, stress, elevated levels of cortisol and the consumption of coffee.
One of the researchers in fact suggested that coffee consumption was possibly part of the coping strategy of people having hallucinations, rather than a cause.
So please media peeps, calm back down, go have an affogato and relax.
Just don't do it somewhere with paisley wallpaper. . .
The full title of the article is: "Caffeine, stress, and proneness to psychosis-like experiences: A preliminary investigation" it appears to be linked to another study entitled: "In a dark time: Development, validation, and correlates of the Durham hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations questionnaire"
The second report is on the development of measures to allow people to report on the auditory, visual and felt (as in, 'I feel a presence. . .') experiences of hallucination.
The first article discusses the role of caffeine in raising levels of the hormone cortisol which is proposed to play a role in the manifestation of psychotic experiences. The study found that "Caffeine intake was positively related to stress levels and hallucination-proneness, but not persecutory ideation."
In other words, it does increase cortisol, and thus make people more prone to hallucinations (but not necessarily cause them).
But why is it that every time you mention "hallucination", the media go nuts?
In this case some media outlets are suggesting that coffee causes hallucinations without proper reference to the paper's conclusions. I imagine if you drink enough coffee that hallucination might be possible, but the study does not suggest that coffee is an hallucinogenic drug. It merely notes a link between people who have hallucinations, stress, elevated levels of cortisol and the consumption of coffee.
One of the researchers in fact suggested that coffee consumption was possibly part of the coping strategy of people having hallucinations, rather than a cause.
So please media peeps, calm back down, go have an affogato and relax.
Just don't do it somewhere with paisley wallpaper. . .
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Mags
No, the wheels haven't fallen off - and grammatically incorrect, but anyway. . .
BeanScene Magazine will be issuing their first edition later this month - on January 28.
This is exciting not only because I love a good read, but also because the Editor, Steve Agi has also accepted an article from me profiling a Perth barista.
I'm going to attempt to make regular contributions to the magazine about people and events in the Perth coffee scene just to keep the Eastern States appraised of our coffee progress - cost of air fares keeps them all tied to the Eastern shores don't ya know. . .
BeanScene is also starting a subscription service - $40 a year of which $5 is donated to the CoffeeSnobs 'FairCrack' fund. This is a great and generous initiative as FairCrack donates to projects in coffee origins and any coffee lover has to support that.
You can read all about FairCrack here and about the very first FairCrack project here.
If you need a little more self-interest to prompt your subscription then perhaps the thought of winning a brand new Giotto espresso machine might tempt you?
You can subscribe via this link at BeanScene, or you can download the PDF with all the details.
BeanScene Magazine will be issuing their first edition later this month - on January 28.This is exciting not only because I love a good read, but also because the Editor, Steve Agi has also accepted an article from me profiling a Perth barista.
I'm going to attempt to make regular contributions to the magazine about people and events in the Perth coffee scene just to keep the Eastern States appraised of our coffee progress - cost of air fares keeps them all tied to the Eastern shores don't ya know. . .
BeanScene is also starting a subscription service - $40 a year of which $5 is donated to the CoffeeSnobs 'FairCrack' fund. This is a great and generous initiative as FairCrack donates to projects in coffee origins and any coffee lover has to support that.
You can read all about FairCrack here and about the very first FairCrack project here.
If you need a little more self-interest to prompt your subscription then perhaps the thought of winning a brand new Giotto espresso machine might tempt you?
You can subscribe via this link at BeanScene, or you can download the PDF with all the details.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Best Kids Game Ever
Some time ago we downloaded a beta release of a computer game that started as someone's student project and is now being released as a full version of a game. It is one of the cleverest pieces of work I have seen in a long time and rivals Lemmings for originality and problem solving challenges - I referred to it as a children's game but in reality the puzzles are great for adult and child alike.
The game?
Crayon Physics.
The object of the game is simple - the ball needs to come into contact with the star. You can use your crayon to create any object you think will help and it will react as if it had actual physical qualities - such as mass, equal to the dimensions of the object that you have created.
It is unbelievably fun and at $20 US the cheapest entertainment you'll have all year.
More information - including a free demonstration version for download can be found on the creator's website here: Crayon Physics
The game?
Crayon Physics.
The object of the game is simple - the ball needs to come into contact with the star. You can use your crayon to create any object you think will help and it will react as if it had actual physical qualities - such as mass, equal to the dimensions of the object that you have created.
It is unbelievably fun and at $20 US the cheapest entertainment you'll have all year.
More information - including a free demonstration version for download can be found on the creator's website here: Crayon Physics
Friday, January 09, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
La Cage Aux Tigre
Passing by the entrance to Murray Mews this morning I noticed that the big iron gates were open - a sign that Tiger Tiger was possibly open early
after their Christmas break.
What I found was the entire contents of Tiger Tiger in neat tarp-covered piles.
after their Christmas break.What I found was the entire contents of Tiger Tiger in neat tarp-covered piles.
Moving further I could see that the Lawyer's office nearby had been true to their risk assessment that suggested a threat from the old gum tree in the courtyard and they had had it removed.
It was sad to see it gone as it added a wonderful incongruous feel to the architecture.
Inside Tiger Tiger all was busy-ness with a new sky-blue paint on the feature wall and the shelving being placed to hold the wines that will be available under their new liquor license.
It was sad to see it gone as it added a wonderful incongruous feel to the architecture.
Inside Tiger Tiger all was busy-ness with a new sky-blue paint on the feature wall and the shelving being placed to hold the wines that will be available under their new liquor license.
Fortunately with Braydon choosing the wines it is going to have some nice choices and I look forward to seeing how it all goes.
I saw some of the spirit choices too - including a Swedish potato vodka and a locally made (Albany) single malt whiskey.
All will be operating on Monday so I think it's time for another team meeting. . .
Fortunately the renovations had progressed enough for coffee to be possible and it was served thus:
You can say what you like to Clare these days (after you get your coffee) and she'll have a hard time getting at you. . .
All will be operating on Monday so I think it's time for another team meeting. . .
Fortunately the renovations had progressed enough for coffee to be possible and it was served thus:
You can say what you like to Clare these days (after you get your coffee) and she'll have a hard time getting at you. . .
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Back at it. . .
I started back at work on Monday feeling pretty refreshed after two weeks off, today however not even a double ristretto and a flat white first thing in the morning could stave off a headache that must be a 'return-to-work' headache.
It felt like a caffeine withdrawal head pain and lasted the whole day. There has been a reasonable amount of research into caffeine withdrawal, and at times it has been inconclusive as to whether or not it exists.
Some of the more recent research has been based on the hypothesis that it does exist, but not for everyone.
I know that any day in which I do not have a good coffee in the morning I am likely to be rewarded by a headache that sets in around 11.30 in the morning and remains until I go to sleep.
Others I have discussed the topic with describe everything from migraine-level blinding headaches to a mild irritability as the symptoms of their own withdrawal.
Caffeine is a drug, we do become accustomed to its use and can become dependent on its effects. I usually drink two coffees each day - most of my friends assume I drink many more, and on occasions I have, but most weeks it is 2-per-day, not out of any particular sense of moderation, more just because that is enough to give me the beneficial feelings without imposing the ill-effects of over caffeination.
This is one of the reasons I like to make sure that I drink really good coffee - with only two a day there is no point wasting it on nasty, stale coffee from just anywhere.
I had a brilliant ristretto at Epic this morning and it reminded me of one of the reasons that I like Perth cafes - they each seem to have something that they specialize in. I can walk into any one of nearly a dozen cafes on my route to work and get a coffee that exceeds anything that I could buy anywhere in Perth a few years ago.
If I go further off my path of travel then there are an even greater number of Perth Cafes that have gone way beyond the average. My experience in other cities is limited, but from what I hear others say it does seem that Perth has a remarkable number of specialty cafes where the quality of the coffee is paramount.
A lot of that has to do with our local roasters who contribute their expertise in training as well as roasting to the cafes that they supply.
The result in a generally high standard - once you know where to go. I think 2009 may have to be a year where once a month I try to ensure that I go to a cafe that I have not yet visited. There are a few new cafes, as well as some that have been just out of my reach and I think I'd like to learn from their owners and baristas as well.
Also this year I will be doing some writing for BeanScene Magazine and hopefully manage to profile some of Perth's baristas and roasters over the year - We have so many interesting coffee people in the Perth areas that it is getting to the point where the focus of the article will have to be decided by a coin toss.
I've also just been promoted at work which will keep me busy on that front and I now have the opportunity to work with my own team, as well as with the other teams I already work with. I have successfully introduced good coffee to the office and our plunger gets a daily workout. The downside of this is that on days where we run out of good coffee (like today) everyone notices immediately.
As penance for failing to ensure supply i have put together a bag of my personal blend from last week - Yemen Ismali and El Salvador Himalaya. With any luck that gift of atonement will keep me alive in the office until Friday.
It felt like a caffeine withdrawal head pain and lasted the whole day. There has been a reasonable amount of research into caffeine withdrawal, and at times it has been inconclusive as to whether or not it exists.
Some of the more recent research has been based on the hypothesis that it does exist, but not for everyone.
I know that any day in which I do not have a good coffee in the morning I am likely to be rewarded by a headache that sets in around 11.30 in the morning and remains until I go to sleep.
Others I have discussed the topic with describe everything from migraine-level blinding headaches to a mild irritability as the symptoms of their own withdrawal.
Caffeine is a drug, we do become accustomed to its use and can become dependent on its effects. I usually drink two coffees each day - most of my friends assume I drink many more, and on occasions I have, but most weeks it is 2-per-day, not out of any particular sense of moderation, more just because that is enough to give me the beneficial feelings without imposing the ill-effects of over caffeination.
This is one of the reasons I like to make sure that I drink really good coffee - with only two a day there is no point wasting it on nasty, stale coffee from just anywhere.
I had a brilliant ristretto at Epic this morning and it reminded me of one of the reasons that I like Perth cafes - they each seem to have something that they specialize in. I can walk into any one of nearly a dozen cafes on my route to work and get a coffee that exceeds anything that I could buy anywhere in Perth a few years ago.
If I go further off my path of travel then there are an even greater number of Perth Cafes that have gone way beyond the average. My experience in other cities is limited, but from what I hear others say it does seem that Perth has a remarkable number of specialty cafes where the quality of the coffee is paramount.
A lot of that has to do with our local roasters who contribute their expertise in training as well as roasting to the cafes that they supply.
The result in a generally high standard - once you know where to go. I think 2009 may have to be a year where once a month I try to ensure that I go to a cafe that I have not yet visited. There are a few new cafes, as well as some that have been just out of my reach and I think I'd like to learn from their owners and baristas as well.
Also this year I will be doing some writing for BeanScene Magazine and hopefully manage to profile some of Perth's baristas and roasters over the year - We have so many interesting coffee people in the Perth areas that it is getting to the point where the focus of the article will have to be decided by a coin toss.
I've also just been promoted at work which will keep me busy on that front and I now have the opportunity to work with my own team, as well as with the other teams I already work with. I have successfully introduced good coffee to the office and our plunger gets a daily workout. The downside of this is that on days where we run out of good coffee (like today) everyone notices immediately.
As penance for failing to ensure supply i have put together a bag of my personal blend from last week - Yemen Ismali and El Salvador Himalaya. With any luck that gift of atonement will keep me alive in the office until Friday.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Fighting the Fire
At 3 am this morning we were woken by a choking cloud of smoke seeping into our house. It is kerbside pickup week this week and the local 'bored and brainless' have decided that burning the neighbour's rubbish piles makes great entertainment. I spent half an hour hosing down one such fire near our house in the wee small hours with a garden hose until the fire brigade arrived to do the job properly. Unfortunately they missed a bit - a bottom timber fence rail burning slowly underground. They found it smoldering when they came back to check this afternoon - a much more reasonable time to be out playing at being a 'Fiery' if you ask me. At least this time we could take the kids out and show them the action.
The fire crew were terrific and allowed the boys free run through the fire appliance and even gave them a turn on the hose.
Their eyes were shining all afternoon.
I would like to note for posterity, that BOTH Junior Grendels deliberately attempted to hit me with the jet of water from the hose. . .
Now that was a great school holiday activity - even though it was unplanned.
The fire crew were terrific and allowed the boys free run through the fire appliance and even gave them a turn on the hose.
Their eyes were shining all afternoon.
I would like to note for posterity, that BOTH Junior Grendels deliberately attempted to hit me with the jet of water from the hose. . .
Now that was a great school holiday activity - even though it was unplanned.
Gratuitous Affogato
Ahhh yes, this was Mrs Grendel's afternoon treat this afternoon - an affogato made with her blackberry ice cream and my week-old blend of Yemen Ismali and El Salvadorian 'Himalaya' coffees.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
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