25 down - 75 to go!!!!!



Today was a huge milestone on my coffee journey! I have completed a quarter of my challenge.. and what a way to do it and I still have almost 10 months to go.. so I'm definitely  staying on track !!!



The sign to reveal the location .... its quite tricky to find...
but soooo worth it!



I realise the challenge I have set for  myself is so easy. The cafes that I am visiting have already been judged, critiqued and compared against the 1000s of cafes Melbourne has to offer. I just get to sit back, relax, enjoy the company, the atmosphere and most importantly the coffee ! The hard bit has been done for me!

Thinking about it some more  I realise this is what I should be doing - to finally feel pleasure and happiness again (even if its to do with that heavenly drink), to have purpose, and to take me to meet different people and open my eyes to parts of Melbourne and of myself I haven't seen before! And so far  I like what I see!

The more challenging part of this is going to be getting myself around to the parts of Melbourne that are not familiar to me and ultimately improve that skill that has always been lacking: map reading!!!

So today I was heading south to see a friend so it  made perfect sense I  try some coffee on her side of the city! I don't  go out there much....

My coffee - ahhhh zen

First stop for Darby and I was Market Lane Cafe http://www.marketlane.com.au/ in the Prahran market. Silly Jane did not investigate her coffee tasting very well today. We arrived there, paid for parking,  only to find the market closed and deserted and the cafe closed on Mondays! (I put that in my memory bank in case down the track I decide to visit  it on a Monday, which could most likely happen!!)I was looking forward to the highly regarded coffee here too, so I will have to come back on a Thursday!

I couldn't decide where to go as my next stop for coffee.. I was curious abut a place so decided to give it a go I could never remember or pronounce its name correctly: Monk Bodhi Dharma http://www.monkbodhidharma.com.au/  http://www.monkbodhidharma.com.au/blog/in Carlisle st. I managed to get a great park in front on the St Kilda Police station and wandered with Darby around the corner. My MCR application said I was right at 202 Carlisle St where MBD was meant to be but all I could see was a women's dress shop and a dentist,  certainly not a hip vegetarian cafe,(if it was here it  was certainly a convincing disguise) I wandered up and down Carlisle street tearing out my hair and getting stressed. It was then when I saw a sign on a lane way and I hit the jackpot! Hooray I wasn't going crazy after all.  We wandered up the lane to the rear of the dress shop and dentist to  Monk Bodhi Dharma. Being so well tucked away I didn't expect there would be anyone inside. To my surprise the place was packed ..Darby and  I managed to get a bench seat overlooking the coffee machine, ! Perfect for watching the wonderful and eccentric Barista (loved his  hat) work his magic on the Synesso machine. I took a deep breath  and I felt instantly calm ahhhhh



Darbys babycino - how cute!!!



Darby's Babycino arrived with a happy smiley face, and that summed up the visit we had here, the wonderful karma of this place has stayed with me so it makes such sense that the Buddist monk BodhiDharma is credited with introducing Zen to parts of the world! I certainly felt it here! The staff were friendly and chilled out, they knew how to make a great coffee (mine was blissful), they rotate  their coffee beans  from other speciality roasters  and they serve healing and sustainable vegan and vegetarian cruelty free foods. (I quickly phoned Laura as she would love it!)

The decor is bohemian and has a woody and earthy feel, and they have a retro Tin poster I just have to find! (Im on the hunt for one now!) An elegant 50's housewife sipping her coffee with eyebrows raised - In bold letters next to her COFFEE! The most necessary of all Evils!!  - email me if you know where to get one!!!!!



The masterful coffee machine



On the way out I picked up a business card (part of my next challenge!) and also another bookmark on the bench, I turned it over and it was all the places in Melbourne MBD like  to have coffee! Talk about good Karma.. I hope Ill do a good thing and spread the word about how fabulous you are ....



Coffee blends - which one shall I have!

My elegant coffee

After my lunchtime visit to Laura and Steve (and little Georgia)- The cue to leave was little Georgia's cry. I had forgotten how high pitched a newborns first crys are!

On our way home, I thought we could duck (pardon the pun to come!) into a cafe on our way home! Darby was only a few moments off nodding off, (how cruel am I) when we pulled over to visit another mouthful: Omar and the marvellous coffee bird! http://www.coffeebird.com.au/ in Gardenvale. The cafe was quiet (we were the only ones in there)  , but I imagine it is all hustle and bustle on weekends and lunch times! My coffee has a lovely earthy taste, with an elegant  hazelnut crema - I'm sounding more coffee expert every day ; ) 

The staff were very interested in Darby's rubber ducky http://www.rubbaducks.com/rubba.asp... and his awesome catalogue of 50 or more  different ducks... they were soooo enthralled and why wouldn't they be... they are the coolest things ever!! OK, I'm off the coffee track now, but after a long coffee tasting day I was exhausted! Today there were certainly places worth coming back to...

Until next time xx

- My next little challenge as mentioned above - I am now collecting business cards of all the places I go to, so at the end of the year I can frame them somehow of how far I have come in 2011!



Darby and his Baseball Duck!



Dead man Espresso and Leroy - an awesome sunday in the sun!



My Dead Man espresso with
 the sunday sun streaming in

I woke up this morning with the realisation I was having a whole day to myself (wow) and the weather was being extra kind by offering me a mid 20s autumn day! First off I needed to get a coffee! I wanted to try somewhere new, but I wanted to stay local! Tricky you may ask as I have already saturated the area with my coffee tripping! My handy MCR app came out and I found a place in Port Melbourne that was only a 5 minute drive over the Westgate bridge! I dared to face the bridge on a Sunday morning.. hoping for non of the usual peak hour chaos or roadworks! Thank goodness, my trip over the bridge only took a couple of minutes and I was in Port Melbourne. I was heading towards the Salford Lads club ( no I don't think its a guys only cafe?!!?)  tucked in the back of an industrial estate. I was a little worried when I arrived and there was not another soul to be seen! Eeeekk The App did say it was open on Sundays so I made my way over to the cafe, only to find a big bolt and lock over the front door! Damn! Well least I know where it is  for next time. I liked the look of the pale pink coffee machine, so look forward to see what kind of magic it can produce!  Where to now!?!?!?  

Coffee being made at Dead man Espresso



I decided on another newbie, Dead Man Espresso, in South Melbourne. When I arrive there it doesn't look too open either ! Oh oh... was I going to have one of those days!  To my relief it was open!!It was just rather quiet, it hadn't yet succumbed to the craziness that is Sunday breakfast time at cafes, which was quite refreshing to see! I sat in a corner with the warm morning sun streaming through the window and I ordered my coffee pronto, while I  perused the menu. Everything looked so tasty! I couldn't resist ordering, I deep down wanted to order the fresh scones with Jam and cream but I opted for  saintly and ordered the fruit salad with tapioca and coconut tuile... I was a little unsure about the tapioca as I haven't really experienced it at all... to my surprise it worked really well with the fresh fruit, adding a different texture and sensation in my mouth!

My coffee had fruity undertones as well, and was very easy to drink! I hesitated ordering another, but didn't want to limit any coffee I had later in the day! Will be back here to try more from there menu, and I hope (not for their sake, but mine) that it is as calming and relaxing as it was! A nice change for an urban cafe!

Later in the day I caught up with Elisha and we decided to hit St Kilda for our catch up.  I've  never been  much of a fan, always thought it was too cool for school , but must admit when I am there, I do get that touristy vibe and it is quite relaxing! The people spotting is fun too! We lazily walked up and down Acland Street, before deciding upon Leroy Espresso (funny its also on my list too!! What a surprise!) 



Leroy has a very funky 70's decor, with Vinyl Orange booth seats, one that we managed to snag! Loads of Posters covered the walls of bands and events coming soon. It also had a decent menu, the kind of place you would go if you are ridiculously hungover! I opted for  Poached eggs with mushroom.... it was good! The coffee was good.. not the best I have had, but definitely  hit the spot...

After lunch , we headed back down Acland street to treat ourselves to some ice cream at Trampoline  http://www.trampolinegelato.com.au/  on this lovely warm day! All in all a pretty nice day off, spent drinking superb coffee and great company!

Until next time xx



My coffee at Leroy (Thanks Elisha!)

Baby its cold outside!

 To get started on a very very cold  Friday morning a girl needs her coffee!! This is also helpful to get the brain ticking and start thinking about the work day ahead.. although procrastinating about the weekend is not too far out of the question!

Janine and I decided to head local today, it was too cold to go very far from the office and the chance of rain without umbrella was quite high. (forgot my Buzz Light year!)  We headed to Cafenatics http://www.cafenatics.com.au/ which is only a short work from our Docklands office! Before my "coffee blog obsession/ New Year resolution" began, this was the cafe I went to every working day!

Busy Cafenatics!! Love the funky design

The frenetic pace of this cafe is unbelievable often with a line out the door, generally a sign good coffee is made here!!  Its  not a very relaxing cafe to have a chit chat over your mid morning latte... unless you don't mind yelling, but it does have a very funky vibe to it ! Its better once it calms down although the pace quickly picks up again around lunch time and they do a roaring trade! The Ham & Swiss Cheese flat bread is a staple for me when lunch is forgotten (or often left at home on the bench!!).Its simple yet delicious, its hard for me to order anything else! A creature of habit I call it!

My coffee today however was not showing the usual richness that it normally does. My expectations have also gone up a notch of late, so I'm not sure if this played a factor as well! I will be back.... hoping for a better coffee next time.

For lunch I wanted to go far far away from work ! Well to the other end of the city,  which feels so far away. I have been talking about my desire to go  65 degrees http://www.65degreescafe.blogspot.com/ for a long time.. so today being the coldest day, and  still battling a cold it wasn't the most sensible thing to do! These days I would do anything for coffee! How sad!

Janine and I met Laura there for some lunch and another hit of caffeine! I was hoping for a great coffee after this mornings disappointment! I have been reading great things about award winning  65 degrees... When I looked into why name a cafe 65 degrees I found out that this is the  perfect temperature milk should be in a coffee (hope that's right, someone please correct me if I'm wrong!!!) See I am learning something about coffee making every day!


Gorgeous red coffee machine!



 I asked an obviously new waitress for a Piccolo latte, I had heard about them but had always been reluctant to  try.... I had in my mind that it was a half espresso half milk, a mini latte so to speak, she told me it was a long black, so to chicken I didn't order... I now know it is a mini latte! Ah next time I will order it! I'm moving more and more out of my comfort zone everyday.

My coffee, however did not disappoint, it had very strong nutty flavour, enhanced by the soy milk.  They use Gridlock coffee here  and I can see why they have won many coffee making  championships! They  have so much pride in their coffee and their cafe.   Another one to add to my faves! (Pity its up the wrong end of town!)

Nice and Strong Soy Cappuccino

Until next time xx

PS - As part of my Blog journey, I have started to collect the business cards from these cafes so I can make myself a framed picture of my journey for 2011! Hopefully it doesn't get too big, I have no wall space in my place left!

Royal Treatment

Surely Thursday was going to get better.... A day off with Darbs,  A catch up with Aunty Corrie and our car back to do or go anywhere we wanted!

 It was slightly better , although I have decided that  this week is a write off.. my cold is still lingering (go away already) and the slight tightness in my head in the morning turned into a full blown splitting headache later in the day! Maybe my caffeine addiction is taking its toll on my body !! (I really hope not.. or there goes my entire  blog!!)

I'm looking at it like a small bump in the road and Ill be back firing to go next week!

Anyway today I tried to achieve some balance in my life ... this is my little goal for the month of March! ! It may be the Holy Grail but I will try and get it!

A wise person said to me today that it was time that I take it upon myself to  reach out for help, allow people in my life that want to help, and take those offers no matter how big or small. (Basically say yes to everything!)

I'm a very resilient person and I can take alot of baggage on board.... but from time to time its ok to seek assistance! Now I'm sounding like the shrink!!!

Okay psychology lesson aside and onto the stuff of importance.... did I get to the Duchess of Spotswood after my last 2 failed attempts! The answer is yes! Was it worth it?? Yes Yes Yes..... 

Corrie, Darby and I headed here on Thursday morning for a coffee hit! I adore the posh  English feel of the  place, with a gorgeous chandelier hanging from the ceiling , the very clean white walls to the hardwood floors and antique furniture! ! It is a very friendly and inviting cafe. The menu also looks amazing.... White anchovies with Scrambled eggs... mmmm . Next time we will leave ourselves more time so we can eat!

Darby did order himself  a delicious Vanilla bean and chocolate centred biscuit! I only had a few crumbs, but they tasted just how I like (very vanilla).

The coffee we ordered  showed  no signs of the sick coffee machine earlier in the week. Our cappuccinos were  served in pretty green and blue pastel cups! The coffee was lovely and smooth, very easy to drink... Although our visit was short... I know I will be back again soon. The 3 minute drive from home will always be worth it.



Out the front of Nabiha! How cool!



With our new found freedom with our car back, the world feels like our oyster! Asking darbs where he wants to go! The first thing that comes out of his mouth is K-MART!!!! (followed closely by BIG W!)

So Darbs and i did a deal (and shook on it!) We would go to Kmart and then to get a coffee!! It worked a treat... he was phenomenal!!! The persuasive bargaining worked. In a normal world this never happens, so I am grateful!

After our little trip to Kmart, we headed next door to what will become a new little favorite- Nabiha in Moonee Ponds. I had a takeaway from here a few weeks ago and it was divine!



My coffee with Maisy watching over!



We sat down as I was starving.. i thought i was going to pass out!! Coffees and babycino ordered super fast... now on to teh menu. Everything looked so good, I had trouble deciding what i wanted! I cant believe they create all this food in a tiny makeshift kitchen. I settled on Fruit toast, with Ricotta, flaked almonds, cinnamon and drizzled with honey. It was just what I needed to bring me back to life and send my headache packing!

I also loved Darby's babycino cup! It was a tin cup designed by an African community.. just beautiful and unique! 

The girls who run this cafe are soo friendly and inviting, I felt like I was given royal treatment!  I will be recommending this place to everyone I know... it  was a wonderful cafe experience!  So glad its close to home as I have a growing list of places that are out of this world!!! 

(better than having none at all!)

Until Next time xxxx



PS - Congrats to Laura and Steve on little Georgia! I cant wait to meet her!! Go away Cold!!!

The coolest Babycino cups ever!!

Work, Life, Balance, and good Coffee!

Well its good news to start with today, a brand spanking new car back in my possession, 3 weeks to the day! Yay! Boy have I missed my wheels.. I can really recommence my coffee challenge and start hitting the burbs for some caffeine! Although on the flip side my body has really thanked me for this extra walking... so I am going to try and keep the activity levels up!

This week has been rather hit and miss on the coffee front .... Monday, Darby and I ventured to Spotswood by train in the freezing cold weather  (who knew it was the last day of Summer!!!!) to visit the Duchess of Spotswood. I have been here a couple of times and it was brilliant! Alas we arrived and their coffee machine was being taken away in a car, not a great sign! Another broken machine! Damn!!!

Coffee dilemma solved by catching the train back to Yarraville (luckily only 1 stop) and meeting up with  my aunty at an old fave:  The Corner Shop! I can never fault their coffee, it is always incredibly smooth and rich. (and no broken coffee machine in sight)

 I was back in Spotswood again on Tuesday to pick up  my car so thought I'd swing by the  Duchess again, but it closed at 3.30! (I arrived at 3.35!!!) Ill keep persisting and go tomorrow!  I have worked hard for this coffee,  I hope its a good one.

I have  also still battled on with my cold, I felt better over the weekend and then went severely downhill when I was back at work (mmm makes me wonder if work is the culprit for making me sick! Ill ponder that some more) .

Work  and home life have thrown me some challenges this week that normally wouldn't  phase me, but somehow I have found it to overwhelming, tears as well! Oh Jane!!!

Quite ironic though that a topic of  my team meeting on Tuesday was Work Life Balance - Is it a load of twaddle! 

 Who really has it??? Is it just a nice saying?? Does it exist in the real world??? This week I'm  certainly  not feeling any kind of balance in life or at work !  I'm completely out of whack!!

Lets hope tomorrow off will rejuvenate and revive me before the weekend!



Total Eclipse.. my magical coffee



Anyway enough of the serious stuff, lets talk about  the most important topic : coffee... I went to Elevenses this morning and was a little concerned when a man was tinkering around with the coffee machine. Oh no not another broken coffee machine, I just couldn't bare it..not this week ...Thank god it was fine and I actually think today's cup was the best I have had from the guys here and that is saying ALOT.... Thank you Elevenses! You made my day!!

I needed to get out of the office for  Lunch, So headed to Eclipse for Lunch with Janine. We both loved what we had.... it was very tasty with finesse, and  presented soo well (it also filled me up for the whole day). My fancy was Flat bread toasted with Chicken, Bacon, Avocado, and Aioli, with Rocket!  The coffee was beautiful as well ..



Highlight of the day: Catching the train home with Darby and using the Master Chef magazine as a picture book.  We read together pointing out all the obvious things , George, Gary, Matt, Curtis, Figs, Lemons, Pizza, Chilli, pasta etc etc! What a great purchase, we both get enjoyment out of it!! Classic moment when we got to   George and Gary's chocolate desserts and I told Darb's everything that was on the page! He piped up "mum I want to cook  a Jaffa Souffle with candy orange !" A few peak hour commuters smirked at that!  Bring it on Darb's!!! Ill drink to that!

Until next time xx

PS - Thanks Damien Rice... you have helped me get through a tough week!

Summer in the city and its raining!

I had a few hours to spare whilst Darby was gallivanting with his great aunty at the museum... and again I couldn't decide where to go! This no car thing is starting to grate on my nerves! Normally I would be able to jump in and go wherever I like... but without it I'm feeling lost and anchored to the West ! I call Laura to see if she wants a coffee and she also has the luxury of a car, but she has been struck down with my cold and doesn't want to get out of bed (don't blame her).

 So I decide my best option  is to go into the city again, I had so much fun last time, why not do it again.....Although this time the weather (scattered showers) and the lack of umbrella is not working  in my favour!



Its trademark!Chairs in the roof!



I get off at Melbourne Central and get out my handy MCR app on my phone! The closest place to me is Brother Baba Budan  (BBB)  http://brotherbababudan.com.au/ in Little Bourke St . I have been here once this year on my challenge and still think it was the best coffee i have had (in a takeaway). It is 3 beans and that definition is a coffee that leaves you thinking about it for weeks and the that was certainly the case  so I cant wait to taste a sip  sitting at the window and watching the masters of coffee do their thing! 

My Coffee Art

Its a very intimate cafe, with no more than 15 seats to sit down. I sit my self down at a vacant seat at the communal table and order my coffee. Its an all girl show working today and it must be mandatory to have tattoo's as the two on the coffee machine have some  striking arm art!  

My coffee arrives quickly and I ponder it for awhile as it looks soo pretty, as soon as I put my spoon in the  milky pretty design on top is going to go! Oh well all for the sake of the taste! And it is a top notch coffee... one of the best you will get in Melbourne or anywhere for that matter (that's saying something!) Its velvety smooth and the soy milk's nuttiness  seems to enhance the flavours of the espresso! Not really anything else to say! Its a 10 out of 10 in my books. Perfecto!

 Ill be trying to come back here as quickly as I can... or over to its Mother ship Seven Seeds (and a friend told me last week they have opened another store in Fitzroy De Clieu, so I will have to get there soon!)

I'm calling the Panel Beaters soon as I  get home! I want my car back!!! 

Until next time xx



Train Excursion and the dreaded summer cold!

Friday is here and I'm stretching my very foggy brain (damn head cold - I hate you ) trying to remember my coffee adventures from  earlier in the week!!

Weeks seem to be moulding into one and February has almost gone before I knew it was here! Monday came around again and Darby and I broke with our tradition and did something a little different today! Entering week 3 without a car has made me become more inventive with the adventures we take. (Also I try and make them as easy on me and kid friendly as possible!) 



Yummy Smartie Cookie

We decided today on  a train trip to Newport  which would be a fun way to spend the afternoon! Newport is only 3 train stops away so its a quick trip and a perfect length for Darbs, ... less stress than driving really ....



Today we are trying Nosh @ Newport.. I have heard many great things about this place but have never managed to get myself there!

Nosh is situated opposite the Newport train station and is very easy to locate. It is open everyday and for dinner some nights too! Its a very funky  and  low key kind of place. It is also very kid friendly (big tick for that) with toys in the corner, lots of  kiddie food, including gingerbread bears, the always divine Honey Joys and the pièce de résistance "the Smartie cookie!  Kiddie drinks are also served in plastic cups! Darby was very impressed by his babycino  served in a bright green cup, but even more impressed by his smartie cookie.. (I scored myself a few little bites as well.)

Coffee Supreme! A long time fave!

My coffee is yum, they use Coffee Supreme, one of my favorite brands (of a list that is growing fast)!so its hard to go wrong! Ill be back here no doubt. Always nice to have another place so close to go to in the west.. 

Nosh Coffee

Now as the rest of my working  week unfolded and I began to feel the physical effects of a summer cold coming on, runny nose,  sore throat and achy body just to name a few symptoms  (I'm sure my body could be forgiven to thinking it is June), Luckily I still felt the need to drink coffee. Any time I'm even slightly under the weather my body goes into caffeine shutdown and I cant drink it for weeks.. but even though my taste buds are out of whack and I'm severely dehydrated, my body is still calling out for its daily cup of coffee,(YAY)!

Elevenses cool coffee machine on Snooker table 

 I visited Elevenses http://www.elevenses.net.au/ a few times  this week for their super coffee, I love that place! The quirkiness, the location (so close to work) and the divine coffee! Yummy Toby's estate is always spot on here, strong, rich and smooth (this is where I could insert some lame joke about liking my men that way, but Ill refrain!) 



my coffee mmmmmm

 I took the guys from work here on Friday for coffee and brunch as Janine and I are always talking about it and my colleague Stephen wanted to get a picture and mention in my Blog!!! He even shouted me coffee as a sweetener!
The place was heaving with people in a mid morning caffeine rush which is great for them! 

Oh and on rather an embarrassing note, the guys at Elevenses had read my blog (or a part where I have mentioned them!) I suppose this is good.... but I forget that anybody can see/ find  my  portal of dagginess!!! Oops! Oh well, its all in the name of coffee!!

Until next time (sniff sniff)

Enjoy your coffee xx

 PS -  I need to find a new word/s for Yummy- I use it way too much... any ideas please??!???????!

Saturday night Fever!

 



Darby and his coffee art - he is not as fussy as his mum about his coffee!

  Now this is part two of my Saturday blog! I cant believe I was silly enough to drink 3 coffees in a day! I didn't really think there would be any consequences! How naive of me!? Coffee is a very powerful drug, and for someone who only drinks one a day, I was drinking well over my recommended amount! I must have this mantra plastered to my forehead: remember Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate... coffee really is a diuretic, it dehydrates very quickly and I'm learning that lesson daily!



My coffee being made at Nabiha





After my busy morning in the city, I was hungry for some lunch so I decided to gatecrash Laura's catch up with her friend in Moonee Ponds! (Well mainly it was so I could go and have a look at Kmart too, without a car its almost impossible!) I had heard fantastic things about a cafe in Hall St called Nabiha which was on my MCR list. We checked it out but it  was too busy when we went in, so we opted for Ednas across the road. Lunch was just what I needed, Darby and I both had Poached Eggs on toast. He loves loves loves  eggs... but today he was more interested in eating all of Laura's fruit Salad!


After lunch I just had to try a coffee at  Nabiha, I am always excited to be trying another place on the West side.  It is a long and small cafe inside a concrete building (that doesn't sound too nice I know??) but surprisingly it has a very warm and inviting kind of feel. The two girls running the cafe were really friendly. Nabiha  use Five Senses coffee on a Synesso coffee machine which is a really beautiful... The take away coffee was outstanding, I would have drunk the whole thing  and ordered another if I didn't already have the severe shakes from a coffee overload! Ill definitely be coming back here though , I loved it!

How gorgeous are these vintage water jugs.. I want some!





My surprise gorgeous flowers from Shaz



 When I arrived home from our shopping/lunch/coffee fix there was a gorgeous surprise waiting for me at my doorstep! Some flowers from Shaz . Such a beautiful gesture, such a beautiful friend, I feel like such a sucky one most of the time! Made me realise how much I miss her!  

Darby's wonderful pic of "Coffee Drunk" Mum

 Now I can see why coffee is a drug, Three cups on Saturday and I felt drunk, seriously delirious!! I had soo much energy, I lost my appetite, had the shakes and palpatations. Darby thought it was hilarious that I was jumping around the house like a lunatic! We also thought it would be a great idea to play dress ups and have a dance... Darby favouring a floral dress and fascinator and well I was the photographer and DJ mixing the tunes! I think he likes coffee drunk mum  cos I had so much energy to match him finally and not the usual exhausted mum at the end of the day.  Although he crashed on the couch from all our frivolity but I couldn't sleep, awake until 12 just tossing and turning ..... arrgghhh. Lesson Learnt today - One coffee daily maximum for me!

Until next time , enjoy your coffee xx

 

Dress Up fun



Accidental Tourist

Phew... its been a busy busy  caffeine fueled day.. I might have to break this into an AM and PM blog as I covered so much ground today! Actually knocked 3 places off my list (a record!) and im down to 80 places to go...... in 10 months! 
I'm afraid I'm  still a little high from my coffee fix(es) today, its been an overload for my body, I don't know how I will sleep tonight.. I am taking extreme measures to  suffer  for my art. I think a caffeine free day may be in order tomorrow.. what horror.. well maybe back to just one coffee! .....



Sensory Lab



With a few spare hours to myself today (My kind lil sis took Darbs to see "Gnomeo and Juliet" awww) I decided the city was the best place to go without the convenience of having a car... I packed my trusty camera and decided today I was going to play tourist! Try and observe through the eyes of a newcomer to Melbourne ... and I was pleasantly surprised. I love Melbourne so much , but today it took a different persona and I loved it even more .. I felt like I was really on a holiday. The weather was perfect, the city was busy but not hectic like it is on a frenetic work day..  It was soo much fun!

 

Marble Tables and Bunson Burners at the Sensory Lab



My Perfect Coffee

At my Science Lab seat!

First stop I needed a coffee... I got off the train at Flinders St station and used my handy MCR Iphone App to the closest paces near me... It guided me in the direction of  Sensory Lab http://www.sensorylab.com.au/ in  David Jones on Little Collins St . I have been here before,  late last year, it had a wow factor  then - I'm hoping for the same kind of experience....  Greeted by a chirpy waiter in a Lab coat and 1950s "Mad Men" slicked hairstyle, my coffee was before me in a flash! (a Good Start)  The coffee was really rich, with a smooth taste, Their coffee blend is so easy to drink, I have to stop myself from sculling it in 3 sips!
 I understand why this place gets a 3 Bean rating.. Coffee is an art form here, with a coffee bar, where you can purchase beans from and also admire the different techniques of how to make a coffee, including the syphon ... which looks amazing and very scientific.  It really does take the form  of a  'science' lab!



Maybe I need to get some coffee making lessons??!?!



How good does this food look!??!



After my coffee hit, I did a little retail therapy... or more like window shopping as I did not get my walllet out at all!
 I was more interested in taking in the little laneways and alleys that Melbourne is famous for and doing a spot of people watching! Gosh the food on offer is nothing short of amazing!  If only my stomach was big enough to try the many delectable treats on offer around the city! In particular I passed  a favorite of mine... I hesitated going in, but I think this is the kind of place company is compulsory! You need to enjoy devonshire teas with other people, no matter how good they look! Next city visit Ill bring a date and first stop will  be the Hopetoun Tea rooms  http://www.hopetountearooms.com.au/ in  the beautiful and historic Block Arcade http://www.theblockarcade.com.au/



 The window full of  everything sweet that you can imagine was out of this world and most people walking through the arcade, stopped to admire the cakes, tarts, slices, biscuits on display and look longingly when a slice was plated up for a lucky customer!! mmmmm

Journal Cafe

After some more wandering around the lanes and heading back towards Flinders St Station, I stopped off at the Journal Cafe in Flinders Lane. The cafe has a old Library kind of  feel,, Ironic then that is located adjacent to the City Library..
I sat in a corner overlooking the window. I ordered my usual coffee and some seasonal fruit (Peaches and Nectarines with Yoghurt).  The coffee had a lovely nutty taste, although it wasnt the best coffee I had, it was good, but I couldnt drink all of it. That may be partly to do with the amazing coffee I had an hour or so before. I will come back to Journal on a work day and check it out again.



As a Thankyou to Laura for looking after Darby I had to stop by Little Cupcakes http://www.littlecupcakes.com.au/

7 tiny bits of happiness!! They really are Heaven!  White Chocolate and Raspberry,  Passionfruit, Choc Chip, RedVelvet mmmmm they are soo good, Its hard to stop at this many!