Seriously. Way too much awesome coffee in one day 
Yesterday, Dan and I went on a bit of a trek through three simply awesome places, and drank such a wide range of awesome coffees. All unique. All stunning.
We started at Mecca Espresso, where we were meeting a fellow CoffeeSnob (Chris) who’s out here from NZ (well, Dan was, I’m just a tagalong 
). Whilst we were waiting, we simply had to order a brew from their new syphon set-up. The Sidamo was recommended, and it was simply stunning. Juicy (that word only came to me now), berrylicious, and just delightful. Paul (the owner dude) was heaps friendly, chatting as he made our brews (well, mine anyway 
), and got Dan ‘needing’ even more crazy coffee gear.
Had a ’spro as well, but although I remember it was tops, and seemed to have a tiny echo of the Sidamo in it, the syphon brew was what captured me there. I kept an eye on the coffees being sent around the crowded café while we chatted with our new Kiwi friend, and they looked simply awesome; richly coloured crema, über glossy milk, and real pretty latte art. Hmm, I’m pretty sure I’d like to have a play behind one of those Mistrals.
We then headed down Clarence St to find a horridly chemical smell wafting around the doorway at the obviously closed Velluto Nero. Bummer. So, given that by now Dan’s car needed moving, we said our farewells to Chris, and headed for Flint and Steel.
It was also shut, but fortunately Hazel let us in anyway (We love you Hazel!). She pulled us a shot of her Brazilian, a bean who’s name escapes me … the grinder said Rondomuño (honestly, I’ve no idea how to spell it, but I wanted to use the ‘ñ’) but I have a feeling it wasn’t that. Hmm … couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was certainly unlike anything I’d had in quite a while, and it was certainly tasty. Hazel had also roasted up some Kenya Kitamaiyu so we happily relieved her of that. I had my first cup this morning through the Hario and it’s awesome - more about that later though.
We also continued our pondering of body and mouthfeel, and shot some milk. Yeah. Milk. Skim, full cream and soy. To compare the mouthfeel and weight, you see … And of course, we discovered something else to throw into the mix - temperature changes how we perceive the ‘corpo’. The cooler milk confused us, and seemed ‘lighter’ (By the way, can I mention at this point that the taste of skim and soy milk are, to me, abhorrent. Skim milk is far too sweet, and soy milk just tastes unpleasantly nutty, and there’s something totally manky in the aftertaste of it too).
From Marrickville we now steered our course to Mosman (well, Dan did, thank heavens I wasn’t navigating), to one of the coolest places I’ve ever set foot in: The Source. Synesso Cyncra, coupla Roburs, 5kg Renegade, more awesome beans. Started with a shot of the Sumatran Aceh Takengon - amazing - and the cloying sweetness at the bottom of the demitasse was just sensational. Then the Rwandan MIG - goodness gracious - balance, a different sweetness, and many more details I’m forgetting, though the word ‘exquisite’ springs to mind. The house blend was next; dark chocolate, caramel, and a minty aftertaste, very noice.
Also had a great chat to the owner dude, Russell. What is it with coffee-people? I can’t remember the last time I met an unfriendly one.
We were going to then crawl to Pablo & Rusty’s but I had to veto that, given that I wanted to remain in my incredibly patient husband’s good books, and not drag my caffeinated self through the door too late in the evening. Another time perhaps.
I gotta thank Drew (and Joshie) for so happily freeing me up to play, caring so wonderfully for our littlies, and even having dinner on the table for me when I walked through the door.
And Dan … as ever … a pleasure drinking coffee in your company.
