Being a local I have travelled up and down this street on weekends and it's pumping, well rather fluttering to the beat of well healed tourists.
On a weekday in between appointments I headed in, while it was quiet, and found a seat by the window, where I could grab a quick coffee and cake.
The staff always seem to smile politely and greet you however after your done with your order and with an air of busy-ness they disappear as quickly as their smile.
My order came in quick time and when the waitress placed down my Soy Latte and Salted Caramel Tart I asked 'do you charge more for Soy Milk?' 'Yes' was the answer received 'we charge 50 cents more'. When I asked why I was informed 'that it cost more to buy Soy Milk'. Now I have asked this question of several cafes around the place and this is the stock standard answer I am given.
From here I headed to my local Woolies and compared the price of Cow's Milk to Soy Milk. On 1ltr prices Woolies brand Cow's was $1.25, Pura Lite White $2.05, Pura Light Skim Tone $2.25 and Pauls Full Cream $1.90. The Soy milk I purchase is Sanitarium So Good at $2.00 per litre. Now as you can see there is a 75 cent difference between the cheapest and my brand of Soy Milk. I would assume, after working as a barista myself, that they use say roughly 100mls per small cup of milk in a latte. So my question why am I paying 50 cents more for the privilege of milk I prefer?
I am not having a go at Appleseed Cafe, they are merely one of many who charge extra for my preference. I say if you have to charge more for an argument that belies belief than how about 5 cents per cup, or not at all! Things to ponder!
The Salted Caramel Tart was delicious but it lacked any salted flavour and when I sat and looked at the board inside it read Breakfast open - 11.30 Lunch 11.30 - 2.30 and Coffee and Cake all day. Here I found another annoyance what difference does it make to the Chef if I felt like breakfast at 1.30pm? Another reason to ponder!
Overall they make good coffee and their choice of cakes are tempting, though rather small in size. A good place to sit and relax with a lovely area off the side to come in from out of the sun. Worth a look for yourself, as it always seems to flutter to it's own beat on weekends. read more