This literal hole-in-the-wall cafe exudes the most enticing aromas every time I rush past it on the way to somewhere demandingly important. The aroma subliminally lodged itself in the back of my food-controlled mind and resurfaced one day when I was not within time constraints. So I ducked in and was welcomed with a relaxed grin and a "how's your day going, what can I get you?".
Things were off to a cracking start. I ordered my obligatory long black and eyed the selection of homemade banana bread, freshly baked muffins and variety of focaccias. I was also pleasantly surprised to see an assortment of gluten-free treats - it can become tricky for people who suffer from intolerance to find a damn-tasty morsel in the city.
The barista encouraged me to take a seat and said she'd bring the coffee over to me. So I grabbed a newspaper and settled into a table, surrounded by other city folk who were busily completing the day's Sudoku and nutting out business deals. I felt that I could spend the whole day tucked away in this cafe, as the coffee machines shield you from the mayhem taking place on Adelaide Street. The chilled out music transports you to a happier place (think Dido, Jack Johnson, Angus and Julia Stone).
The coffee arrived quickly - beneath the thick, dark crema lurked a robust, and perfectly strong quality coffee. I would definitely have ordered another one, though I feared my blood pressure may not have so willingly accepted another rush of caffeine.
Newspaper read, crossword complete and optimal energy levels for the rest of the day restored. With a wave from the baristas on my way out, I felt ready to conquer the hustle of the outside world. read more