Cawfee

Britts and pieces here.

So, living in Melbourne is pretty fantastique due to the vibrant culture associated with coffee and art. I decided to finally embrace this and explore the hidden and celebrated dwellings of caffeine obsessed minions.

Having a book such as 'the coffee guide...Melbourne 2009 edition' is pretty helpful in these situations. The cafes listed in this guide are recommended on the basis of "beans" as opposed to "stars". My coffee compadre and I thought it was only fitting to visit the 5 bean cafes first and foremost. Plus the weather was a bit shite (as per usual in melbourne) so we needed a hideaway.

Our first venture was to Switchboard on Collins Street. A small unused cigarette booth from eons ago is the home to two lovely chaps who make coffee and toast a damn good sandwich from 7:30am to 4pm weekdays. The cafe is tucked away from the eyes of the public, which makes for an air of secrecy and intimacy. There is a spacious (grungy) undercover, yet outdoor area which the previous owners have furnished with amazing op-shop furniture (warning: they are insanely comfortable and may result in excessive sitting).
The coffee: I had a cappucino, which was presented in vintage brown cups and matching saucer. Generously dusted with cocoa powder, the coffee was lightly bitter and very smooth. A good 'anytime' cup of coffee. Toasted sandwich = ohmygodDELISH! too yummy to stop and take a photo of unfortunately.

bulldog clips holding the plastic table covering adds a lovely vintage DIY touch.

Second trip was to Primary (399 Royal Parade, Parkville). Located in amongst the Monash University pharmacy buildings, Tram 19 to North Coburg will deliver you promptly to this sleek cafe. Home to many-a-students on their long "lecture breaks" it is a clean, modern place to grab a quick coffee. This place is famous for its latte art (which the resident barista has claimed gold at the annual latte-art competition). My latte was so pretty, i didn't want to ruin it..but the taste was refreshing, bitter but balanced with one sugar. A hazelnut cluster accompanied this mid-afternoon caffeine blitz, which was really an over-sized, over-chocolated ferrero rocher. Delish.

(L-R) cappuccino, half-eaten hazelnut clusters, latte, coffee guide

Musical beans for thought: Coffee & TV - Blur