I'm slowly but surely getting there!
June 11, 2010
June 02, 2010
#025, the fairtrade coffee company, 080410
company: K
conversation: Uni, life and Pecan pie.
Having walked by this coffee shop numerous times in the past year, we finally went together after K's recommendation. Conveniently located just 2 minutes walk into Glebe (near University of Sydney), it was very boho chic and had a very laid-back atmosphere to it.
The semester previous I had done a marketing project on Fairtrade and I must say that I was happy to be a patron to help coffee bean farmers lead a higher standard of living and provide more for their families. It was obviously very community friendly with bulletin boards in one corner and revolving around Fairtrade, there were ornaments from exotic places all around the world.
Ordering at the counter, we were excited to find that students got a 12% discount on their orders, which I thought was a good marketing scheme and helped entice customers. Looking at the menu; breakfast, lunch and dinner options were available. Pancakes and waffles were $11 and $9 respectively which were extremely tempting but we opted for the pies on display (cos they looked better).
There were sofas, tables and chairs around the store with a similar pattern and colour scheme adding into the relaxed environment.
A range of books and board games were available indicating that this was a place for someone to sit for hours playing, studying (you can see someones textbook in the corner of the picture on the right) or just chatting.
I particularly liked the ceiling decor, although it's not something people regularly observe, after starting this blog I have been more perceptive in almost everything (which is a good or bad thing, I don't know), its elegance and detail was eye-catching and so pretty.
I had a cappuccino and a slice of apple crumble, AUD$8.50. K had a cappuccino with cinnamon and a slice of pecan pie, AUD$8.50.
Alas, we were too busy chatting that we forgot to get our student discount! Next time.
Our food and beverages came quite quickly whilst we were trying to figure out how to play a game which we gave up on eventually.
We discussed how pecan pies are so well-known but none of us had actually tried one, so in the spirit of trying new things, K had ordered one. IT WAS AMAZING. You would think that a slab of something like that would be sickly sweet and very nutty but it wasn't anything like that! I don't even know how to describe it myself, a mix of crunchy (but not crazy crunchy) pecans with some kind of custard-like gel (which was the right amount of sweet) made this pecan pie heavenly and the pastry was a whole other thing, crisp and lightly buttered. Ahh... Despite its appearance, since then, I have been back to get more of that pecan goodness!
My apple crumble was really good as well, the apples were sweet with a twang of sourness but I would say the pastry was the best thing. Chewy but still crisp... Ahh...
Anyway! Back to the coffee. Whilst it was good, I did realise that the ratio of froth with coffee was lacking just a little. Unfortunately, despite my efforts support to Fairtrade, I wasn't sure whether the coffee I had ordered was Fairtrade or not because I did see a sign afterwards telling us to ask them about their Fairtrade coffee. So, um, maybe next time? One thing to note is that Fairtrade coffee does cost a little extra (as there is a premium amount going to the farmers) and similar to Starbucks, you usually have to ask them to use Fairtrade coffee.
I will admit that it has been a while since I've updated and since then I have had my fair share of coffees. I do realise that maybe I am being a bit nit-picky with the whole ratio thing. I say this because whilst at work, I am not great with the ratio of froth to coffee either, mine is probably half and half, which is worse than having more coffee than froth. Oops? Still trying to work on it!
Still, I was happy with the combination of pie and coffee. I did a little bit of maths since they didn't tell us the price of the coffee on its own. The coffee turned out to be only $2.80, which is similar to university campus coffee. I was quite surprised. The pie was $5.50 but I was full afterwards and very satisfied!
The Fairtrade Coffee Company, is a big coffee shop allowing students and customers nearby to chat, study and catch up with others. With free Wi-Fi, I can imagine many people just camping out and staying for hours on end. The outdoor areas accommodate smokers whilst the sofas and board games allow for patrons to sit and relax.
Their prices are reasonable, food and beverages both good (try their Pecan pie!). Their location is one of the best for those just walking from uni (and deciding on the first coffee shop to visit).
Yay for Fairtrade practices and pecan pie.
address: 33 Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037
website: Fair Trade Coffee Company / phone: 9660 0621
conversation: Uni, life and Pecan pie.
Having walked by this coffee shop numerous times in the past year, we finally went together after K's recommendation. Conveniently located just 2 minutes walk into Glebe (near University of Sydney), it was very boho chic and had a very laid-back atmosphere to it.The semester previous I had done a marketing project on Fairtrade and I must say that I was happy to be a patron to help coffee bean farmers lead a higher standard of living and provide more for their families. It was obviously very community friendly with bulletin boards in one corner and revolving around Fairtrade, there were ornaments from exotic places all around the world.
Ordering at the counter, we were excited to find that students got a 12% discount on their orders, which I thought was a good marketing scheme and helped entice customers. Looking at the menu; breakfast, lunch and dinner options were available. Pancakes and waffles were $11 and $9 respectively which were extremely tempting but we opted for the pies on display (cos they looked better).There were sofas, tables and chairs around the store with a similar pattern and colour scheme adding into the relaxed environment.
A range of books and board games were available indicating that this was a place for someone to sit for hours playing, studying (you can see someones textbook in the corner of the picture on the right) or just chatting.
I particularly liked the ceiling decor, although it's not something people regularly observe, after starting this blog I have been more perceptive in almost everything (which is a good or bad thing, I don't know), its elegance and detail was eye-catching and so pretty. I had a cappuccino and a slice of apple crumble, AUD$8.50. K had a cappuccino with cinnamon and a slice of pecan pie, AUD$8.50.
Alas, we were too busy chatting that we forgot to get our student discount! Next time.
Our food and beverages came quite quickly whilst we were trying to figure out how to play a game which we gave up on eventually.
We discussed how pecan pies are so well-known but none of us had actually tried one, so in the spirit of trying new things, K had ordered one. IT WAS AMAZING. You would think that a slab of something like that would be sickly sweet and very nutty but it wasn't anything like that! I don't even know how to describe it myself, a mix of crunchy (but not crazy crunchy) pecans with some kind of custard-like gel (which was the right amount of sweet) made this pecan pie heavenly and the pastry was a whole other thing, crisp and lightly buttered. Ahh... Despite its appearance, since then, I have been back to get more of that pecan goodness!
My apple crumble was really good as well, the apples were sweet with a twang of sourness but I would say the pastry was the best thing. Chewy but still crisp... Ahh...Anyway! Back to the coffee. Whilst it was good, I did realise that the ratio of froth with coffee was lacking just a little. Unfortunately, despite my efforts support to Fairtrade, I wasn't sure whether the coffee I had ordered was Fairtrade or not because I did see a sign afterwards telling us to ask them about their Fairtrade coffee. So, um, maybe next time? One thing to note is that Fairtrade coffee does cost a little extra (as there is a premium amount going to the farmers) and similar to Starbucks, you usually have to ask them to use Fairtrade coffee.
I will admit that it has been a while since I've updated and since then I have had my fair share of coffees. I do realise that maybe I am being a bit nit-picky with the whole ratio thing. I say this because whilst at work, I am not great with the ratio of froth to coffee either, mine is probably half and half, which is worse than having more coffee than froth. Oops? Still trying to work on it!Still, I was happy with the combination of pie and coffee. I did a little bit of maths since they didn't tell us the price of the coffee on its own. The coffee turned out to be only $2.80, which is similar to university campus coffee. I was quite surprised. The pie was $5.50 but I was full afterwards and very satisfied!
The Fairtrade Coffee Company, is a big coffee shop allowing students and customers nearby to chat, study and catch up with others. With free Wi-Fi, I can imagine many people just camping out and staying for hours on end. The outdoor areas accommodate smokers whilst the sofas and board games allow for patrons to sit and relax.Their prices are reasonable, food and beverages both good (try their Pecan pie!). Their location is one of the best for those just walking from uni (and deciding on the first coffee shop to visit).
Yay for Fairtrade practices and pecan pie.
address: 33 Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037
website: Fair Trade Coffee Company / phone: 9660 0621
March 22, 2010
#024, sam i am, 130310
company: K
conversation: MLIA, university, life and Dog Shows.
** Thank you to K for the pictures! **
After a long day of work, K and I met up to go on our first Sydney coffee adventure. After studying here for already 2 years, K had found a street near her university that boasted many coffee shops so we decided to start there. I passed many stores that were really full as it was a weekend and a flee market was going on. Thinking I might have walked a bit too far, just as I was about to turn around, this little shop caught my eye.
Walking in, I noticed how spacious the coffee shop seemed to be. Although empty, I later found a couple sitting in a courtyard behind the shop leading to a larger seating area outdoors for smokers. There was a blackboard with several meal deals hung above a desk with magazines and pamphlets to read through.
Ordering at the counter was interesting as they had so much stuff to look at, the menu was not extensive but they did serve breakfast and lunch with a larger variety of drinks. I was not surprised they didn't open for dinner as competition along the street was fierce and because they were quite a walk away from the main road, they might not get as much business.
Looking around, the place was very relaxed and chilled. Excellent place to study and chat as it was quiet comfortable. I guess you could really imagine a student coming in, ordering a beverage and staying for several hours with their books all spread out on the table in front of them. Pop art painted on the walls as well as posters were prevalent, giving the surroundings a modern feel.
The waitress was nice and casual, giving us a tiger figurine as our table number. So cute (but scary, if you ask me)! (As you probably might have guessed, I spent most of the time in the cafe making roaring noises and attacking our food and drinks with the tiger). I noticed their tips jar had a leaning cow on it with a label saying "Tipping Cow"... Ha ha, get it? I wanted to get a picture but it would have been weird.
I asked exactly how many floors there were to the store and the waitress replied saying including the courtyard, it counted as 4 floors! Amazing! I didn't even bother counting how many seats that would be. I also observed them to have air-conditioning on the higher floors, which is an uncommon thing in Sydney (or at least the places I've been to) because fans are usually sufficient. Although good for hot summer days in Sydney, it was fairly chilly where we sat (in front of the air-con, smart) and my coffee got cold fast.
I had a cappuccino, regular, AUD$3.5. K had a berry frappe, AUD$5.5. We both shared a french toast, AUD$16.
The coffee and frappe arrived very quickly. Although small, the foam was creamy and espresso was strong but not very bitter.
Since visiting this store, I have had a lot more coffees to try out. Maybe it's just me but the bitterness no longer gets to me as much as it did before. Now I wish to try different blends and roastings to identify the beans' properties and taste.
Temperature is another thing that has been getting to me lately as well. At work, we do not have a thermometer to measure the temperature of the milk whilst it being steamed. When I make coffees, my hand is usually red after holding the jug and for me, the coffees can be drunk (or gulped, up to you) on the spot. On the other hand, my colleague made me a cappuccino the other day, and it scalded my entire tongue (am still recovering). I am confused as to how people like their coffee. And which extreme is acceptable amongst regular coffee drinkers.
Presentation was simple, nothing extravagant.
The berry frappe was very tropical, refreshing and cool. Perfect for a summer day. I tasted strawberries, raspberries and I assumed there would be blueberries in there too. They were also very generous with the amount as you can see it filled right up to the top!
As I was sipping my coffee, all I could do was think about the french toast that was coming soon. I figured the combination of espresso coffee and sweet french toast with caramelised banana, strawberries and maple syrup would be a perfect end to my day. But whilst chatting away, I had finished my cup of coffee and the french toast was nowhere to be found.
The waitresses had already begun mopping the floors and generally cleaning up for the end of the day, so I figured the french toast was being made... But surely not for that long? I agreed with K after a while that the dish was rather expensive, especially as there might have been cheaper options elsewhere but I was adamant on staying. Turns out, they actually forgot about our french toast! Boo! When it finally did arrive, my stomach was more hungry rather than peckish so it was more like wolfing down the toast rather than savouring it.
Sam I Am being so far away from the main street, definitely has it's work cut out for them in trying to attract residents and pedestrians within the area. I would assume it would be busier during the weekdays when university is in session.
Although quaint and original in their ideas, the coffee was good, the frappe was good and the french toast was good... But not that good. Maybe it was the fact that they forgot our order and I have a fear of being forgotten. Or maybe it was a long day and I wanted to enjoy my coffee with the french toast. Or maybe it was even the pricing of the french toast which could have bought me a meal instead. Sam I Am makes me want to watch the movie (which I have not seen yet) instead of reminding me of a coffee shop I once visited.
Whilst a good place to study, relax and chat with friends, there are alternatives cheaper in price and closer in distance to the main street (it was a good day to have a nice stroll but it rained afterwards so that was annoying).
address: 99 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Sydney, Australia
conversation: MLIA, university, life and Dog Shows.
** Thank you to K for the pictures! **After a long day of work, K and I met up to go on our first Sydney coffee adventure. After studying here for already 2 years, K had found a street near her university that boasted many coffee shops so we decided to start there. I passed many stores that were really full as it was a weekend and a flee market was going on. Thinking I might have walked a bit too far, just as I was about to turn around, this little shop caught my eye.
Walking in, I noticed how spacious the coffee shop seemed to be. Although empty, I later found a couple sitting in a courtyard behind the shop leading to a larger seating area outdoors for smokers. There was a blackboard with several meal deals hung above a desk with magazines and pamphlets to read through.
Ordering at the counter was interesting as they had so much stuff to look at, the menu was not extensive but they did serve breakfast and lunch with a larger variety of drinks. I was not surprised they didn't open for dinner as competition along the street was fierce and because they were quite a walk away from the main road, they might not get as much business.
Looking around, the place was very relaxed and chilled. Excellent place to study and chat as it was quiet comfortable. I guess you could really imagine a student coming in, ordering a beverage and staying for several hours with their books all spread out on the table in front of them. Pop art painted on the walls as well as posters were prevalent, giving the surroundings a modern feel.The waitress was nice and casual, giving us a tiger figurine as our table number. So cute (but scary, if you ask me)! (As you probably might have guessed, I spent most of the time in the cafe making roaring noises and attacking our food and drinks with the tiger). I noticed their tips jar had a leaning cow on it with a label saying "Tipping Cow"... Ha ha, get it? I wanted to get a picture but it would have been weird.
I asked exactly how many floors there were to the store and the waitress replied saying including the courtyard, it counted as 4 floors! Amazing! I didn't even bother counting how many seats that would be. I also observed them to have air-conditioning on the higher floors, which is an uncommon thing in Sydney (or at least the places I've been to) because fans are usually sufficient. Although good for hot summer days in Sydney, it was fairly chilly where we sat (in front of the air-con, smart) and my coffee got cold fast.I had a cappuccino, regular, AUD$3.5. K had a berry frappe, AUD$5.5. We both shared a french toast, AUD$16.
The coffee and frappe arrived very quickly. Although small, the foam was creamy and espresso was strong but not very bitter.Since visiting this store, I have had a lot more coffees to try out. Maybe it's just me but the bitterness no longer gets to me as much as it did before. Now I wish to try different blends and roastings to identify the beans' properties and taste.
Temperature is another thing that has been getting to me lately as well. At work, we do not have a thermometer to measure the temperature of the milk whilst it being steamed. When I make coffees, my hand is usually red after holding the jug and for me, the coffees can be drunk (or gulped, up to you) on the spot. On the other hand, my colleague made me a cappuccino the other day, and it scalded my entire tongue (am still recovering). I am confused as to how people like their coffee. And which extreme is acceptable amongst regular coffee drinkers.
Presentation was simple, nothing extravagant.The berry frappe was very tropical, refreshing and cool. Perfect for a summer day. I tasted strawberries, raspberries and I assumed there would be blueberries in there too. They were also very generous with the amount as you can see it filled right up to the top!
As I was sipping my coffee, all I could do was think about the french toast that was coming soon. I figured the combination of espresso coffee and sweet french toast with caramelised banana, strawberries and maple syrup would be a perfect end to my day. But whilst chatting away, I had finished my cup of coffee and the french toast was nowhere to be found.
The waitresses had already begun mopping the floors and generally cleaning up for the end of the day, so I figured the french toast was being made... But surely not for that long? I agreed with K after a while that the dish was rather expensive, especially as there might have been cheaper options elsewhere but I was adamant on staying. Turns out, they actually forgot about our french toast! Boo! When it finally did arrive, my stomach was more hungry rather than peckish so it was more like wolfing down the toast rather than savouring it.Sam I Am being so far away from the main street, definitely has it's work cut out for them in trying to attract residents and pedestrians within the area. I would assume it would be busier during the weekdays when university is in session.
Although quaint and original in their ideas, the coffee was good, the frappe was good and the french toast was good... But not that good. Maybe it was the fact that they forgot our order and I have a fear of being forgotten. Or maybe it was a long day and I wanted to enjoy my coffee with the french toast. Or maybe it was even the pricing of the french toast which could have bought me a meal instead. Sam I Am makes me want to watch the movie (which I have not seen yet) instead of reminding me of a coffee shop I once visited.Whilst a good place to study, relax and chat with friends, there are alternatives cheaper in price and closer in distance to the main street (it was a good day to have a nice stroll but it rained afterwards so that was annoying).
address: 99 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Sydney, Australia
March 03, 2010
#023, bookworm cafe, 200210
company: Dad and Mum
conversation: Food, apartments and general chit-chat.
After a HKD$14.5 (for adults) ferry ride from Central to Yung Shue Wan taking approximately 20 minutes, we arrived on Lamma Island. It was kind of like walking into another world, everything was less rushed and more cultured, even the air was different. A 10 minute walk from the pier along the only main path, I realised that the group of people on the same boat had melted away attracted by the many seafood restaurants (Lamma Island is famous for their seafood) and various cuisine restaurants.
We found ourselves alone as we stumbled upon Bookworm Cafe, strongly recommended in My Coffee Guide. It was a small but easily seen entrance with an old school sewing machine on the side (holding their business cards).
I should point out here that this restaurant is completely vegetarian, meaning things like imitation meat and lots of (vegetable) protein. Definitely something new for me.
It seemed a little dark inside (hence the blurry pictures) but we sat at a booth that might have been a bit cosy for 4 adults next to a window allowing the afternoon's warm sunlight to come through.
What I first noticed once we sat down were several post-it notes taped along the shelves above us with quotes and sayings that bought an authentic-feel to the place. They even wrote on a small blackboard in the corner to: "Please be patient, our food and drinks are fresh!"
Underneath the shelves above were many cute kids pictures stuck on the walls, this made me realise exactly how established they were within the community of Lamma Island.
The waitress that bought our menus told us that the soup of the day was beetroot soup, which definitely intrigued me. Looking through the menu, I realised that the espresso coffees and various drinks were inexpensive, approximately HKD$20 - $27, many of the food items ranged from $50 - $80. I spent quite a while deciding what I wanted as I noticed that there were facts about various vegetables and vegetarianism at the bottom of almost every page. Both interesting and informative, I attempted to read each one.
Bookcases lined one side of the wall with CDs, books, magazines and many games. It was only when I heard the sound of scrabble tiles being mixed together did I notice that they had created their own mini-library and that you had to apply for membership. Being in a relaxed environment, you could spend hours upon hours just reading and playing games.
Everything just seemed so quirky and unique. My eyes darted around just trying to absorb everything but finding new intricate details in the process. They made their own salad dressing, there is Wi-Fi available, they're closed on Thursdays, community gatherings are sometimes held here, even the people eating in the restaurant were interesting.
I had an Eggs Orlando Brunch, HKD$65 and a cappuccino, regular, add $10. Mum and Dad both had the beetroot soup, small, HKD$25 and medium, HKD$45 and a hot chocolate, HKD$25.
Once again, I was surprised to find my cappuccino with cinnamon sprinkled on top. I heard the barista frothing the milk which seemed to be good but at first glance at my froth, the large air bubbles and its lack of creaminess was a bit of a disappointment.
Whilst hot to the touch, it burnt my mouth. The espresso was bitter and strong and up to standard although it was watery and did not seem very thick. The mug was large which was well worth the $25 I would have otherwise paid for, but the watery espresso coffee in it did not appeal to me and thus would not be worth it.
Similar to my previous post at United Bistro Cafe, the smell of cinnamon greatly overpowered the espresso coffee aroma that I would have smelt just before drinking. Although I am not adverse to the idea, it is still an interesting and new concept to me. Whilst providing a slight sweetness to the beverage, I guess maybe I have grown accustomed to drinking cappuccinos with chocolate to appreciate a difference in taste.
Unfortunately, the hot chocolate did not live up to standard either. It was watery and tasted like hot chocolate made out of the powder, which I know is what is usually used but sometimes it is creamier and thicker. The foam, again was bubbly and unappealing as it formed craters on the surface as the bubbles burst.
My Eggs Orlando brunch was a special for the weekend. This included: Scrambled eggs with avocado, veggie hams, baked beans and a toasted bagel. It may not seem like much especially as no meat is concerned, but as I munched away happily, I began to feel satiated. Funnily enough, if you had given me a blind-fold and told me to try the veggie ham, I would not have thought it any different to a normal piece of ham (even looking at it, I would have been fooled).
I ended up not finishing the bagel as I was full and that maybe it had been toasted for a little too long, turning out to be more of a very crunchy bite rather than being soft and crispy.
With all the beetroot I have eaten in Australia, I could not imagine what it would taste like as a soup. The once tangy and sharp juicy beetroot was mushed up and at first glance looked like purple pumpkin soup. It even smelt like it. It was incredibly thick and although strange to look at, was very good (with a little salt added). Just don't get it on your clothes.
The soups were accompanied by garlic bread which was surprisingly well-made (y'know how I love my garlic bread). With a lingering garlic taste and just enough butter for the salty and rich taste. An adventurous dish.
Bookworm Cafe established since 1997 has obviously become quite a popular restaurant for visitors and residents on Lamma. Not even 15 minutes after we walked in, the restaurant was practically full (we noticed later that there was an extended bit outside that was more open). As I seldom visit Lamma Island, this was a nice little trip to somewhere further away where the hustle and bustle of the city was far from our minds.
I could imagine sitting there for hours on end, chatting, playing games, reading the newspaper or books, or just staring into space. It might have looked a bit dated but that is what gave the restaurant character and personality. Sometimes old is good.
Whilst the beverages were not great and afterall, this is specifically a coffee blog, I would not recommend coming here if you are looking for an Italian cappuccino. But otherwise, please do. The other pictures of their food items looked appetising and were just calling out to me. I would not mind coming back to try their vegetarian burgers or even their salads.
As it is the overall atmosphere and company rather than just the food and beverage that makes an adventure complete, this one is sure high up on my list. Usually I don't expect much to be happily surprised but after planning the trip for quite sometime, it lived up to my expectations (apart from the coffee).
address: G/F, 79, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island.
(There are two piers, the other being Sok Kwu Wan. Don't get confused or else it will take you about an hour to hike to the other pier.)
For more information regarding ferry timetables, please visit Lamma Island's website.
website: Bookworm Cafe
phone: 2982 4838
**Sorry it has taken so long for me to even post some of my older adventures from Hong Kong. Whilst uni has picked up and I am working again, I am excited to continue with this blog but I hope that you will be patient. Thank you.**
conversation: Food, apartments and general chit-chat.
After a HKD$14.5 (for adults) ferry ride from Central to Yung Shue Wan taking approximately 20 minutes, we arrived on Lamma Island. It was kind of like walking into another world, everything was less rushed and more cultured, even the air was different. A 10 minute walk from the pier along the only main path, I realised that the group of people on the same boat had melted away attracted by the many seafood restaurants (Lamma Island is famous for their seafood) and various cuisine restaurants.We found ourselves alone as we stumbled upon Bookworm Cafe, strongly recommended in My Coffee Guide. It was a small but easily seen entrance with an old school sewing machine on the side (holding their business cards).
I should point out here that this restaurant is completely vegetarian, meaning things like imitation meat and lots of (vegetable) protein. Definitely something new for me.It seemed a little dark inside (hence the blurry pictures) but we sat at a booth that might have been a bit cosy for 4 adults next to a window allowing the afternoon's warm sunlight to come through.
What I first noticed once we sat down were several post-it notes taped along the shelves above us with quotes and sayings that bought an authentic-feel to the place. They even wrote on a small blackboard in the corner to: "Please be patient, our food and drinks are fresh!"
Underneath the shelves above were many cute kids pictures stuck on the walls, this made me realise exactly how established they were within the community of Lamma Island.The waitress that bought our menus told us that the soup of the day was beetroot soup, which definitely intrigued me. Looking through the menu, I realised that the espresso coffees and various drinks were inexpensive, approximately HKD$20 - $27, many of the food items ranged from $50 - $80. I spent quite a while deciding what I wanted as I noticed that there were facts about various vegetables and vegetarianism at the bottom of almost every page. Both interesting and informative, I attempted to read each one.
Bookcases lined one side of the wall with CDs, books, magazines and many games. It was only when I heard the sound of scrabble tiles being mixed together did I notice that they had created their own mini-library and that you had to apply for membership. Being in a relaxed environment, you could spend hours upon hours just reading and playing games.Everything just seemed so quirky and unique. My eyes darted around just trying to absorb everything but finding new intricate details in the process. They made their own salad dressing, there is Wi-Fi available, they're closed on Thursdays, community gatherings are sometimes held here, even the people eating in the restaurant were interesting.
I had an Eggs Orlando Brunch, HKD$65 and a cappuccino, regular, add $10. Mum and Dad both had the beetroot soup, small, HKD$25 and medium, HKD$45 and a hot chocolate, HKD$25.
Once again, I was surprised to find my cappuccino with cinnamon sprinkled on top. I heard the barista frothing the milk which seemed to be good but at first glance at my froth, the large air bubbles and its lack of creaminess was a bit of a disappointment.Whilst hot to the touch, it burnt my mouth. The espresso was bitter and strong and up to standard although it was watery and did not seem very thick. The mug was large which was well worth the $25 I would have otherwise paid for, but the watery espresso coffee in it did not appeal to me and thus would not be worth it.
Similar to my previous post at United Bistro Cafe, the smell of cinnamon greatly overpowered the espresso coffee aroma that I would have smelt just before drinking. Although I am not adverse to the idea, it is still an interesting and new concept to me. Whilst providing a slight sweetness to the beverage, I guess maybe I have grown accustomed to drinking cappuccinos with chocolate to appreciate a difference in taste.Unfortunately, the hot chocolate did not live up to standard either. It was watery and tasted like hot chocolate made out of the powder, which I know is what is usually used but sometimes it is creamier and thicker. The foam, again was bubbly and unappealing as it formed craters on the surface as the bubbles burst.
My Eggs Orlando brunch was a special for the weekend. This included: Scrambled eggs with avocado, veggie hams, baked beans and a toasted bagel. It may not seem like much especially as no meat is concerned, but as I munched away happily, I began to feel satiated. Funnily enough, if you had given me a blind-fold and told me to try the veggie ham, I would not have thought it any different to a normal piece of ham (even looking at it, I would have been fooled).I ended up not finishing the bagel as I was full and that maybe it had been toasted for a little too long, turning out to be more of a very crunchy bite rather than being soft and crispy.
With all the beetroot I have eaten in Australia, I could not imagine what it would taste like as a soup. The once tangy and sharp juicy beetroot was mushed up and at first glance looked like purple pumpkin soup. It even smelt like it. It was incredibly thick and although strange to look at, was very good (with a little salt added). Just don't get it on your clothes.
The soups were accompanied by garlic bread which was surprisingly well-made (y'know how I love my garlic bread). With a lingering garlic taste and just enough butter for the salty and rich taste. An adventurous dish.
Bookworm Cafe established since 1997 has obviously become quite a popular restaurant for visitors and residents on Lamma. Not even 15 minutes after we walked in, the restaurant was practically full (we noticed later that there was an extended bit outside that was more open). As I seldom visit Lamma Island, this was a nice little trip to somewhere further away where the hustle and bustle of the city was far from our minds.I could imagine sitting there for hours on end, chatting, playing games, reading the newspaper or books, or just staring into space. It might have looked a bit dated but that is what gave the restaurant character and personality. Sometimes old is good.
Whilst the beverages were not great and afterall, this is specifically a coffee blog, I would not recommend coming here if you are looking for an Italian cappuccino. But otherwise, please do. The other pictures of their food items looked appetising and were just calling out to me. I would not mind coming back to try their vegetarian burgers or even their salads.
As it is the overall atmosphere and company rather than just the food and beverage that makes an adventure complete, this one is sure high up on my list. Usually I don't expect much to be happily surprised but after planning the trip for quite sometime, it lived up to my expectations (apart from the coffee).
address: G/F, 79, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island.
(There are two piers, the other being Sok Kwu Wan. Don't get confused or else it will take you about an hour to hike to the other pier.)
For more information regarding ferry timetables, please visit Lamma Island's website.
website: Bookworm Cafe
phone: 2982 4838
**Sorry it has taken so long for me to even post some of my older adventures from Hong Kong. Whilst uni has picked up and I am working again, I am excited to continue with this blog but I hope that you will be patient. Thank you.**
February 25, 2010
life happens over coffee
Forgive me as I try to put my thoughts down on less than 20% of battery on my iPod Touch.
Dear Hong Kong,
Hey, it's been a fun three months (despite unemployment) and at least I can say that I've had a real holiday. I've had time to relax, catch up with friends and generally enjoy life. As I sit here in the Hong Kong International Airport terminal, I find myself a little teary-eyed as I think of the things I've done this holiday.
It's always sad to leave but I guess it'll just make returning that much more exciting. Excuse me as I become sentimental here but this blog has helped me reconnect with people that I would have maybe not been able to. It has given me a goal and a purpose for my otherwise very boring holiday. It's always fun to go out and eat with friends but being so indecisive, a simple task like picking out a restaurant would have turned into a debate of who was going to choose the cuisine and then choose where to go. So, thanks for making the choice a little easier.
Now that the time has come to leave, I'm a little weary of how this blogging thing is going to work out with studying and working added into the mix. With that I just want to say that I will do my best and I will forever evaluate almost every restaurant and cafe I ever go to.
Friends, family and Hong Kong: Thanks for joining me on my adventures, we'll see each other very soon. Take care and stay cool.
Dear Hong Kong,
Hey, it's been a fun three months (despite unemployment) and at least I can say that I've had a real holiday. I've had time to relax, catch up with friends and generally enjoy life. As I sit here in the Hong Kong International Airport terminal, I find myself a little teary-eyed as I think of the things I've done this holiday.
It's always sad to leave but I guess it'll just make returning that much more exciting. Excuse me as I become sentimental here but this blog has helped me reconnect with people that I would have maybe not been able to. It has given me a goal and a purpose for my otherwise very boring holiday. It's always fun to go out and eat with friends but being so indecisive, a simple task like picking out a restaurant would have turned into a debate of who was going to choose the cuisine and then choose where to go. So, thanks for making the choice a little easier.
Now that the time has come to leave, I'm a little weary of how this blogging thing is going to work out with studying and working added into the mix. With that I just want to say that I will do my best and I will forever evaluate almost every restaurant and cafe I ever go to.
Friends, family and Hong Kong: Thanks for joining me on my adventures, we'll see each other very soon. Take care and stay cool.
February 21, 2010
#022, united cafe bistro, 190210
company: SOS
conversation: University, relationships and life.
Looking into the window as we walked by I saw that the entire store was full. The store looked a lot like a bistro with people on their laptops (free WiFi) and sofas by the window to enjoy a book. Nevertheless, we went in hoping a table would be free and were taken up to a second floor! I was shocked. Once upstairs, we were greeted with a quietness that was different from the buzz downstairs.
Sitting down, I noticed they used warm colours creating a natural theme such as green, brown and yellow. One of the walls was entirely covered by a picture of a cute kid each a biscuit with crumbs all over his face. Aww. Apart from the odd picture of cute babies every now and again, you could say that the interior was relatively empty yet simple.
As we met up around 2:30pm, the afternoon tea sets were available. Prices ranged between HKD$28 - $50 with savoury and sweet food items to choose from with a drink inclusive (plus 10%). There were many espresso coffee varieties to choose from, even an Aroma Banana Caffe which I thought sounded very interesting. Pizza ($70 - $100), pasta ($48 - $78) and salads ($38 - $88) were all available on the a la carte menu which I thought that more than enough.
With about 30 available seats on the second floor, I was unable to count exactly how many were on the ground.
I had a United chocolate cake and cappuccino, HKD$39. He had a pan-fried tuna and cheese sandwich and iced lemon tea, HKD$48. All plus 10%.
I realise I didn't take as many photos as I usually do, too busy catching up!
My cappuccino arrived with a distinct aroma of cinnamon which surprised me as I have never tried it with cinnamon. Although it smelt very nice and relaxing, it managed to cover up any aroma the espresso had released. Whilst the smell reminded me of a Chai tea, it was the espresso smell I was looking for.
The foam was done well, and was creamy although I do think that if I had ordered the cappuccino on it's own at $24, it would be too small. I tasted the espresso which was strong and slightly bitter but was thrown off-track with the additional cinnamon (maybe I just have to get used to it). Overall, a good, if small, cappuccino.
My chocolate cake that arrived first looked very compressed and homemade (not saying that homemade stuff is going to always look like that). It also looked a little like a brownie and when tasted, seemed dense like a brownie too. The presentation of the chocolate sauce made the entire plate look more upscale and I think a strawberry on the side would have brought more colour to the plate.
I was happy to find that the cake was not as sweet as it looks. The density of the cake was enough to make me full for afternoon tea and by the time I got home, I was too full to eat dinner.
SOS' sandwich looked rather flat and did not look like there was any filling inside. But whilst cutting into it, it seemed crunchy and according to SOS, it was good. The salad on the side was also appetising as it had dressing (balsamic vinaigrette?), which always makes a salad more enjoyable.
Well, what can I say about the iced lemon tea? Just your standard Chinese/Hong Kong 凍檸檬茶 which according to SOS is different from Japanese 凍檸檬茶. Hmm, interesting.
United Cafe Bistro is a surprising find in the less-visited area of Jordan. What I realised whilst leaving, is that it is Christian: I saw Bibles on the bookshelves and several Christian religion based books as well as quotes from passages written along the walls and on pictures. Although a restaurant in itself, this was an additional characteristic given to the store.
I do have to point out here that all the waitresses and people working behind the counter were efficient, friendly and not in-your-way. Whilst we were leaving, I think every single one of them said goodbye.
The varieties of espresso coffees was interesting to see, with a blurb about coffee on their "Espresso Menu". Although I do have to admit that I did not have high expectations about the place, their cappuccino was a pleasant surprise.
Overall, I would like to try more of their dishes as the prices seem quite affordable and the environment of the place is relaxing and seems quite popular. Maybe a little hard to find if you're just randomly walking around, but a glance at a map and with the address in hand, it was not all that hard to find for us.
address: 268 Temple Street, Jordan.
佐敦廟街268號
phone: 2730 9622
conversation: University, relationships and life.
Looking into the window as we walked by I saw that the entire store was full. The store looked a lot like a bistro with people on their laptops (free WiFi) and sofas by the window to enjoy a book. Nevertheless, we went in hoping a table would be free and were taken up to a second floor! I was shocked. Once upstairs, we were greeted with a quietness that was different from the buzz downstairs.
Sitting down, I noticed they used warm colours creating a natural theme such as green, brown and yellow. One of the walls was entirely covered by a picture of a cute kid each a biscuit with crumbs all over his face. Aww. Apart from the odd picture of cute babies every now and again, you could say that the interior was relatively empty yet simple.
As we met up around 2:30pm, the afternoon tea sets were available. Prices ranged between HKD$28 - $50 with savoury and sweet food items to choose from with a drink inclusive (plus 10%). There were many espresso coffee varieties to choose from, even an Aroma Banana Caffe which I thought sounded very interesting. Pizza ($70 - $100), pasta ($48 - $78) and salads ($38 - $88) were all available on the a la carte menu which I thought that more than enough.
With about 30 available seats on the second floor, I was unable to count exactly how many were on the ground.
I had a United chocolate cake and cappuccino, HKD$39. He had a pan-fried tuna and cheese sandwich and iced lemon tea, HKD$48. All plus 10%.
I realise I didn't take as many photos as I usually do, too busy catching up!
My cappuccino arrived with a distinct aroma of cinnamon which surprised me as I have never tried it with cinnamon. Although it smelt very nice and relaxing, it managed to cover up any aroma the espresso had released. Whilst the smell reminded me of a Chai tea, it was the espresso smell I was looking for.The foam was done well, and was creamy although I do think that if I had ordered the cappuccino on it's own at $24, it would be too small. I tasted the espresso which was strong and slightly bitter but was thrown off-track with the additional cinnamon (maybe I just have to get used to it). Overall, a good, if small, cappuccino.
My chocolate cake that arrived first looked very compressed and homemade (not saying that homemade stuff is going to always look like that). It also looked a little like a brownie and when tasted, seemed dense like a brownie too. The presentation of the chocolate sauce made the entire plate look more upscale and I think a strawberry on the side would have brought more colour to the plate.I was happy to find that the cake was not as sweet as it looks. The density of the cake was enough to make me full for afternoon tea and by the time I got home, I was too full to eat dinner.
SOS' sandwich looked rather flat and did not look like there was any filling inside. But whilst cutting into it, it seemed crunchy and according to SOS, it was good. The salad on the side was also appetising as it had dressing (balsamic vinaigrette?), which always makes a salad more enjoyable.Well, what can I say about the iced lemon tea? Just your standard Chinese/Hong Kong 凍檸檬茶 which according to SOS is different from Japanese 凍檸檬茶. Hmm, interesting.
United Cafe Bistro is a surprising find in the less-visited area of Jordan. What I realised whilst leaving, is that it is Christian: I saw Bibles on the bookshelves and several Christian religion based books as well as quotes from passages written along the walls and on pictures. Although a restaurant in itself, this was an additional characteristic given to the store.
I do have to point out here that all the waitresses and people working behind the counter were efficient, friendly and not in-your-way. Whilst we were leaving, I think every single one of them said goodbye.
The varieties of espresso coffees was interesting to see, with a blurb about coffee on their "Espresso Menu". Although I do have to admit that I did not have high expectations about the place, their cappuccino was a pleasant surprise.Overall, I would like to try more of their dishes as the prices seem quite affordable and the environment of the place is relaxing and seems quite popular. Maybe a little hard to find if you're just randomly walking around, but a glance at a map and with the address in hand, it was not all that hard to find for us.
address: 268 Temple Street, Jordan.
佐敦廟街268號
phone: 2730 9622
February 20, 2010
#021, simplylife bread & wine, 180210
company: Dad, Mum and G
conversation: Chinese, cameras, inspiration and coffee.
I've walked by this restaurant plenty of times so this was not much of a coffee adventure rather than a desire to try it out. Having tried Simplylife Bakery Cafe in Festival Walk (Kowloon Tong) several years ago and recently witnessing its increased popularity (there is a line every time I walk by), my expectations were relatively high. Now, I have to admit that I already had a good impression of the restaurant due to an impromptu interview with the manager who was professional and friendly.
There are two parts to the store: a cafe/bakery using trays and take-away items and a restaurant with an a la carte menu and table service. As we were in the area during the afternoon, a full-on meal was not needed but rather a comfortable place to sit and have something small to eat.
Walking in to order, you were greeted by an actual bakery. Breads to your left, a wine cabinet to your right and sweet and savoury pastries in front of you. The varieties of danishes were endless; strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, apple, pear, chocolate, coffee, salmon and cheese, cinnamon, to name just a few on the top of my head, all HKD$14 each.
Also available were soups ($35), sandwiches ($32 - $42) and salads ($42 - $62). As you can see, even ordering a sandwich and juice ($28) or smoothie ($32) together could create an on-the-go lunch rather than sitting inside the restaurant.
Seating approximately 40 only just within the cafe area, we found it quite hard to find a table and seats as there were many people. The restaurant extended further from the entrance promising even more seats to provide spacious and comfortable seating for diners. There was not much need for any decoration on the walls to keep with their "simple" decor and especially since there was this spectacular view of the harbour and Kowloon-side with their panoramic ceiling-to-floor window allowing natural light.
I had a toffee latte, large, HKD$30 and a strawberry danish, HKD$14. Dad had a coffee with milk, large, HKD$28 and a chocolate danish, HKD$14. Mum had a cappuccino, large, HKD$30 with an apple danish, HKD$14. G had a peach tea, HKD$22.
Whilst I am all for saving the environment and using ceramic cups instead of paper ones, these paper cups were way too cute to turn away. Maybe it's just me but I thought it was a creative and fun twist to the regular font and original layout of other coffee stores.
As I was watching the barista froth the milk, he spilt a little on his hand, ouch. I remember reading a blog a while ago where this barista was telling stories of crazy customers: This one customer wanted their takeaway coffee to be a certain scalding temperature. After receiving it, they took a sip and threw it at the barista because it wasn't hot enough! Let it be known that the temperature was way above "hot", can you imagine the pain? Maybe we have to start thinking of some OH&S regulations regarding to the steaming of milk.
As morbid as it sounds, the barista's pain was our warm and yummy beverage. Lifting the plastic lid off my toffee latte was like Easter (next holiday) come early, the first whiff was full of toffee with a hint of espresso. Inspecting the froth resulted in a thin layer of foam which was creamy and thick. Hot to the touch, the toffee flavour was not overpowering of the espresso that was strong and pungent.
Maybe it was a cold day but I thought it was really, really good.
I returned a couple of days ago and had a caramel latte, it was not as good as the toffee as the caramel was a little strong but it was still creamy and velvety in texture.
My strawberry danish look pretty and tasted just as good. The pastry was light, fluffy and melted in your mouth. The strawberries on top were sweet and the little blob of cream cheese hidden inside was a nice surprise. Having tried a blueberry danish and chocolate danish on other visits, I can safely say that all their pastries consistently live up to standards and are so yummy that I am craving for one right now.
I smelt G's peach tea first before even reaching the table. Even though it was from a teabag, it smelt sweet and fruity. I imagined it would taste like Snapple... But it didn't. It tasted just like tea and even when G put sugar in, it just tasted like sweet tea. Oh well!
Both the cappuccino and regular coffee were hot and aromatic. Mum said that the cappuccino has been one of the better ones she's had in Hong Kong; a deep foam with a creamy espresso. Dad's regular coffee was strong and just as creamy even though I'm not really sure if they used steamed milk.
Simplylife Bread and Wine is a part of the Maxim's franchise which also includes Starbucks. I guess if you knew that when dining, comparisons would inevitably be made (as seen in a lot of reviews from Open Rice). There are many similarities between both coffee shops with the comfy couches, sandwiches and salads, but what makes Simplylife different is their pastries and focus on bread as well as their process in making coffee. Although with significantly less beverages to choose from, there is less stress on quantity as I assume they don't need to fulfill a quota and can fall back on revenue from the restaurant.
I guess I just haven't eaten a lot of good pastries as of yet, so this is definitely a recommendation from me. Seating is comfortable, prices are affordable and there is a range of food items and beverages to suit everyone. Since my initial visit, I have already returned twice. I guess that says quite a bit, hey?
Overall, whether you want to buy these pastries to takeaway or have them whilst enjoying the view, you will be pleasantly surprised. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) is something I got from this experience: focusing on quality and doing a few things perfectly can sometimes go a very long way. Well done.
address: IFC (International Financial Centre), Store 1081, Central.
中環港景街1號國際金融中心商場2期 1樓1081號舖
(They also have outlets in Festival Walk and Tai Koo)
phone: 2234 7356
conversation: Chinese, cameras, inspiration and coffee.
I've walked by this restaurant plenty of times so this was not much of a coffee adventure rather than a desire to try it out. Having tried Simplylife Bakery Cafe in Festival Walk (Kowloon Tong) several years ago and recently witnessing its increased popularity (there is a line every time I walk by), my expectations were relatively high. Now, I have to admit that I already had a good impression of the restaurant due to an impromptu interview with the manager who was professional and friendly.
There are two parts to the store: a cafe/bakery using trays and take-away items and a restaurant with an a la carte menu and table service. As we were in the area during the afternoon, a full-on meal was not needed but rather a comfortable place to sit and have something small to eat.Walking in to order, you were greeted by an actual bakery. Breads to your left, a wine cabinet to your right and sweet and savoury pastries in front of you. The varieties of danishes were endless; strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, apple, pear, chocolate, coffee, salmon and cheese, cinnamon, to name just a few on the top of my head, all HKD$14 each.
Also available were soups ($35), sandwiches ($32 - $42) and salads ($42 - $62). As you can see, even ordering a sandwich and juice ($28) or smoothie ($32) together could create an on-the-go lunch rather than sitting inside the restaurant.
Seating approximately 40 only just within the cafe area, we found it quite hard to find a table and seats as there were many people. The restaurant extended further from the entrance promising even more seats to provide spacious and comfortable seating for diners. There was not much need for any decoration on the walls to keep with their "simple" decor and especially since there was this spectacular view of the harbour and Kowloon-side with their panoramic ceiling-to-floor window allowing natural light.I had a toffee latte, large, HKD$30 and a strawberry danish, HKD$14. Dad had a coffee with milk, large, HKD$28 and a chocolate danish, HKD$14. Mum had a cappuccino, large, HKD$30 with an apple danish, HKD$14. G had a peach tea, HKD$22.
Whilst I am all for saving the environment and using ceramic cups instead of paper ones, these paper cups were way too cute to turn away. Maybe it's just me but I thought it was a creative and fun twist to the regular font and original layout of other coffee stores.As I was watching the barista froth the milk, he spilt a little on his hand, ouch. I remember reading a blog a while ago where this barista was telling stories of crazy customers: This one customer wanted their takeaway coffee to be a certain scalding temperature. After receiving it, they took a sip and threw it at the barista because it wasn't hot enough! Let it be known that the temperature was way above "hot", can you imagine the pain? Maybe we have to start thinking of some OH&S regulations regarding to the steaming of milk.
As morbid as it sounds, the barista's pain was our warm and yummy beverage. Lifting the plastic lid off my toffee latte was like Easter (next holiday) come early, the first whiff was full of toffee with a hint of espresso. Inspecting the froth resulted in a thin layer of foam which was creamy and thick. Hot to the touch, the toffee flavour was not overpowering of the espresso that was strong and pungent.Maybe it was a cold day but I thought it was really, really good.
I returned a couple of days ago and had a caramel latte, it was not as good as the toffee as the caramel was a little strong but it was still creamy and velvety in texture.
My strawberry danish look pretty and tasted just as good. The pastry was light, fluffy and melted in your mouth. The strawberries on top were sweet and the little blob of cream cheese hidden inside was a nice surprise. Having tried a blueberry danish and chocolate danish on other visits, I can safely say that all their pastries consistently live up to standards and are so yummy that I am craving for one right now.I smelt G's peach tea first before even reaching the table. Even though it was from a teabag, it smelt sweet and fruity. I imagined it would taste like Snapple... But it didn't. It tasted just like tea and even when G put sugar in, it just tasted like sweet tea. Oh well!
Both the cappuccino and regular coffee were hot and aromatic. Mum said that the cappuccino has been one of the better ones she's had in Hong Kong; a deep foam with a creamy espresso. Dad's regular coffee was strong and just as creamy even though I'm not really sure if they used steamed milk.
Simplylife Bread and Wine is a part of the Maxim's franchise which also includes Starbucks. I guess if you knew that when dining, comparisons would inevitably be made (as seen in a lot of reviews from Open Rice). There are many similarities between both coffee shops with the comfy couches, sandwiches and salads, but what makes Simplylife different is their pastries and focus on bread as well as their process in making coffee. Although with significantly less beverages to choose from, there is less stress on quantity as I assume they don't need to fulfill a quota and can fall back on revenue from the restaurant.I guess I just haven't eaten a lot of good pastries as of yet, so this is definitely a recommendation from me. Seating is comfortable, prices are affordable and there is a range of food items and beverages to suit everyone. Since my initial visit, I have already returned twice. I guess that says quite a bit, hey?
Overall, whether you want to buy these pastries to takeaway or have them whilst enjoying the view, you will be pleasantly surprised. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) is something I got from this experience: focusing on quality and doing a few things perfectly can sometimes go a very long way. Well done.
address: IFC (International Financial Centre), Store 1081, Central.
中環港景街1號國際金融中心商場2期 1樓1081號舖
(They also have outlets in Festival Walk and Tai Koo)
phone: 2234 7356
February 19, 2010
#020, fuel espresso, 140210
company: Dad, Mum and G
conversation: Macau, taking photos and coffee.
Before heading over to my relative's place for a Chinese New Year dinner with quite a bit of time to spare, a coffee adventure happened. Although within IFC (International Financial Centre), I only had a store number as reference and after weaving our way through the mall, we eventually stumbled upon a little quiet corner on the third floor.
Whilst looking at the drinks menu and their prices, something on the counter caught my eye. It was My Coffee Guide! What are the odds. Turns out Fuel Espresso is actually the first store recommended in the book. Seating is extended out into the mall to allow people-watching and maximise space. We looked for a place to sit, but even with approximately 32 seats (including bar stools further inside), they were all paired off, forcing us to have to move a table closer to create a four-seater.
With a small variety of beverages listed on their blackboard, they cover the basics in espresso coffee with hot and cold options available ranging from HKD$24 - $44. Cakes and cookies are also available for $16 - $25, indicating that this store specialises mostly in drinks rather than expanding into the food department (I guess that's what Soho is for).
The overall layout allowed patrons to order at a counter and have the staff deliver the drinks upon them being made. The sleek design and wall arrangements made the whole store look and feel stylish and modern. Even the staff looked really cool and trendy with their glass-less glasses and gelled hair, but they were nice and not intimidating at all.
The wall in the picture below was aligned with paper cups, water bottles and their tea selection. To serve the tea, I observed that they used antique teacups and pots and even had the tea leaf strainers.
Mum and I had a cappuccino, regular, HKD$36. Dad had a latte, regular, HKD$36. G had an iced chocolate, HKD$44.
On first inspection of the menu, I was quite surprised at the prices. As a student, prices like these make me hesitant to order (ahem, S Square Cafe). IFC (1 and 2) houses a mall, cinema and is Hong Kong's tallest office building with 88 floors. Gazillion-dollar-dealing business people working around the area or within the building must not think much about a 36 dollar coffee.
The cappuccinos and latte were made first and looked very promising. Whilst watching the barista froth, he may have put a bit too much milk in the jug causing some to splash and almost spill before he turned off the steam wand. When milk is heated or steamed, it expands as air is incorporated and the fat molecules help to keep them in place. So when initially steaming milk, room must be accounted for in the milk jug. But the result was a creamy froth and a good lookin' cappuccino.
What is different with this cappuccino is that instead of using chocolate powder, they use chocolate flakes. This creates a thin layer of melted chocolate on the surface, adding another flavour to the strong espresso. Although I enjoyed the chocolate dimension, my Mum did think it was a bit too sweet.
Whilst the froth was creamy, the chocolate was sweet, the espresso very aromatic and strong. The only thing that pulled it away from being a good cup of coffee was the fact that it was not hot enough. Boo. I think this was because while the barista was frothing the milk, he turned off the steam-wand too soon so as to not spill any more. This caused the milk to have a nice consistency but it did not have enough time to heat up to a good temperature. What a shame.
The latte was in a glass proportioned nicely. I found out from Felix that using a glass for lattes is an Australian (Sydney?) custom and it is only for aesthetic purposes with no difference to using ceramic. Question answered.
G's iced chocolate had a scoop of vanilla ice cream hidden inside. Yum. It was thick and had a strong taste of dark chocolate although she complained that it was slightly powdery. Like many of the thick iced beverages I have seen lately, I'm guessing this one was filling and heavy.
Fuel Espresso appears to be a more "up-and-go" type of coffee shop for the regular business person before going to work or attending a meeting. And whilst I imagined men and women in suits signing contracts and making deals, I could also see people chatting and reading books. There was a slow trickle of people even though stores were closed and no one was working. Mornings at this place must be super crazy busy!
Seating here is not exactly comfortable, the carpeted area was quite dirty (maybe a baby or kid sat here before we arrived) and the price was way above the usual espresso drink I have seen around that are of the same quality. If only the cappuccino was hotter I would have been able to overlook all of those flaws and recommend it to people and possibly even return.
There are certainly other coffee shops in IFC mall, and I'm betting they are not to be missed. But the consistency of the milk and the creaminess of the espresso is only found in well-trained barista skills and you will be sure to find it here (fingers crossed it is hot when you try it).
address: International Financial Centre, Shop 3023, Central.
中環港景街1號國際金融中心3023號舖
phone: 2295 3815
conversation: Macau, taking photos and coffee.
Before heading over to my relative's place for a Chinese New Year dinner with quite a bit of time to spare, a coffee adventure happened. Although within IFC (International Financial Centre), I only had a store number as reference and after weaving our way through the mall, we eventually stumbled upon a little quiet corner on the third floor.
Whilst looking at the drinks menu and their prices, something on the counter caught my eye. It was My Coffee Guide! What are the odds. Turns out Fuel Espresso is actually the first store recommended in the book. Seating is extended out into the mall to allow people-watching and maximise space. We looked for a place to sit, but even with approximately 32 seats (including bar stools further inside), they were all paired off, forcing us to have to move a table closer to create a four-seater.
With a small variety of beverages listed on their blackboard, they cover the basics in espresso coffee with hot and cold options available ranging from HKD$24 - $44. Cakes and cookies are also available for $16 - $25, indicating that this store specialises mostly in drinks rather than expanding into the food department (I guess that's what Soho is for).The overall layout allowed patrons to order at a counter and have the staff deliver the drinks upon them being made. The sleek design and wall arrangements made the whole store look and feel stylish and modern. Even the staff looked really cool and trendy with their glass-less glasses and gelled hair, but they were nice and not intimidating at all.
The wall in the picture below was aligned with paper cups, water bottles and their tea selection. To serve the tea, I observed that they used antique teacups and pots and even had the tea leaf strainers.
Mum and I had a cappuccino, regular, HKD$36. Dad had a latte, regular, HKD$36. G had an iced chocolate, HKD$44.
On first inspection of the menu, I was quite surprised at the prices. As a student, prices like these make me hesitant to order (ahem, S Square Cafe). IFC (1 and 2) houses a mall, cinema and is Hong Kong's tallest office building with 88 floors. Gazillion-dollar-dealing business people working around the area or within the building must not think much about a 36 dollar coffee.
The cappuccinos and latte were made first and looked very promising. Whilst watching the barista froth, he may have put a bit too much milk in the jug causing some to splash and almost spill before he turned off the steam wand. When milk is heated or steamed, it expands as air is incorporated and the fat molecules help to keep them in place. So when initially steaming milk, room must be accounted for in the milk jug. But the result was a creamy froth and a good lookin' cappuccino.What is different with this cappuccino is that instead of using chocolate powder, they use chocolate flakes. This creates a thin layer of melted chocolate on the surface, adding another flavour to the strong espresso. Although I enjoyed the chocolate dimension, my Mum did think it was a bit too sweet.
Whilst the froth was creamy, the chocolate was sweet, the espresso very aromatic and strong. The only thing that pulled it away from being a good cup of coffee was the fact that it was not hot enough. Boo. I think this was because while the barista was frothing the milk, he turned off the steam-wand too soon so as to not spill any more. This caused the milk to have a nice consistency but it did not have enough time to heat up to a good temperature. What a shame.The latte was in a glass proportioned nicely. I found out from Felix that using a glass for lattes is an Australian (Sydney?) custom and it is only for aesthetic purposes with no difference to using ceramic. Question answered.
G's iced chocolate had a scoop of vanilla ice cream hidden inside. Yum. It was thick and had a strong taste of dark chocolate although she complained that it was slightly powdery. Like many of the thick iced beverages I have seen lately, I'm guessing this one was filling and heavy.Fuel Espresso appears to be a more "up-and-go" type of coffee shop for the regular business person before going to work or attending a meeting. And whilst I imagined men and women in suits signing contracts and making deals, I could also see people chatting and reading books. There was a slow trickle of people even though stores were closed and no one was working. Mornings at this place must be super crazy busy!
Seating here is not exactly comfortable, the carpeted area was quite dirty (maybe a baby or kid sat here before we arrived) and the price was way above the usual espresso drink I have seen around that are of the same quality. If only the cappuccino was hotter I would have been able to overlook all of those flaws and recommend it to people and possibly even return.There are certainly other coffee shops in IFC mall, and I'm betting they are not to be missed. But the consistency of the milk and the creaminess of the espresso is only found in well-trained barista skills and you will be sure to find it here (fingers crossed it is hot when you try it).
address: International Financial Centre, Shop 3023, Central.
中環港景街1號國際金融中心3023號舖
phone: 2295 3815
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