#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

#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.

ROAR!

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

#016, pop bites, 060210

company: K
conversation: Renovation, Valentines Day, spirituality and life.

After reading several reviews on Open Rice, many stated that this restaurant was well-hidden and hard to find. I am usually not a very observant person when it comes to road and street signs, so I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for or which direction I was supposed to go. We walked to the end of one street only to walk all the way back... Needless to say, when I found out that Pop Bites was about two stores next to Flying Pan (where I eat quite often), I felt kind of dumb.

As we walked in we were greeted by a waitress that asked us whether we wanted to sit by the window or on a sofa. Not knowing the layout, we opted for the window because everyone wants a view right?

There were tons of newspapers and magazines available to read as well as books and CDs all lined up on a wall. The interior felt very artsy with paintings scattered around and the dim atmosphere near the entrance added to the coziness and relaxed environment.

The place is big and spacious, I wasn't able to count how many seats there were as we were hidden in a corner but I did notice a DJ turntable as well as wine cellar! Where we sat, the window allowed sufficient light although the view was just the back of buildings. The music was quite mainstream (I heard some Daniel Powter and Taylor Swift), suitable for the environment and not too loud so as to disrupt conversation.

The waitresses were very nice if a bit eager (that's okay, so am I) and whilst we looked through the menu (they serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner), I noticed that prices might be slightly high for the average student but considering we were in Soho, I guess regular customers within the area would find the prices acceptable.

Sandwich, salad and pasta sets were all available ranging from HKD$48 - $72. To include drinks, desserts and soups would require an additional charge, approximately $15 for a drink and $20 for a soup or dessert. Just wanted to note that if you ordered the breakfast set, on the weekends or public holidays, you would get all you can eat scones and toast! Yum.

I really like their use of the same pattern as decoration for the walls, ceilings and even their cups and plates. There were random different things all around but somehow they all seemed coherent when put together.

We both decided to get the sandwich lunch set. Using a sandwich order form you were able to choose two toppings (meats or cheeses), type of bread, dressing, vegetables and additional charging stuff: drinks, soup, desserts etc. Each additional topping was an extra $10.

I had pesto sauce, roasted chicken, grilled mushroom, all vegetables on ciabatta bread with a cappuccino. She had avocado tartar sauce, salmon, Jarlsberg cheese, all vegetables on wholewheat baguette with green tea. HKD$48 + $15.

Our drinks arrived first in a glass mug, I was admiring the foam and smelling my cappuccino multiple times when a waitress delivering K's sandwich asked me if anything was wrong with my drink. How nice.

The foam was thick and creamy and the proportions were good. For me, it was the first time I was served a cappuccino with a straw, I still don't really understand what it was for apart from mixing in sugar. My first sip was a gulp of foam, which was a bit much but the espresso later on was milky and strong but not bitter. The temperature was slightly hot, although it got colder as I began eating. Overall, it was a good cappuccino. I really wanted to watch the barista make the espresso coffees but I wasn't able to see so far. Kudos to them.

K said that her green tea was very refreshing and light. Looking at the consistency of the tea, I could see that they had used matcha powder instead of regular tea bags or tea leaves. This allows a stronger flavour and apparently is much healthier. Look at that sandwich: Yes, it looks just as yummy as it tasted.

I think this is going to turn out to be more of a food post than a coffee one. My sandwich was quite large, whilst finishing my coffee I felt very, very full. The sandwich was crisp, chicken moist and provided many textures from the grilled mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and red onions. The side salad was fresh with a zing from the dressing, I think, maybe balsamic vinaigrette?

Altogether a very relaxing atmosphere with yummy food and good company.

Pop Bites provides a very unique and comfortable environment to enjoy food as well as beverages. I noticed on the menu that they had several pages of drinks for their "Magic Hour" (happy hour?), I did not see the prices of the beverages but I do think that they would not be much different from Lan Kwai Fong. The small cakes on display are homemade and available for afternoon tea, they look appealing and appetising and remind me of bakeries in Sydney.

K rated this restaurant an overall 8 out of 10, which is high for her standards as she is very critical (10 for her would be Cafe Deco at The Peak). As she took a sip out of my cappuccino, she did say that it would bring her back when she was in the mood for a good sandwich.

The unique aspect of this restaurant is that there is an open kitchen allowing patrons to smell bacon and eggs during breakfast time or pasta during lunch. The kitchen is relatively small, but food comes out at a timely rate. Another awesome aspect is: No service charge!

The little details (cups and plates) in this restaurant make me feel like the owners have put a lot of thought and time into creating a place where people can spend hours enjoying their food. With friendly waitresses providing good service, this is definitely a place I will be returning to. I want to become a regular!


address: UG/F, 3-5 Old Bailey Street, SOHO, Central.
phone: 2525 4141