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Cafes in Tasmania

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  • Lizzie
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Originally posted by Menace link=1185152590/0#9 date=1185370383
    In Penguin (near Burnie) there is a Cafe called The Groovy Penguin and Ive had some very fine coffees there.

    I have to admit I havent been there for many months though so no guarantees!

    Its a retro styled cafe right on the shore so its very cool
    we had a coffee there last Saturday, and i had a bit of a chat with Steve, "the main man".... he has been passionate about coffee for years, and sources his brown from Genovese, according to him a 4th generation family of roasters who import their own beans and make a very consistent blend of about 12 beans... yes, 12!!

    we had an affogato (Robert, ofcourse!! ;D) and a doppio piccolo latte and both were excellent pours, even though we were early that morning and Steve apologised for the fact that the Wega and grinder hadnt been dialled-in properly yet.
    the Genovese coffee is brighter than, for instance, Espresso WOW, but still very nice.
    "The Groovy Penguin Cafe" is definitely worth a visit!!

    L

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  • herbie
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    I am now going to finish our story of the Tasmanian journey of coffee taken early in January. A week after arrving home we had a death in the family, and my unwell Missus is to have a heart op. soon. So coffee things went on the back burner. We did have good intentions of finishing the story a lot earlier.
    We could not leave Hobart without an after breakfast charge up from Dane at Island Espresso so we enjoyed our Doppio Ristreto Lattes. What a great place to eat and enjoy coffee.
    At Freycinet Lodge we had Cappuccinos but they rated 70/100.
    We had read Loveys recommendation of The Village Store and Deli at St Helens. After finding a park [as scarce as hens teeth], we went inside the store. Well it was standing room only. Gosh the coffe smelt good. As we were on limited time we had to leave.
    At Derby for lunch we found a cafe with a great looking espresso machine. The coffee was tasteless- yuk.
    Next stop Scottsdale at the Bakery next to Woolies. Well it was milk with a faint taste of coffee. The Missus had her iced chocolate. A quarter of a small glass of milk and the rest cream and icecream. No brownie points there.
    At Launceston we tried to find Croplines to no avail. We had left the map at our accomodation. So we went to the Coffee Republic. Never a disappointment there. Ace.
    Then it was onto Devonport and time to farewell Tassie yet again. Before we went we paid our fourth visit in this trip to Cafe Inn-dulgence for our farewell "supper". It was Sunday afternoon and the place was crowded. We were not disappointed ,with my excellent latte and the Missus had a superb iced chocolate with a HUGE amount of milk and a little ice-cream and cream.
    Lizzi as you stand on the right side of the SPOT looking for the Holden dealer you will see the cinema complex just up the road. In this complex is Cafe Inn-dulgence so go there and enjoy as we have (Oomph coffee). You willbe glad you did. We were even sold coffee beans for our trip as we took our grinder (old KG 100) and the moka pot with us.
    After our last supper we did some SPOT watching as many who are about to board the boat do. It is mesmerising to watch a 29,338 tonne ship choof up the little Mersey to berth.
    Back on terra firma in Melourne at 7 a.m. the next day before our 4 hour road trip back to the Riverina we had breakfast at Maccas on Mickelham Road. They have a real Espresso machine and a full time Barista with good coffee. A necessity for addicts such as us.
    We love Tassie. They definitely do not have 2 heads. They are the most tolerant and welcoming people. As a Coffee Snobber to meet and talk with talented people in the industry is just wonderful. Thank you one and all for your time. The place is gorgeous in its unique scenery and tourists are so well catered for in the food and beverage areas. We hope Lizzi to see some great photos on your mailings. All the best and Bon Voyage and a smooth sail. We have enjoyed your journals from Albury (only 180k from us) and other places.
    We will return to Tassie in April to take in the Targa Rally street section at Devonport and other good photo spots on Friday April 18th . Just near Caroline street Caravan Park. Cant wait. Tassie has such great coffee places.
    Herbie and the Missus.

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  • herbie
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Hi again Lizzi,
    Actually, most of Tassie we have driven through is very dry except for the mountains and north coastal region, more so than when we were here 2 years ago. We love Tassie!
    Herbie.

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  • Lizzie
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Originally posted by herbie link=1185152590/30#30 date=1199687852
    Hi All,  
    We began our trip to Tassie a week ago on the SPOT. A little rocky in mid journey. We thought of Lizzie as the dogs barked most of the night below us.
    Thanks, Herbie!! glad you got there safely
    we were lucky last time we sailed, good weather and calm seas... but with the dogs on board this time, we decided to take the day-time crossing: even if the weather is not good and the sea rough, the dogs will not mind it so much during daylight hours.  

    enjoy your trip!! must be a welcome change, all that green around you, after the dry of your own landscape...
    L

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  • herbie
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Hi All,
    We began our trip to Tassie a week ago on the SPOT. A little rocky in mid journey. We thought of Lizzie as the dogs barked most of the night below us. (Coffee on the SPOT not up to C.S. standards.)
    First coffee stop Bellas at Devonport as Cafe Inn-dulgence was shut due to holiday. Coffee was some Italian blend..very average and served long before the food which was also average and cold (should have been served hot.)
    The next day we went to Cafe Inn-dulgence for lunch and were blown away yet again with great food and coffee. Even though the place was packed coffee and food arrived together and were excellent as always.
    Next day Wynyard heading for Stanley. Lovey had mentioned Lady Bugs Cafe. Superb food and coffee. Thanks Lovey.
    Back to Devonport two days later and Cafe Inn-dulgence again on our way to Hobart. (Petrol $1.26 a litre with Coles docket.Like WOW.) Our aim in Hobart was to visit Island Espresso, Villino Espresso and Oomph. So we did the coffee crawl punctuated by a visit to the museums.
    At Island Espresso Dane greeted us warmly and served up a delicious double ristretto latte complete with fantastic art. The old dear at the next table wanted to know if a stencil was used to make the art work! The Mrs had an iced chocolate made from powdered chocolate which was extra good. As it was lunchtime we had tasty caesar salads.
    Next stop Villino where Richard and his partner were working hard to serve a quality product to their customers. As it was afternoon tea time we had mouth watering strawberry custard slices and lattes which were terrific with great art work. Richard prides himself on serving a great coffee. Dane had tipped Richard off that we were there to check out his coffee as Dane and a friend were at Villino also.
    On the way back to lodgings we stopped off at Oomph and I had a double ristretto latte and the Mrs another iced chocolate. (The Mrs is on a caffeine quota.) Once again served with passion and care by Azza.
    We highly recommend all 3 cafes to C.S. members. Great coffee and food.
    In 3 days time we will be in Launceston and will take another coffee cruise. Thanks to fellow C.S. for their reviews.
    Herbie.


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  • Lovey
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Thanks for the kind words TG.

    Day 8 - After a thoroughly enjoyable 2 days at Freycinet lodge, it was time to continue our journey back towards Lonny.
    We stopped in at the Village Deli Cafe at St Helens and ordered up a light snack and a latte. Oomph beans were in use at that cafe, so I knew I couldnt go too far wrong in the taste department. The latte came out and it looked like the foam had been scooped off the top of a 70s cafe cappucino, bubbly/airy with no art, but tasty all the same.
    There were two ladies that were working in the shop and I overheard one saying to the other, "So youre using the machine now?" I dont know if that type of sea foam if the norm for that cafe, or just that operator, and she isnt the usual coffee maker? It was tasty though, and their pancakes were very nice. It was then onwards to Lonny to stay the night.

    Day 9 - The last day in Tassie .

    We started off at the Cafe Pantry in Lonny for breakfast and they were using Oomph beans. An espresso and two lattes were ordered, and the lady behind the counter gave the bride a strange look when she ordered 3 coffees, with a "but theres only two of you comment". The bride re-assured her that I was just a coffee freak, and she breathed a sigh of relief .
    The coffees arrived shortly after with very impressive artwork on the foam. It was a bit weak tasting, like a half shot, but had a nice flavour. The espresso was very hot and a bit flat tasting, but it had a good crema. The food was sensational there as well.

    After a walk around the CBD to buy some trinkets for our neighbours kids, it was off to the Tempt Bakery which was also using Oomph beans. I only ordered a latte, as I honestly wasnt expecting anything fantastic. Geez I hate it when Im right. Out came a mound of sea foam sans any art, complete with a slightly burnt taste. On a positive note, I had a very tasty bakery item (which escapes me now), which I suppose is their specialty after all.
    It was then off to the airport to check in and fly out of Tassie and back to reality .

    All in all I can say that both Mrs Lovey and I thoroughly enjoyed the Apple Isle and are already planning our next trip back there. Thankfully Mrs Lovey was happy to tag along as I went to "just one more cafe dear, I promise".

    A huge thanks to all of the Snobs that posted with suggestions as to where to go, it was very much appreciated, and it goes to show what a great community this is.

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  • Thundergod
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    A most enjoyable read so far.

    Im looking forward to the rest.

    Leave a comment:


  • Lovey
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Tis me again, Im starting to sound like a broken record :-[.

    Day 6 - We head on down to Port Arthur for the day and had a fairly frustrating drive along a mainly single lane road, behind people who were out for a Sunday drive, in a not very powerful car :.
    Never mind, I see a familiar looking cafe on the road side thanks to Andy Gadgets photo, called the Eucalypt cafe. We stop in and order lunch and some coffees. I spy an ECM sitting on the bench and some bags of Oomph beans nearby. The latte was impressive with some very nice looking art and microfoam, and very tasty to boot. An espresso was next on the agenda and sensational it was as well. The food and service were outstanding as well, and I highly recommend a visit there if youre in the area.

    Day 7 - Our last day in Hobart .
    Off we trot up Elizabeth street to the first stop, Oomph cafe. I spied Carlos behind one of the machines (ID from his CG avatar), but they were very busy and I didnt want to interrupt their work flow by chatting to them.
    A nice feature of the cafe is a descriptor chalk board on the wall, which describes the tasting notes of the particular blend that they happen to be serving that day. One sensational latte and espresso later (which tasted exactly as described on the board) and a friand, and I was a very happy camper. We were then on our way to the next stop, Villino.

    I walked inside Villino, and with them not being busy, I asked chap behind the machine if he happened to be Richard? He replied that he was and we had a quick chat whilst he prepared the drinks. I also ordered a ham and cheese croissant which they prepared just how I like it, by gently heating it in an oven. Unlike some places where they slam it between two toaster plates and you end up with a glorified toasted sandwich >.
    Richard told me to take a seat and hed be out shortly with the drinks. I sat and watched his technique, and saw that he rejected a few shots before he was happy with the finished product. He brought the drinks out and apologised profusely for the delay as he was having grinder problems. Not a problem at all, I was happy to wait for a quality product, and I wasnt dissapointed.
    Id highly recommend a visit to Villino, introduce yourself to Richard while youre in there. He is a complete gentleman and a great barista to boot. We bid Richard adieu and headed off up Elizabeth street to our next stop.

    Island Espresso. What can I say, what a fantastic product. The, by now, standard order of an espresso and a latte were both sensational and well worthy of the praise which has been heaped on them. I didnt stop for a chat, as they were fairly busy and I would have taken up too much space in the narrow doorway ;D.
    Anyhoo, we had to head off after that, on our way to the Freycinet national park for 2 nights. We did some fantastic walks while we were there, but I didnt have any coffee for 2 whole days .
    More to follow about the finale to our trip.

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  • Lovey
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Gday,

    Day 5 - The bride and I wandered into Banjos bakery at Strahan for some breakfast and a heart starter. I order up a latte, which arrives with no art work and bubbly foam. It was tasty but weak, so I foolishly ordered an espresso. Out comes a cappucino cup which had at least a double, possibly a triple espresso in it. The PBTC/waitress informs me that they didnt have any little cups, as somebody had souvenired them. Absolutely no crema and it tasted horribly bitter and over-extracted. I should have known better, but hey, I was on holidays.

    We head off towards Hobart and stop at a little place off the highway called Tarraleah. A great village atmosphere and a good view over a valley (barring the power lines). We stopped in at the restaurant, called Cafe Teez, for some lunch. The food was sensational, and, admiring their La Pavoni 2 group lever machine, decided to order an espresso. I must have waited about 15 minutes for it. I thought that they had forgotten about me, and the anticipation was nearly killing me. It finally came over and I was expecting great things. Alas I was sadly dissapointed with a very thin, over-extracted shot. The venue and food made up for it though.

    Back on the road and after a few hours, we arrived in Hobart, where I knew great coffee experiences were awaiting me. More on that later.

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  • Lovey
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Gday again,
    Day 2 & 3 - I passed on the espresso beverages at the Cradle Mountain lodge after checking out the machine in the bar area. It had a steam wand that looked like it had never seen a chux.
    I checked out the PBTC in action and he had a strange (to me anyway) style. He foamed the milk using the bouncing jug method, he then left the jug by the machine while he poured the espresso. He didnt touch or swirl the jug at anytime during the pour. He then poured the sea foam onto the cappa, complete with a big foam hat :P.
    I hate to think what the milk would have looked like if he didnt let it settle before he poured it. I settled for some plunger brews (unknown beans) with breakfast both mornings, which were very nice.

    Day 4 - On the road again, this time towards Strahan.
    We stopped in at Zeehan, all the time having Robustos duelling banjo comment running through my mind. We stopped at The Coffee Stop, which seemed to double up as a cafe and real estate agent display window :-?.
    I was a bit hesitant to have my standard test coffee double, so I settled for a cappucino. I saw that they had a single group Boema on the back bench and a grinder, which was a start.
    Out came the cappa in a gigantic sized mug with a mountain of sea foam on top. I think that they may have either used a half shot, or simply waved the cup past the coffee beans, as there was very little to distinguish this (taste wise) from a mug of hot milk.
    The bride had a hot chocolate, which she informed me tasted like they waved the cup past a packet of chocolate powder. On a brighter note, the double choc chip cookie I had with my coffee was very nice.

    We arrived at Strahan just after lunch time, what a gorgeous little village. After finding out that we had missed out on both the Gordon river cruise and the steam railway trip (Mrs Loveys second favourite thing), we headed off to Strahan Central cafe. Again, feeling some trepidation, I only ordered a cappucino. The lady who worked there took our order and I looked over to see a La Cimbali M31 on the bench (complete with filthy milk wand), next to a grinder full of Coffex coffee.
    I watched her steam the milk, using the bouncing jug method. She didnt use a thermometer and relied on her hand to guage the milk temperature.
    She may well have been a bricklayer or timber cutter in a previous life, as when I got the coffee, it was that hot that I couldnt drink it for about 10 minutes. It also had the obligatory mound of sea foam on top as well. I wasnt game to try an espresso from there either. The scones with jam and cream (King Island I presume) were sensational though.
    I saw an ad for that cafe later that afternoon in the tourist info centre, and it proudly proclaimed that it served Award winning coffee. I dont know what award it was though ;D.
    We stayed at Strahan that night and had quite a few bevvies at the local hotel, and then to dinner at the Fish cafe, which was very nice.

    Stay tuned for more soon.

    Leave a comment:


  • Lovey
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Gday all,
    the bride and I have returned from our honeymoon to the apple isle, and I must say what a fantastic place it is too.
    Thankfully, the new Mrs Lovey indulged my cafe seeking expeditions whilst we were travelling, so I got to try out quite a few of the cafes that have been mentioned in this thread, and some that werent, so here goes.

    Day 1 - we arrived at Launceston airport and picked up our hire car and drove into Launceston. We dropped our gear off at the hotel and had a walk around the Launceston mall, and what should I see but Coffee Republic. I dont know what beans they were using, but I saw a disconnected roaster sitting in the front window of the shop.
    I ordered an espresso and 2 lattes, which came out shortly after in take-away cups. I dont think the T/A cup did the crema on the espresso any favours, as it had mostly dissipated by the time I got it, but it still tasted very nice. The lattes had foam that was a bit airy and the only image that I could make out on mine was a boat anchor, tasty though. The rocky road brownie was luscious, and went very well with the coffees.
    Off the subject of coffee and on to food, we went to a fantastic Spanish restaurant called Toros on York for dinner that night. The food was top notch, and David and Julie looked after us all night.

    Day 2 - We went for a walk around the Launceston CBD and came across the GPO cafe (in the post office building). Lavazza beans were the order of the day, I didnt notice until I had sat down to order. The espresso was tasteless with no crema, but the latte was ok, with nice art in the foam. The food was sensational though, and set us up nicely for the day.

    We headed out of Lonny (I sound like a local now ;D) and headed up to the coast to Devonport. We had a bit of a walk around and headed towards the cinema complex, and were greeted with a few Oomph umbrellas outside of Cafe Indulgence.
    Inside for the standard espresso and latte, which were both sensational. Great crema and taste in the espresso, and fantastic foam and art on the latte.

    Onwards along the coast we travelled until we get to Penguin, what a cool spot. We had the obligatory touristy photos with the giant penguin by the beach, then into The Groovy Penguin cafe, for some Genovese coffees. The espresso was a bit flat, but had good crema, and the latte had some nice artwork in the foam, and was pretty tasty to boot. We then headed off to Burnie, but didnt stop there as we were running a bit behind by that time. We then headed south and stopped at Cradle Mountain.
    More to follow, stay tuned.

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  • IslandEspresso
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Quote from LUCA:I think that its time for them to start tooting their own horns a bit more.

    Thanks Luca
    tooting isnt for me...lol
    Its a great thing to see post like this one...
    I think the most important thing is coffee awareness & education...without talking to people...making them understand
    why things happen the way they do...we would all be lost...i have alot of people to thank for the position im in...list too bloody long..
    everytime i travel i listen and take in as much info as i possible can...take it home try it...dont discard even the ideas u would think were stupid...because we all have something to offer in this never ending battle against all the variables coffee offers..
    boy o boy....it will never end...i love it...its a challenge everday....we have all been in a situation that another hasnt...so we share that info as a kind offering!!!so that someone does not have to waste the last 500grams of expensive coffee they have or pulling hair from head or chest because things just are not happening.....persistence is great but asking for help and finding a solution is easier...one person in particular told me "i have traveled the world and seen lots of different things when it comes to coffee...it would be a shame if i kept it close to my chest....sharing this makes me feel like im doing my job in education and the development of coffee in this country....we all have so much more to learn anyway...so someone will get me out of shit oneday"
    PRICELESS
    We have so many coffee companies pushing the limits in development of our beautiful beverage....PLEASE
    understand when u give criticism be nice and understanding....all roasters and cafes trying so hard have so may variables to deal with.....ie..
    They way coffee is processed from picking to picking....storage when picked....storage when delivered to ur broker...humidity at which the warehouse varies....green bean storage at your own warehouse....how fresh are this lot of greens.....conditions ur roasting in...from morning to night...very different!!!then on to the machine side of things....we all know how hard the basics can change from day to day....
    I thank everyone for the support they have given us over the years....without my mentors and customers i would be
    NOTHING...
    Cheers
    Dane
    Island Espresso

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  • Richard
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Thanks for dropping in and for the feedback on the CS site guys. Looking forward to more visits from CS members.

    I also wanted to share news of a special guest that we will be having this week. Marika from the Maling Room (Link to Epicure Article) will be visiting Hobart this week and has kindly offered to make a couple of appearances at Villino.

    Marika holidaying for most of the week with no set-times in Villino at this stage, but if there is interest we can put a specific time aside where I can confirm she will be there to impress everyone with her awesome coffee and latte art!

    Cheers,

    Richard.

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  • TC
    replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Originally posted by gavinOATH link=1185152590/15#20 date=1187248986
    Richard,

    Well as I said to you when I had a coffee at Villino last week, you can expect a review on the coffeesnobs forum.  Not sure if you will ever read this, but ill throw it out there....

    Villino was a really nice little place, good at the time that I was there (quiet early in the morning), though I can imagine it would get abit hectic during lunch time???? as it is abit small.  Has a nice feel and some culture to the place which is good to see.  Latte went down very nicely and with conversation aswell I could see that you do care about the product you are serving (which is obviously good).  Didnt venture past the coffee, so cant say what the food is like, but there is a kitchen, so id assume it would be worth going there for lunch????

    Smell of the candels and stuff was abit interesting, I wont say I didnt like it, it was nice.

    Cheers guys,

    Ill be down for a few more lattes in the next month or so Richard
    Seems like Richard had a few visitors last week . I was in on Thursday and had some sensational coffee there. Congrats Richard!

    Villino have set up with a high profile roaster and with the passion learned at Maling Room, I think that Hobart Coffee is in very safe hands.

    I had excellent coffee at Island Espresso and also a very good Espresso (sans passion) at Oomph...


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  • gavinOATH
    Guest replied
    Re: Cafes in Tasmania

    Richard,

    Well as I said to you when I had a coffee at Villino last week, you can expect a review on the coffeesnobs forum. Not sure if you will ever read this, but ill throw it out there....

    Villino was a really nice little place, good at the time that I was there (quiet early in the morning), though I can imagine it would get abit hectic during lunch time???? as it is abit small. Has a nice feel and some culture to the place which is good to see. Latte went down very nicely and with conversation aswell I could see that you do care about the product you are serving (which is obviously good). Didnt venture past the coffee, so cant say what the food is like, but there is a kitchen, so id assume it would be worth going there for lunch????

    Smell of the candels and stuff was abit interesting, I wont say I didnt like it, it was nice.

    Cheers guys,

    Ill be down for a few more lattes in the next month or so Richard

    Leave a comment:

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