Dead Man Espresso

This morning we ventured out to Dead Man Espresso, a cafe somewhat away from the heart of South Melbourne, but certainly worth the walk.

The story of this cafe is interesting - pick up a takeaway coffee and you can read about it on the side of the cup. In a nutshell, it celebrates the history of South Melbourne, or should we say 'Canvas Town' which is what this area used to be called in the 1850s gold rush era. A region of dreamers, crooks, lost souls and settlers. The folks at Dead Man Espresso say are proud of their plot of land - and so they should be.

Coffee was excellent, even better than St Ali's in our humble opinion. We decided to be healthier than usual this morning so we ordered a dead man bircher (perhaps not quite a healthy name!) and some lemon crepes. Bircher was a smaller serve than other cafes, but plenty enough, though it was a bit dry. The lemon crepes were light, tangy and delicious! Perfect for a Sunday morning.

We were so impressed with the coffee that we ordered a second, in a takeaway, and were pleasantly surprised with the Canvas Town story.

The wood-inspired fit-out is funky, warm and welcoming. As we left, we passed the quickly building crowd of hungry South Melburnites, coming to possibly their Sunday favourite, the dead man espresso.

dead man espresso
35 market street
south melbourne

St Ali

St Ali is an institution in South Melbourne, if you haven't been here you've missed out. It's hidden away in a graffitied lane-way between York and Coventry in a converted warehouse. Here hides a graffiti and industrial chic cafe. If you've been to the Auction Room in North Melbourne it is somewhat alike less the greenery.

On a previous occasion we have had the corn fritters they're not as good as Balderdash. All other selections are at a very tasty standard.

Take away
Ordinary

Chez Dré

This morning we were back in South Melbourne after a busy weekend celebrating Chinese New Year with our families.

Coffee was back on the menu, in fact I don't know how I survived yesterday without it. It was a struggle.



Chez Dré
Patisserie and Boulangerie
rear of 285-287 Coventry Street
South Melbourne
Ph. 9690 2688

Balderdash

It's not a South Melbourne cafe but Balderdash in Port Melbourne is worth a mention and held in high regard.

Its on the same street as another cafe called My Sister Says, but takes the corner real estate and is a little bit bigger. The similarities do not end there where they hold similar styles of fit out and decoration with old type writers and a donkey sculpture to ne a couple of things of interest.

With breakfast served at 7am to 3pm we were still in time for a bite. But with Chinese New Year dinner the previous night and another dinner tonight, it would have behaved us to show some self restraint and control. Still there were a few tempters on the menu and we selected the corn fritters and bircher muesli. The corn fritters were really well done they weren't wet or soggy which can e sometimes and came with a good serve of pesto, sweet chutney on a plate dressed with balsamic glazing and rocket. While the bircher muesli was a large serve with I think what was rhubarb and some berries. I like the bircher at Snow Pony much better as it comes nice an chilled and better suits a summer day.

I had an iced coffee with ice cream which I rate as one of the better ones I've had in a long time. And the soy lattes looked quite good. No one offered me any to try and there were no complaints.

A good little spot in Port Melbourne away from the main thoroughfare and is worth another a visit. For those living in the area it would be a great local for that morning cuppa before heading to work.

Balderdash
295 Bay Street
Port Melbourne 3207
Ph 9077 3814

Cottle on Coventry

Well after a disappointing coffee at Selection Cafe, I thought that I would try a place Jo and I had already been to the other week - but not yet reviewed.

Unfortunately again I had to get take away as I had an early morning meeting to get to. And Jo was Not around.

The first time we visited Cottle on Coventry it seemed as though it was under new management as the cashier had no idea how to take cash and use the register. They also mentioned that we were their first sit down customers. Was it for the day or the first under new management. Anyhow, the excited guy who served out drinks made it a big deal. That time the coffee was quality and the aroma of coffee and teas in the shop probably helped with the experience ad enjoyment.

This time it wasn't so great, it was a different barista, an older guy, and the soy latte was too milky and so diluting the coffee.

So overall based on those two experiences it isn't the best coffee in the immediate area as there are plenty of much better options.

Also the coffee paraphernalia, though different, isn't as extensive as Dimatinnas. It offers more packed and grounded coffee beans, teas, jams and chutneys. So it's one of those places that looks like a quality speciality food shops. It'd be good if they had a wide selection of cheeses like Jones the Grocer or Simon Johnson.

Well, Cottle on Coventry aren't in the bad books however there is much room for improvement especially for a place that sells the goods. I'll give it another try.

Cafe Sweethearts

I'm in before 730 today, Jo is in Sydney, I slept at 1am. Why am I here so early? I guess to try another joint for a morning pick me up before I head to work.

Cafe Sweethearts is an interesting and brave choice this morning it looks cafeteria like with ordinary chairs and stark lighting. While the birds are tweeting away outside and still waking up, this cafe is well under way and already busy churning out coffees and breaky.

The coffee is as good as Giddy Up to taste, the milk isn't done as creamy as other places resulting in a more milky and diluted taste in comparison to other places - Giddy up / Dimatinnas / Freestyle.

It's good to be able to compare a few coffees now, but hard to remember them all they have been of a pretty high standard. Especially in comparison to the mediocre stuff that is served up in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, where good soy lattes are few and far between.

Cafe Sweethearts is one of those that gets my thumbs up, and belongs in the company of those surrounding quality cafes. Again, in comparison this cafe is the most and certainly unassuming but delivers the goods. Never judge a coffee by its .... shop design?

Cafe Sweethearts ranks close to Cottle on Coventry for me, although the latter roast their own coffee beans and do make a fine cup.

Cafe Sweethearts
263 Coventry St.
South Melbourne
03 9690 6752

Giddyup

Besides the highly fluorescent aqua Tait Timber and Hardware, the Giddy Up dark blue wall is another stand out colored building along Coventry St. South Melbourne traditional white or grey colors. Oh there is a maroon colored building too that I've just noticed.

The interior needs some character to match the baristas and staff, it is currently a little plain and boring. They have added a pot plant in a copper pot since we were there last. So perhaps it is a process of collecting and finding suitable things and being part of the fun of seeing how the character develops. Tables and benches have been suspended and are made of solid looking varnished wood. While the stools are milk crates with plywood cleverly double head bolted together.

Coffee is probably one of the best in South Melbourne so far. Even Lego man enjoyed it. Although we were pushed for time, we couldn't go past their mini BLT. The good thing about its size is that we could eat it quickly, and although it had a deliciously sweet bun (and you know it's bad), it doesn't really worry you. Come on, it's mini. How much hurt can this baby BLT really do? And more importantly, it's yum.

Yeeeha!