Ambient Angourie??

"Peace and Harmony". Well having read all the marketing material on the website of this Yamba Eco-resort, tucked away in a peaceful rainforest on the outskirts of town, I was expecting a quiet weekend retreat. Feeling in need of rest, peace and pampering I was so looking forward to this weekend away. Unfortunately I wasn't informed upon booking that I would be sharing the weekend with two wedding parties!! Having been kept awake by raucous,drunken bridal parties half the night, I approached my morning caffe latte in no mood for further anguish. Fortunately my spirits were lifted by a strong Botero espresso served in a 220 ml latte glass and not the parfait variety. The milk was the right temperature and of a reasonably smooth texture. So all was not lost. But be warned if you are planning a peaceful stay at this rainforest resort, check first that you will not be subject to the stress of late night noisy nuptial celebrations.

Beachside Grinders

Don't you just love weekends away...? On a recent weekend trip to the coast to the pleasant north coast town of Yamba, I did as I usually do when in unfamiliar latte territory and put up my latte radar in the hope of spying a cafe that may be able to turn out a decent espresso. Having little success I decided to leave the search for the next morning.
Our hotel was beautifully situated at the other end of the surf beach which therefore meant an hours hike the next morning, involving a long stretch of beach, a scramble over rocky outcrops and a hill climb via a narrow goat track before there was any chance of my morning coffee hit. By the time we hit civilisation my fitness levels had been tested and my yearning for a rich espresso had reached a tipping point.
Having agreed with some trepidation to my travelling companion's enthusiastic suggestion of breakfast at the beachside kiosk next to the rolling waves, I had given up hope of a decent latte. But at least their blackboard sign advertised that they did serve espresso coffee so all was not lost.
My fears however quickly turned to elation as the sign slowly came in to view GRINDERS COFFEE! Here it was at the Yamba beach kiosk, one of my favorite Melbourne blends not experienced since I left the coffee capital. The intrepid nature walk had been worth it. The latte, which could have been a little stronger and with a little less foam on top, was nonetheless smooth and satisfying with that rich and full Grinders taste. All up a tasty breakfast and reasonable latte in rustic natural surrounds away from the main street bustle. Recommended.