Watering-Can Latte

It's been a while but I was recently confronted again with this curious caffe latte receptacle at a local Northern Rivers pub that serves good food and reasonable espresso coffee. The latte itself was smooth made with a reliable, if a little weak in this instance, Vittoria coffee. Unfortunately it came served in one of those awkward metal outer-casings with the bent and very springy twin wire handle. Immediately upon lifting this latte to one's lips, it tilts forward as a vessel designed for watering or pouring. The metal handle also digs into the forefinger leaving deep tram-track indentations. No need for these awkward latte holders which detract from the whole caffe latte experience whilst leaving deep cavities in the fingers. The illustration and description given here are taken from my funny gift book which features, among other weird lattes, what I call the Watering-Can Latte. This receptacle should be relegated to the garden shed. If the latte is made at the correct temperature, there is no need for these unsightly and ungainly encumbrances. Please keep the latte glass unadorned!

Coffee Rocks!

Taking a Sunday morning hike along the glorious coastline of the Yuragir National Park near Yamba in Northern NSW, I began to notice a thick, rich espresso like fluid that seeped from underground springs and then flowed magically over smooth rock. The result was a coastline of divine coffee-coloured rock. A sign in the park then informed me that, not surprisingly, the name given to this espresso coloured rock is "Coffee Rock".
Like most ventures into nature, this leisurely hike was not without its dramas. Our peaceful amble along the walking track was suddenly interrupted by what sounded like the terrifying pounding of approaching hooves. In a cloud of dust we came face to face with two huge, startled kangaroos.

Needless to say by the time we got back to civilisation after a morning immersed in natural images of swirling espresso and close encounters with kangaroos I was ready for a soothing caffe latte. I spied a Segafredo sign in the main street and thought I'd see if the locals could do better than my disastrous German Segafredo experience.
The caffe latte that was served up looked respectable enough although it was served in an unusual glass that tapered in at the base. The espresso itself was bitter and the latte overall lacked that rich flavour I was yearning for and was no match for the natural espresso I'd seen oozing from the tantalising Coffee Rocks.

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.

marshmallows and macchiatos in Mainz

I saw the culprit at breakfast this morning at my hotel in Mainz - the long life milk carton sitting next to the instant coffee jar. This would explain the strange taste of the lattes I have endured. I have arrived in Mainz after a most enjoyable boat cruise along the Rhine River from Koblenz. After my bad coffee experience at breakfast I was well and truly ready for a shot of espresso so I hit the pavements. I wandered down to the picturesque old town of Mainz and came upon it - a Lavazza coffee sign over a small espresso bar. In I went and perched up on a stool and perused the coffee selections. There it was again. It was either a small macchiato or yes, a macchiato latte. Ha! I wasn't going to be fooled this time.
I ordered the small variety and thought well at least I will get a shot of Lavazza espresso. The macchiato came in a cute Lavazza glass and was just what I needed, if a little bitter. Dogs are everywhere in Germany and here was no exception. There were two giant Golden Retrievers spread out and snoozing taking up much of the floor space!
Being in no hurry I did some further surveillance and noted that the latte glasses on top of the coffee machine were not as huge as those I'd encountered so yes dear reader, I was drawn again to try the macchiato latte!
The picture says it all. This was another example of the Marshmallow Latte. I note the coffee is always poured from a metal jug and added to the milk and the result...A mountainous eruption of foaming milk over the top of the glass that clings to the nose and upper lip and a small layer of bitter espresso beneath. Well I am beaten. The macchiato latte had seduced me yet again and I was the one who came off second best. Never Again!
I fly back to Australia tomorrow. Needless to say, a decent caffe latte will be high on my list of priorities!

Macchiato Latte? Bremen Germany

Just got off a very fast train from Frankfurt to Bremen. Having spent 4 hours being jet propelled across Germany I was well and truly ready for a latte by the time my feet hit solid ground. Inside the large Bremen central station arrival hall I saw a vision - a familiar red and black Segafredo sign. Now having had this brand of espresso back home and found it quite palatable I thought I may have found it...I had learnt from a helpful waitress in Frankfurt that what I needed to ask for was a macchiato latte to get what I would normally call a caffe latte, so with confidence and my wheely case in tow I strode up to the counter and placed my order. Then I waited and watched...Down came the tall parfait glass,not a good start, this was then filled to the brim with hot milk. But wait I thought, "Where's the room for the espresso?" Then it came, a tiny metal jug from which was poured a few tiny drops of espresso which did little but add a tiny stain to the milk. So there it was - the macchiato latte...my search for a decent caffe latte continues. As you can see from the image the drops of coffee finally settled in the bottom of the glass, leaving a 4cm layer of white scorched foam on top.
When the coast was clear I made a dash and came upon this jolly group of town musicians who had journeyed to Bremen in search of a better life. My spirits instantly lifted and I decided not to be beaten by the macchiato latte.

Caffeppuccino, Frankfurt

Well I didn't know myself until a week ago that I would be reporting on my next caffe latte experiences from Frankfurt, Germany. I was drawn to fly to Germany on a spontaneous whim to accept an invitation to a concert by the stupendous Greek diva Maria Farantouri. The concert is in Bremen on Oct 1st. It marks the 85th birthday of Mikis Theodorakis, the famous Greek composer whose works Maria will perform, as well as the 20th anniversary of the reunification of Germany - so quite an event and I will be there! Attending a concert in a foreign land is, more importantly, an opportunity for me to explore the local caffe latte scene. Having just stumbled off the plane today after a long haul flight from Australia, I checked into my hotel in a rather dubious but convenient location near Frankfurt's main train station. I then went on what I thought could be an overly ambitious search for an espresso coffee to help me through my jet lag. But to my joy and surprise, I turned the first corner and there it was - Caffeppuccino - an authentic Italian espresso bar. It had that true espresso bar feel of no comfort to discourage malingerers - high stools and benches. This latte came served in a tall glass, with a decorative coffee bean motif and a tall spoon. It was therefore a weaker style latte but made from a satisfying rich espresso. Unfortunately the whole taste was spoiled by the milk which had that strange long-life feel to it. All was forgiven, however. I got my espresso hit and a great panini to go with it and all just around the corner from my hotel...

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.