in a rush

There are several in a rush outlets in Melbourne CBD and Docklands area, and two of them are within walking distance from where I work. Their stores serve a variety of food but seem to specialise in coffee and soup. This afternoon, I went to the one at NAB Head Office in Docklands, just across the road from Etihad Stadium.

This new outlet is spacious and has a variety of beans to choose from for my coffee. What a delight! I decided to try the Ethiopian bean which the little note says to be very fruity.

My latte was strong, fresh, and very fruity indeed! Loved it. Now I just need to keep my fingers crossed that they’re actually consistently good and it wasn’t just pure luck. Let’s see.

in a rush, NAB Head Office
800 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008

Arcadia Cafe Restaurant

There are many wonderful places at this side of the town, and one of the more popular ones is De Clieu which was literally only a few doors down from Arcadia Cafe. Today, though, is the time to try Arcadia as per my friend’s recommendation.

Arcadia seems to be more of a breakfast place than a dedicated coffee shop, but we should also give the coffee a try to see if it’s any good.

Although their coffee was not the best that Melbourne has to offer, I have to say that theirs is commendable. My latte was caramelly, medium strength, and is not bad at all.

Arcadia Cafe Restaurant, 93 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065

Sensory Lab

Let’s say you’re in the city. Today is Sunday, and time is 4PM. You are with a bunch of friends, and you’re suddenly craving for your coffee. Where would you go?

Well, it turns out there aren’t that many options, are they? You might have some favourites, but most of them are more likely to be closed on a Sunday afternoon. Lucky for us, Sensory Lab, at the back of David Jones was open, so without thinking twice we headed there.

One might say their ‘concept’ of creating a cafe with a science laboratory setting is not much more than just a marketting gimmick, and they’re probably right. However, I will still come back to Sensory Lab, not for the laboratory theme, but for my beautiful Brazilian latte. After all, there aren’t many other alternatives later in the day.

David Jones, 297 Little Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000

Market Lane Coffee

Spacious, modern, clean. Those were the first three things that came into our minds the moment we stepped into Market Lane Coffee. As to how good (or bad) the coffee is, I guess the only way to find out is by trying it out ourselves.

Five types of single origin beans were on display on the menu board and all five listed as pour over brew. As tempting as those variety of beans on offer are, the house blend seems to be a better choice at that time for our short macchiato.

Our macchiato had a pleasant fruity taste and a good depth. The acidity was noticeable but nothing too offensive to the taste buds. I can see why many people seem to recommend this place.

13/13/163 Commercial Road, Prahran Market
South Yarra VIC 3141

Auction Rooms

Tell me, what is your favourite way to spend the weekend? If you’re anything like me, a Saturday morning brunch with close friends would probably be pretty close up the list.

If you are planning to go for a brunch, you should consider getting a table at the Auction Rooms in North Melbourne. Bustling with energy, this is the place where friends gather together enjoying their meal. Laughters and wide smiles all around.

And with a menu that is worth drooling for, why shouldn’t they be smiling? Our brunch was light, yet quite filling, and a little bit fancy!

Oh, did we mention that the coffee wasn’t bad at all? It’s a bit on the mellow side, but I have to say that it’s a worthy companion for the food served. Good food, great atmosphere, decent coffee = Auction Rooms.

103-107 Errol St
North Melbourne VIC 3051

Eclipse Coffee

How do you like your latte? Strong and full? Light and fruity? Chocolatey or Caramelly? Well, the house blend that I tried on my latte at Eclipse Coffee today was good, but certainly doesn’t fall into the category of strong.

After an unfortunate string of getting my coffee a bit too hot for my liking lately, I was happy to receive my takeaway at a temperature that doesn’t burn my hand, nor my tongue.

First impression was good. The milk was frothed to the right temperature and produced a good texture. The coffee had a fruity smell and a light aftertaste. However, if given the choice, I’d prefer my caffe latte to be a bit on the stronger side, and with a full body, similar to the one I had at a nearby cafe. Having said that, I guess it all comes down to your personal preference more than anything else.

7A /495 Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000

Little Wish Specialty Coffee

Drew, coffee?
Yup! Now? Let’s meet at the corner of King St and Little Collins.
Okay, see you in 10 minutes.

To say that Little Wish is hard to find is probably an understatement. Blink an eye, and you would miss them. And you will regret it. Once you arrive at 530 Little Collins St, keep walking left. Your destination will be on the right.

Can we have two lattes, takeaway please? No sugar.

Many people enjoy having their coffee early in the morning, but getting them in the afternoon is pretty good too. The place will most likely be empty, and you can just do whatever you like (within limits).

Great coffee, a real gem, definitely an afternoon break well spent. Catch you later, drew! Loved the coffee, and my little wish that they’re a little bit closer.

530 Little Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000

Elevenses Espresso Bar

The train arrives at Southern Cross 10 minutes earlier than usual today. I think I still have some time to try Elevenses, which is not too far from here. Surely, they will be open this time of the day, unlike the last time I went there.

Hidden away inside a postal shop, this small cafe has a very welcoming aura. The staff are friendly and seem genuinely passionate about their little cafe.

My small takeaway latte arrives promptly and although it’s not burnt, it’s a tad too hot for my liking. The blend is above average, but they’d benefit from something with a more unique character. Having said that, I am happy with my coffee, and would return some time to try their much-raved sandwiches (and their friendly service!)

585 Little Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000

Cafenatics Docklands

Located behind the National Foods building, this coffee shop is actually a fair bit of walk from the office. However, having been disappointed by the quality of the coffee served recently at the cafes in the immediate vicinity of my workplace, I think it wouldn’t hurt to venture a little bit farther.

So today, after a relatively productive day at work, I reckon it’s time to take a leisurely afternoon walk to Cafenatics.

What should I have today? The usual latte? I will probably try it with the beans of the day. One Guatemalan latte, please? To have here.

It’s pretty empty. I will take a seat at the long table over there while waiting for my coffee. I’m not in a hurry to go back to the office anyway.

perfection in a cup

Ah beauty, my coffee’s arrived and it does smell nice and well presented. It’s good to be away from my desk every now and then.

Certainly enjoyed my latte and left with a pleasant after taste. Happy that I picked the Guatemala Acatenango beans. Life is good again.

737 Bourke St
Docklands VIC 3008

Proud Mary

Ah, Saturday afternoon. A perfect time for a decent cup of coffee. Hmm, which place this time? Proud Mary! My friend has been telling me about this place and she highly recommends it. Since it’s on our way to the city, why don’t we give it a try?

Where is it? Turn left here. Any parking? 2P ticket ends 12.30PM. Nice, perfect timing! Hi, can we get a table for three please? Any drinks? Can we have 3 lattes (1 skinny)?

caffe latte, a hint of caramel

Hmmm, pretty nice. Hahaha, it’s going to my list.  Wouldn’t it be great if wherever you go, there’s always a good coffee place nearby?

Ok, enough daydreaming. Any more coffee? Wait, let me check my stomach first. Hmmm, probably something lighter with less milk? What’s short macchiato? Hmm, let me try. Hi, can I get one short macchiato please? One short mac? House blend or mix-n-match? (well, she actually mentioned several remote country names) I’ll try the latter this time.

short macchiato, fruity, fresh(?)

Oh, and also one cappuccino for my friend here, please.

cappuccino, in a blue cup!

I like this one too, haha. I should start ordering this more often than the usual latte. Ok, time to go, I think I can make it relatively in time for myf. I’ll drop you guys off first. Proud Mary, you’ve done Mary proud.

172 Oxford St
Collingwood VIC 3066