April 11, 2006

[miladycarol]

This actually happened on April 11th, but I wrote it in my notebook and forgot to post it. Better late than never, eh?

G and I spent a bit of time in Borders this afternoon. As I walked through the magazine section, I was visually drawn to a magazine called Home Barista: The Essential Guide to Making the Perfect Espresso at Home. I was blown away that Australia has a magazine specifically dedicated to making coffee. Blown away. So, I’m sitting here, curled in a comfy chair, flipping though an espresso magazine.

It explains everything from choosing a machine, choosing the proper milk and how to make fun designs in the crema and foam. Have I mentioned that I’m blown away.

Is there such a thing as a tea barista? Do you think I'd qualify if there were?

Home Barista: The website!

Comments

[thakur.livejournal.com]

A Barista is strictly a coffee thing. In Italy they train for two years before they are allowed to operate an expresso machine so they treat it seriously there. There are two shops in Sydney that I know of that specialise in Coffee and coffee machines. One is on parramatta road and the other ,the more famous one is in Leichhardt market place, a large shopping mall in Marion St Leichhardt. On a side note, My grandfather used to run a chain of coffee shops in Sydney (Repins Coffee) and his coffee lounge in Darlinghurst Rd Kings Cross was one of the first expresso equipped places in Australia. My father took them over briefly before winding down the operation as the first fast food establishments in Australia began appearing. My brother recently repurchased the old repins trade marks from Harris and is using them on the coffee he grows up at Byron Bay. I have some old photos in my archives I plan on putting up online as soon as I can get them scanned.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

Hee hee. I was joking about the tea barista thing. I am half Italian and I come from the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. where coffee is taken very seriously. *smiles* I consider myself an appreciater of fine coffee, but I'm really a tea snob in my heart of hearts.

You have a full family history in Au. I loved Byron Bay. I didn't even know there were coffee plantations there. I guess that makes sense since I've seen Byron Bay Coffee beans. *shakes head at not being able to do the mental math*

I still want to meet you. This week is looking pretty full. What are you up to next week? Weekdays are always best for me.

[karinablack.livejournal.com]

Wow...
I'm starting to think Aussies put more emphasis on free time than we Americans.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure it's about free time. It's about having a quality, chic cup of coffee. Sydney is a really metropolitan area that is starting to consider itself very global. They dress sharply and fashionably. It's more relaxed than Europe, but it's still upscale compared to much of America. Almost all the coffee here is either Australian or Italian. Tea takes time to prepare, but a good cup of espresso takes less time and can be drunk while running for the train. I think it's a fashionable thing and Aussies are very much on board with it in the Greater Sydney area.

[clio75.livejournal.com]

Coffee is also a good way to catch up with friends "Let's do coffee" there's no pressure time-wise. Coffee can be a quick thing or it can last all day. Whereas restaurants want you to move on a coffee shop easily lets you sit there all day as long as you have a few cups. No need for food, just a good way to pass time chatting with good company.

There's also the Greek and Turkish coffees too. Very strong teeny little cups.

There are some boutique tea houses too.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

I love tea houses. Do you know of any in the Sydney area?

[clio75.livejournal.com]

Taka Tea Garden-- Double Bay and World Square Shopping centre.
I'm sure I've been past others, just need to think LOL
I'm not really a tea/coffee drinker. I much rather an iced chocolate.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

Yes, they are the only ones I know of at this time. I love them. Do you enjoy those chocolate sago drinks? They are fun. I love chewy things in my beverages. *grin*

[clio75.livejournal.com]

I've never tried them, always looked at them, but never been game enough. But I'll give them a try now :)

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

They are fun. I make my own at home since I'm lactose intolerant these days. Chewy drinks are fun. I immediately liked them. Try a small one and see if you enjoy it. Easy Way has a pretty good quality product.

[thakur.livejournal.com]

Late afternoon is the best time for me and depending where they send me in Sydney, I am usually finished work by 1530. The food court at Burwood Westfield at about 1600-1630 is currently the best place and time to meet up. I am usually around the Gloria Jeans there. My cell No is 0418-453523.

I should be easy to find as my work uniform is that hityouintheface lime green shirt colour with a United Serices Logo.

The coffee growing area is centered around a Little village called Newrybar, about 20Km out of Ballina and 2k or so from Bangalow, not quite at Byron but close.

Let me know what day and I can set it up next week:)