Velluto Nero café, Sydney CBD

Velluto nero café, sydney Velluto Nero coffee. 259 Clarence St, Sydney. Rated just yesterday by the SMH’s good living section as the best coffee in sydney (though it was an odd set of places, to be sure), I couldn’t resist having a look at this place. The outside is nothing special – there’s a lot …

On the grind café, North Sydney

On the grind café, north sydney Karmee coffee. 50 Berry st, north sydney. Next door to a pub, in the lobby of an office building, this glass-walled space is well lit, and staffed with a friendly barista. A small menu with some classic items, and plenty of space to pause and think. The decaf is …

Grab & fly, christchurch international airport.

Grab & fly, christchurch international airport. Surprisingly, once you prepare to board, there’s the opportunity for fresh food and even for passable coffee. They even accept australian currency, though they give NZ change. Coffee is good: well above airport standards: you can taste the coffee above the weight of the milk. There’s a lingering aftertaste, …

Cityside café, christchurch international airport

Cityside café, christchurch international airport Picco premium coffee. A spot for weary travellers to gather and grab some standard airport fare: pastries, the ubiquitous ham-and-cheese-croissants, and some toasted paninis, salads, or yoghurt cups. Food is not incredibly fresh, but it’s not too bad for an airport lounge. Coffee is not too hot, and looks safe …

Home espresso, North Sydney

Home espresso, north sydney Jack and the Bean espresso, Di Lorenzo decaf. 107 Mount St North sydney. A brand new café in north sydney: using the special blend made by Jack Hanna, 2007 latte art champion, these guys are serious about their coffee. With brown and neutrals as a colour scheme, and relaxed music playing, …

Tidz across the park, Oatley

Tidz across the park, Oatley Tidz coffee blend. 2/12 Oatley pde, Oatley. Wooden floor and furnture, seating about 30 between indoors and out. A range of soft drinks, including some organics, are in the fridge, and though I coukdn’t see a menu, there are certainly cakes and gelato. Coffee is quite good: it’s good to …

Brasserie Bread, Banksmeadow

brasserie bread, banksmeadow Allpress coffee. 1737 botany rd banksmeadow. It’s a long walk past the bread counter, all the way to the espresso bench in this bakery / café. Seating almost 50 in a modern, refurbished warehouse space, there’s a window into the bakery proper where a superb array of breads are created monday to …