Coffee down caffeine alley

I swear, the best thing about Melbourne is its coffee!

On a short trip to Australia’s capital of cool, I managed to enjoy several wonder cups of coffee. You couldn’t just have one as there would be another super cute café that looked so inviting.

So early one Saturday in April I went on a quest to have a perfect Melbourne breakfast because if you don’t know this is a big deal in this city. 

So, I moseyed down to the area not far from Flinders Street Station where there are many little allies that house many little cafés in areas not much bigger than a postage stamp. 

First of all, I visited Il Tempo which I think offers pizza and pasta later on in the day a cross the way but is open first thing in the morning for breakfast in this hole in the wall. The muesli looked like a good option so it was that I choose but it could have been anything from their contemporary but traditional menu. 

Their menu isn’t innovative or different to any other cafés you’d find down the ally, but that is ok because it’s all about the vibe, quality and the opportunity to people watch.  

My muesli was perfect and so was my Long Mac and there was a perfect view to watch the world go past.

 

Once I had finished, I went down the ally and I couldn’t help but to stop for anthor place for a coffee. I could seriously live here as I’ve always dreamt of living about a café. Would I get any work done? No, probably not but that’s the thing with dreams, they are unrealistic! 

Anyway, until next time because I’ll be back soon to drink more coffee and dream about living above a café.

 

What is it with Bali anyway?

To be honest, I had never been to Bali until this week. With so many Australians it seemed so familiar and I always wanted to go somewhere new and different.

But 2017 has been busy with work, uni and sitting on boards so when Air Asia had a sale I found myself booking a ticket to Bali for a few days of rest and relaxation.

While I love adventure, I am also really tired after working a crazy schedule.

Everyone said Seminyak was amazing and it was. Just a place to sleep in, relax and indulge a little.

                                     

But what struck me was how Australian it was and how much it was geared to the Australian market. From the cafés that were almost identical the ones found at home to some locals putting on aussie accents to make us want to buy more stuff or to jump in their cab.

It just made me wonder what the point of visiting Bali if it is so similar to home. Being an adventurous sort, I kinda like going somewhere totally different and out of the ordinary. That is where I get my energy from, not to mention my joy and something that calms my restless spirit.

Would I go again?

Maybe, if I needed to recharge my batteries and relax but adventure will always take priority. It always does.

Aussie breakfast in Bali

I'm still not sure about the whole Bali thing and I am sure that Semenyak's Sisterfields doesn't help.

With its Scandinavian decor and its Aussie style, I couldn't help but get what I always get - smashed avo with poached eggs and a bit of smoked salmon on the side. Of course, I couldn't help getting a Skinny Flat White with an extra shot because this is what I always have when I go out for breakfast. 

The food was great and the staff were great. The coffee wasn't bad either.

My sister and Elle went for gold with a Bloody Mary and whatever which they liked. 

Sisterfields is a great if you want an Aussie style breakfast abroad and if you want to do the local thing then Bali is probably not the place for you.  

    

Brunch in the name of love

Being in Byron Bay and a mecca for hippies in Australia and an icon for that idyllic Australian beach lifestyle. It’s cool if that’s your thing.  

So of course, their cafés reflect this beach lifestyle, especially the Byron Fresh café. It has a beach shack kinda vibe and the staff look like they’ve just come in for a surf while being efficient and quick.

My 4-grain porridge with chia seeds, hazelnuts and fruit were perfect, it was one of the best I’ve had and I’m English.

                              

The coffee came out super fast and was pretty good. The Ancient Golden Milk was an experience but in a good way. Think spices, think autumn, think awesome.

Byron Fresh was fantastic, the food was amazing and the vibe was chilled and relaxed. They didn’t mind me sitting there catching up on stuff on my laptop while enjoying watching the world go past.      

              

They do more than breakfast and their Happy Hour starts at 3 which is good to know.