666 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn 3122
Thursday 10 September 2009 @ 9.30am. Coffee Brand – Monte Coffee
Coffee: Cafe Latte Score: 13.5/20 By SimonLThis time around the quality and consistency of Mario’s is becoming clear. I am happy visit this place if I’m in the area and drink their coffee which is good rather than startling. This cafe latte rated a little lower than last time. Its presentation was fine, the colour being attractively strong looking with a reasonably dense, but a little bubbly, head.
Lacking in real depth the flavour was creamy and nutty with mild caramel and earthy bitterness. With reasonable strength and even flavour this was an acceptable cafe latte but it just fell short in genuine interest.
Coffee: Short MacchiatoScore: 14/20 By SimonL
I was a lot happier with this coffee. The pour was perfect as was the temperature (the cup was hot but not too hot to touch) with a strong dark caramel crema and the required dollop of foam. An attractive wavy stain weaved its way through the black.
While I wasn’t going to run naked excitedly down the street shouting that I just had the most amazing coffee experience on earth, there was genuine depth and strength to the flavour. It does sit on the mild side of strong however but the flavour is evenly distributed. Quite earthy, dusty and smooth with a hint of cocoa powder through the middle, mild acidity on the front palate and an oily lingering bitterness kicking in nicely at the end.
Coffee: EspressoScore: 12.5/20 By SamW
There is not much to report on this espresso, other than it is the kind of coffee that does not detract from the conversation or company. This espresso is similar to the shy kid at the party. Sure, we all know that they’re there, but they don’t do anything to stand out in a good or a bad way.
The draw was a bit light on the head, and the black peaked through the top of the crema. The temperature was cool to touch and all flavour was daftly hidden behind a watery blend of earth and bitterness. I would have liked a big espresso hit, but instead I got a light finish.
A very passable coffee that is consistent, but it wont blow your doors wide open.
Service 3/5Ambiance 3/5 Busy 3/5
