194 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
18 January 2010 @ 2.30pm. Coffee Brand Padre
After several false starts we finally got to this place for a review. It wasn’t easy because of the strange decision to shut this place on weekends……..in Toorak Rd…….near the intersection of Chapel St…….only one of the busiest shopping districts in Melbourne…..well, I suppose they have their reasons
On this particular visit, Crue were using solely their single origin blends (Tanzanian and Dominican) because they had sold-out of the Padre house blend. No big deal, but instead of informing us, the barista went ahead and decided which single origin to use for each coffee. Again, no big deal (on occasion it’s nice being told what is what), and when queried the barista informed us that the Tanzanian single origin does not go well with milk, whereas the Dominican single origin is bold enough to serve in lattes and macchiati. So, at Crue expect to be herded and have some decisions made for you and without your knowledge, which really is no big deal if it can be pulled off.
Coffee – Doppio Espresso, Tanzanian Single OriginScore 18/20
By SimonL
Pure, delicate and intense. The Padre roast shone brightly with this espresso. With glistening oiliness, the crema was thick and bright. Floral aromas wafted gently with cedar wood, spice and walnut. The palate initially appeared rich, quickly giving way to the delicacy and intensity that Padre have mastered. Light to medium in body and smooth, it was honey sweet with gentle grapey acidity, nutmeg, cedar and a fresh mild bitterness that casually extracted itself at the end leaving a cleansing and pleasantly lingering finish. Outstanding.
Coffee - Short Macchiato, Tanzanian Single OriginScore 13/20
By SamW
More of a ristretto macchiato, this coffee was overwhelmed with milk which dominated the espresso. Flavour profiling was difficult due to a glass-and-a-half of cow teat, but I sensed some aniseed spice with nutmeg and some back-palette bitterness.
It was an enjoyable coffee that lost points on presentation and milk-inundation.
Coffee – Cafe Latte, Dominican Barahona Single OriginScore 13/20 By SimonL
From the highs of the doppio espresso to the lows of this cafe latte. As mentioned in the first Padre review I’m not convinced their roasts (even this Dominican) match well to milky coffees. Sure the acidity may cut through the milk but the delicate nature of the roast is easily swamped. The coffee came across as too milky with hardly enough espresso spine and depth to be an enjoyable experience, showing faint woody and caramel flavours and a thin finish.
Coffee – Ristretto, Dominican Barahona Single OriginScore 17/20 By SamW
Like a professional lawn bowler over the age of 70, Crue’s strength is in the short game (espresso, ristretto etc). This particular ristretto was incredibly well-executed, served in a warm cup which had no coffee splatter.
The style of coffee partnered well with the Dominican single origin which had sweet acidity (think stone fruit), moderate tannins and a gentle bitterness.
Service 5/5Ambiance 5/5 Busy 4/5
