12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205
(03) 9686 2990
Google map link
Date: Thursday 5 August 2010
Time: 0945
Coffee Brand: St Ali
What more can we add about a place that has had so much media attention? St Ali is so well known and often referenced around Melbourne as ‘where it all began’. They roast their own, offering several blends as well specialty Single Origin varieties that we are coming accustomed to in Melbourne.
Fashionably hidden down a lane-way just behind the main shopping strip of Clarendon St, the place is set amongst graffiti-art laden brick walls, all adding to the street culture feel that surrounds St Ali.
It is a lovely and comforting warehouse-style layout with loads of different seating to accommodate everyone. Two smoker’s dens flank one communal table and there is a certain bohemian feel.
The staff were pleasant and the service was speedy; our coffees arriving at different intervals but in a timely manner. Open up the menu to find out the origin of the St Ali name (patron saint of coffee).
Coffee: Cafe Latte St Ali House Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20
This hit the spot, with a certain ease. Well balanced with a malty, nutty richness, baby bum smoothness (is that allowed?) and a lovely creamy backbone. This won’t disappoint the good coffee hunters. The mum, visiting from France (though an ex-pat Kiwi…..long story), commented on its high yum factor. Presentation was spot on, good head thickness and retention while not being overly concerned with the art-farty aspect of Latte scribbles
Coffee: Short Macchiato St Ali House Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 14/20
In my experience the short macchiato in Melbourne are made one of two ways. One way is an espresso shot with a whisp of steamed milk that offers a stormy-looking coffee. The other way is an espresso shot that is topped up with steamed milk, creating a coffee that looks like a miniature flat white. Whilst my preferences lie with the former, I can see the benefits of the latter.
However, this coffee fell into the ‘heavily milked’ category which made flavours quite difficult to discern. It was washed out and I seemed to be only tasting small hints of caffeine held hostage by unrelenting bandits of the milk variety. I could say there were hints of lightly tempered chocolate and maybe even some nutty characteristics (but I’d only be guessing) and these descriptors are lackadaisical at best…
Coffee: Espresso El Salvador Sam Emilio
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20
This is the stuff I really look forward too, a hit of rich espresso. The El Salvador came on strong and confident but with a shy edge. It was near perfect length in pour with a glistening creamy looking and deep crema. It did fizzle out a bit quick though leaving the impression of being a bit too fresh. However it displayed a lovely burst of rich sweet character of light citrus with juicy acidity, leading into a darker mid palate then swooping away, my palate chasing this tease in the wind.
Coffee: Doppio Ristretto El Salvador Sam Emilio
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17/20
Certainly something to write home about, this El Salvador single origin was crafted very well. It really performed on my palate. Both sweet and citrus-like with a bold acidity, I felt as though I was drinking coffee flavoured fanta.
The crema was light in colour, but thick in presence. Very nice.
Service /5Ambiance /5 Busy /5
