The Vertue of the Coffee Drink

The Vertue of the Coffee Drink

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Posted 2016-08-09 by JMBowenfollow
Ever since the first coffee houses blossomed in Constantinople in the 1500s, we humans have enjoyed the many virtues of the coffee drink. Today in Melbourne the worship of the coffee bean is stronger than ever. People meet in little cafes down side alleys to sip the brew and enjoy the many benefits of this drink that "quickens the Spirits, and makes the Heart Lightsome."

Vertue Coffee epitomises Melbourne's wonderful cult of coffee. It has everything, including a miniature doorway down a laneway off a laneway, a gorgeous industrial-chic fit out, great food, and of course, all the coffee. Carlton denizens come to enjoy the atmosphere, the conversation, and the gastronomical offerings.

Vertue Coffee takes its name from this wonderful historical advertisement, the first coffee advertisement we know of, taken from a 1652 London coffee house:



A copy of this ad hangs proudly on the Vertue Coffee wall, reminding us of just how long we've gathered in places to enjoy the coffee experience.

Finding Vertue coffee is an experience in itself, and for those not-so-great at reading Google Maps on cracked phone screens, it can be challenging. Raffa Place is found near the corner of Lygon St and Elgin St, but not quite on the corner, no. Behind a service station, past a few cute terrace houses, near some bins. There is a sign, but it's likely hidden behind a car.



When you see the entrance, you might spend a moment wondering, "It can't be down there, can it?"

But it is.



Down the rabbit hole we go!



You first come into a dark space, as if the beans can't take too much sunlight. Much like me before my morning coffee. It's here that the serious business of making the coffee happens. Their coffee menu changes according to the roast of the day, so to know what they do, you just have to go experience it. Each day they offer a selection of single origin, Estate and Microlot coffees.



Beyond the coffee making arena, the space opens up into seating, with a gorgeous renovated warehouse feel.



Where else to start but by ordering a coffee? This was my first coffee of the day, so far from savouring it and taking notes, I just make happy grunting noises and ordered a second. I think the second one was delicious too. But I might need a third, just to be sure.



Next comes the food. Like all wonderful venues, Vertue coffee offers an all day breakfast, so I knew I was sorted. There are several gluten-free offerings, and I settled on the cedar smoked salmon with polenta crumbed eggs, goats curd, salmon caviar and pea puree.



The flavours merged beautifully, and the salmon was an excellent feature, perfectly smoked and cooked and melting soft. The polenta eggs were fun! The goats' cheese, mmm.

My companion ordered from the lunch menu (how dare she!), going for the Kansas Fried Chicken Burger with curly fries, which she devoured with delight.



The atmosphere here is cosy and friendly, yet high ceilings make the seated area itself feel spacious.

Safe to say, this is a destination that will satisfy the soul of any avid coffee drinker and brunch enthusiast.

#coffee
#carlton
#cafes
#brunch
#inner_north_melbourne
#near_melbourne
%wnmelbourne
164453 - 2023-06-14 23:47:10

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