A Sydney-based institution, finds its first foray into Brisbane right in the middle of all the businesses and corporate workplaces, seeming to be tailor-made right for it with efficiency, a good eye for detail in quality and customer service, and a whole slew of awards to show for it all. Well, here is sneaks up to the CBD after so long, getting a unique look as far as all other coffee shops around this part of the world are concerned. While there might be the incentive to dine in and take some time to enjoy the coffee, it is pretty much gone for getting in and out for the really busy person. Plus, the coffee is alright as well.
Without any doubts, the service is up there. It is really friendly, you are practically approached from when you step foot through that door and I must have had one of the most gregarious baristas for some time. They are up for a chat, and don't leave the details untouched - eat in here or takeaway, any sweets with that etc - this is good customer service. Additionally, this is not a first for me but it is still in that unusual phase - you know the one where you can easily name all the examples so far - where it is all cashless. So, don't be bringing in loose change. By being cashless, having payments by a regular card is only the beginning for what they have set up - counting and adding up the seconds between that and pulling out a note would add up to a few more transactions.
It goes without saying, that a big part of the menu has to do with coffee. Not just saying that, but if you want something outside of the usual espresso - they have the up-and-comer of nitrogen infusion, and batch brews among filter coffees. Depending on the kind you order, they have already selected the sort of bean which would suit it. If coffee is not your sort of thing, there is also several kinds of tea, hot chocolate and chai, plus to go with the drinks there is a good range of sweets in the cabinet.
First time in trying this place, I was having lunch with a friend of mine during her lunch break. She needed coffee (hey, hard worker - or just coffee is delicious) and this was located right next door to the place we were having lunch at during that time. As per usual, the deal was a doppio. This coffee did the trick. The flavour in the bean was not a sweet one, nor really an astringent one. There might have been some nutty notes in it, but what was memorable was how well extracted the whole shot was, plus the texture on the tongue, and the crema on top of the coffee. Favourites are always going to be subject to contention, and I can see this being among some people's choice - it has the accessibility but is not too bland or hot. It may not be mine, as it did not deliver the big jolt of strength I usually like - but I have become a sucker for filter coffee..... which brings us to ....
The second time in coming here, it was a few weeks later and after a project meeting and I thought to get a cup of coffee. This is one new one I remember hearing quite a bit of hype about, especially from around town. At the time - with an admitted brain fart and lack of prior observation - I did not recall knowing about it. All I remember is my friend going next door to get some coffees, and a vague idea of its look. Nevertheless, I made a bit beeline here, walking the long distance down Margaret Street to try it out only to realise how familiar it is. Ah well, time to get a more substantial review I say. So, this time around it was the batch brew. This is basically a sort of filter coffee, done close to the style of an American diner. It has a completely different texture and mouth-feel to espresso, the flavour is a bit on the subtle side, and it is steaming hot. It was double cupped to prevent the hand from burning. In many ways, it was better than the espresso shot. For me, it is a bit hard to explain to be honest. Some of it is down to preferences.
I can't quite remember what it was called, but I do recall it having pumpkin in it somewhere. To go with the coffee, or have with a coffee later on in in the day, I selected a sweet. I recall it being a pumpkin cake. This was also good. The texture was fantastic, moist and soft, with pumpkin seeds on top and a sweet flavour to it. Additionally, the size of it was substantial for a quick snack or afternoon tea break. It did not have the sickly sweetness that so many cakes are plagued with, and a good quality recipe definitely made it.
Pablo and Rusty's looks to be doing something a bit different with coffee, making it accessible to the corporate crowd. The whole process laid out in the review is like something futuristic, something a bit science-fiction based. From the quick transactions of cashless payments, all the way to having a good range of coffee choices that are outside of the norm, to the open and nearly sterile aesthetic of the place - it is something to be seen in person to know what I am talking about. After thinking about it for a while during writing this review, it actually is a pretty smart idea. The whole set up is efficient, and the coffee is pretty decent. Just have a look for yourself, and see something totally new.
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