“The grain or berry called coffee, growth on little trees.” A quote from The Verture of the Coffee Drink, the handbill that inspired the name of Carlton’s newest café The Vertue of the Coffee Drink. This handbill that outlines a ‘how to’ for making coffee as well as some of the medicinal properties is housed in The British Museum. Today the little bean that grows on little trees has become such a giant industry and a beautiful ritual, especially in humble Melbourne. We love our coffee here so it makes sense that we’ve welcomed Vertue, owned by Mike Cracknell, with open arms.
The Vertue of The Coffee Drink, the café, takes the beautiful coffee bean and runs with it. The space, which is tucked secretly down Raffa Place, is a micro roaster, a café, a kitchen, and retail space. Their philosophy on coffee? They source the best green coffee around, they roast it highlighting its strengths, and then they serve it to us. Only the best makes it into your cup and onto your table. A philosophy we can get on board with. You’ll see everything from your espresso to batch brews, to pour overs.
The menu isn’t what you’d expect from the regular café fare making the rounds of Melbourne cafes. Rather you’ll see granola served with blood orange jelly and verbena buttermilk pudding, smoked trout is served with curried arancini, mango chutney, and duck egg, while poached eggs are plated along side chickpea chips, asparagus, tomatoes, and parmesan.
The space, redesigned with the help of Two Design is unique to say the least. It has that inside while outside feeling, with lots of light and industrial details. Woods and exposed brick make you feel comfortable in the relaxed space.
We think it’s time to remember the real virtue of the caffeinated beverage we all consume so much.
The Vertue Of The Coffee Drink
8 Raffa Place, Carlton
(03) 8060 6987
vertuecoffee.com.au
