The Irony Is - Coffee Basics

 

                                     

 Coffee Basics make great coffee, no argument, and by that I mean they are great coffee roasters. We use their coffee at home, it is most definitely our brand of choice. Everyone in the area uses it, everyone loves it. Which is why when you go into their really cute, really charming little cafe, you are expecting a superlative latte, long black, whatever is your fancy. Here in lies the irony, as Baristas they are well behind the game! The coffee there is only so-so,  maybe it's that 'soy thing' again, but I don't think so. We've eaten and had coffee here several times and we've never had a decent coffee!

 
 It seems unbelievable but quite often the coffee has that over extracted burnt taste, which surely has nothing to do with the use of soy milk? There are now several places in Castlemaine that make good to great soy lattes, often using Coffee Basics coffee, but Coffee Basics the cafe isn't one of them! Weird huh? 

But enough of the negatives, as everything else about it is enjoyable. It has a great atmosphere, very social and community in its vibe. Inside feels  European,  reminiscent of some smooth and smokey cafe in Holland, France, Germany, take your pick.  Outside also feels European but in a different way, it's like being in a community garden in Northcote, without the garden! I realise that is a nonsensical statement, but I know what I mean! 

I'll have sauerkraut with mine

cheese kransky

The menu is good, with enough of the familiar to make you feel comfortable but with a few fun twists thrown in for good measure. Such as the dishes we enjoyed for lunch today, Kranskys with red cabbage and sauerkraut. Husband had the Cheese Kransky and I had something unpronounceable which was essentially a paprika spiced version and both were delicious! 

The cafe is part of the workspace buildings, which was once a hospital. Where the coffee is roasted  is the former morgue, hence it's name the crema-torium! I'm happy to come back on the strength of that pun alone. Well that and the Kranskys, but I suppose I'll have to drink tea!

 

Is it a Great Eat? Yes I guess it is.


Coffee Basics
1 Halford Street, Castlemaine
tel: (03) 5470 6270
Coffee Basics website