Latest Blog Posts
SPARKLE BLEND
We pack so much Christmas magic into each bag of Sparkle Blend it bursts at the buttons. Like Santa’s suit after a night on the mince pies and sherry. This batch is a blend of Timor Leste Malabe and Ethiopia Sidamo, both naturals, which give a dazzling sweetness and depth to every cup. We’re getting […]
A MARVELOUS MUG
During a recent chat with Matt, a graduate of our Accredited Barista Course, he began extolling the virtues of the green ceramic cups we use at Black Market. I agree, I think they’re great, and I now see I haven’t given them the time or appreciation they deserve. I will remedy that immediately. Coffee mugs […]
A CHAT WITH MATT
Matthew’s happy place is behind his coffee machine, where he can fuel his quest for creating the idyllic coffee, from an exquisitely pulled espresso, to impeccably textured milk. And of course, perfecting the cherry on top – the rosetta. He calls himself a hobbyist, but I would say he’s a real coffee enthusiast – on […]
COFFEE OF THE MONTH: TIMOR-LESTE EMERA
Emera is back because you loved it – and that is the only excuse we needed to get it back into our roasters and hoppers. This is a Hybrido de Timor varietal, and believed to be a spontaneous hybrid (that’s the translation of ‘Hybrido’, for those who don’t speak Spanish) between the Tipica and Canephora […]
COFFEE OF THE MONTH: INDIA THALANAR SUPERNATURAL
If you’ve been to, or heard any stories from anyone that has been to India, you’ll know anything associated with the country described as supernatural is somewhat… natural. India is a land of contrasts and intensities, colour, chaos and mysticism. Everything seems hyper-real and surreal. The story of Brother Baba Budan, the beloved godfather of […]
COFFEE AND CULTURE: A MAN CALLED OVE
A cantankerous white man has opinions about coffee and various other things. ‘People didn’t know how to do that anymore, brew some proper coffee. In the same way as nowadays nobody could write with a pen. Because now it was all computers and espresso machines. And where was the world going if people couldn’t even […]
FORM VS/AND FUNCTION
In my family, the debate of form or function pops up more than perhaps is usual. It could be over clothes, a bridge, the layout of a menu, a hamburger. As the only ‘creative’ in a family dominated by engineers, my arguments on the advantages of form, its ability to ignite a connection, an emotional […]
FIKA IN JULY
When the sun sets two seconds after it rises, things can feel a little gloomy. The following are a few things that have been lighting a little fire in the hearth of my heart when I’m stuck with a day that’s grey and lonely. I just saw Annie: The Musical. It was great. There was […]
THE ARCHIES!
The Archibald has been announced! You were waiting on the edge of your seats weren’t you? Me too. Even though each time I feel like it comes around quicker than the paint’s had to dry. Very much like tax time. Nevertheless, it’s a welcome headline in the newspaper. Arts and Culture section. Which I’m sure […]
FIKA: JUNE EDITION
Happy June everyone! Please enjoy these crisp mornings, the few more minutes snuggled under the doona, the steaming cups of coffee in the morning, the hot soups and crunchy bread, the clear blue winter skies and the smell of firewood kindled merrily on your walk home from work. And also these four things to make […]
FIKA: APRIL EDITION
You know as specialty coffee lovers, we are different. We are nuanced, we appreciate the details, the excellence, the craft of coffee. Coffee is more than a commodity. It’s a subculture. And as you’ll know after reading this article, being part of a subculture is a point of connection with all other subcultures, we are […]
COFFEE OF APRIL: BRAZIL MANTIQUEIRA SITIO MELADO
We’re showcasing coffee from Miguel Fonseca’s farm in Brazil this month. His 84+ crop is situated on the bonny slopes of the Mantiqueira Mountains. He’s spent years improving and rejuvenating his land, the soil, varietals planted, and practices and technologies used on the farm. And the quality has skyrocketed. Varietal & flavour notes This crop […]
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