Situated very closely and conveniently to Central Station is what may become one of my new favourite cafes. Haven Tailoring Coffee Joyously (apparently that's the name - Google Maps says so) is a delightful coffee brewery that specialises in tailoring coffees to your taste - you can, for example, ask for a flat white with more acidity and longer-lasting aftertaste; or a cappuccino with more sweetness - which I'm sure will delight those who are very particular with their cup of the-most-popular-drug-in-the-world.
Because I'm the kind of person who can never say no to 'limited edition', I opt for the Christmas Set Menu, which includes a drink, a choice between two dishes, and a dessert.
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| Marilyn |
Marilyn is a refreshing iced tea mocktail that consists of watermelon, honey, lemon and cold brewed Mary Mary tea. It is slightly acidic, but very light and perfect for a summer's day.
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| Baked Duck Brest Burger |
Between a choice of sobanara beetroot and baked duck breast burger, Haven can keep vegetarians happy - I chose the omnivore option and was not disappointed. The burger consists of a sweet brioche bun, mashed potatoes, lightly tossed kale and duck breast with raddish, and garnished with blueberries. It is not as heavy as a regular burger but very satisfying, with a delightful Asian-fusion influence.
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| Mary Mary Tea Infused Panna Cotta |
At Haven, it's all about the cold brewed tea. Mary Mary finds its way into the dessert, and this has got to be one of the best panna cottas I have ever had. Creamy and silky at the bottom, topped with a gorgeous, gently sweet tea-infused top layer sprinkled with rose petals, mint and strawberry pieces; again you can taste the dinstinctly Asian influence in the flavours in that it is not overly sweet but oh-so-delicious.
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| Cauliflower Popcorn |
This lovely fried dish comes with a light salad and a poached egg, and is surprisingly filling despite its snack-like name. Cauliflower, with its nutty, earthy flavour, lends itself well to being fried, for an artery-cloggingly yummy dish.
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| Flat White |
You cannot leave Haven Tailoring Coffee Joyously without a coffee. And damn, do they do a good coffee. You can see the skill of the barista before you even take a sip - just from the consistency of the foam. The coffee is well-rounded, full-bodied, and on the milky side, just how I like it; and also served with tiny little raisins which I soaked in the coffee and spooned out at the very end - who would have known that raisins and coffees work so well together? I don't even like raisins, but I'll make an exception for these ones.
The very friendly and chatty maitre d' told us that they are bringing out a new Spring menu in a couple of weeks' time, and I will definitely go back to try their signature dishes, and maybe I'll even make them tailor a coffee for me.
Stay tuned.
Score: 5 / 5
I am not exaggerating, this is one of the best coffees I have ever had, and the food is also fresh, delicious, innovative and just amazing. The cafe is open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, brunch and dinner; and open even on public holidays - how many cafes in Sydney can boast such work ethic?
Cost: the prices of items are what you would expect at a cafe - not a cheap eatery but not expensive either. Taking into account the quality of the food and the beverage, however, makes the price extremely reasonable.
Address: 30-34 Chalmers St, Surry Hills
Website: http://havenspecialtycoffee.com.au/
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