As the name suggests this café is all about two things; its location but more importantly it's coffee. Tucked into a little laneway off Balmain St it’s another one of Richmond's hidden gems.
The interior is very raw- polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, industrial style hanging lights and big blackboards give this trendy café a very edgy look. The big communal tables remind me of a workshop. They're perfect for spreading out on even big enough to read the age- if your neighbours don't mind. There are no pretty paintings or flower arrangements here just big blackboards and bike racks. The morning light and high ceilings make the cafe seem to glow. Much like the charming staff who seem to love what they do. It might not be the most pretty or polished café but behind the tough interior are friendly and charming quirks that made me fall in love.
One look at the menu and you know these guys are serious about their coffee. They use Venezano beans and also have a rotating single origin on offer. If your interested they even offer barista training and beans by the bag. In an effort to spread their knowledge they have a whole blackboard dedicated to educating their patrons about the art of coffee making. This week it discussed in depth the importance of milk and the role it plays in your latte.
I can’t remember what it said but my coffee was deliciously velvety and clearly made with lots of love.
The food menu was simple but very good. The focus is on quick easy food you can eat on your way to work. I had sourdough toast with vegemite and avocado at $5 for two slices I was very satisfied. I also tried the bircher which comes with berry compote in a takeway plastic cup great for a quick snack but not enough to satisfy me for breakfast. The lunch menu follows the same rule as breakfast good quality ingrediants, simple easy food.
The glass cabinet by the till captured my tastebuds attention- freshly baked raspberry and white chocolate muffins, develishly tempting brownies and adorable little cakes that screamed eat me.
I wouldn’t drive across the city to go here but if you work in the area or frequent it often Espresso 3121 could easily become a daily ritual- friendly professional staff, high quality ingrediants and amazing coffee.
A lovely start to a dreary monday morning.
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