Twenty Three Cafe on Mt Eden Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland. Photo / Steven McNicholl
Twenty Three Cafe on Mt Eden Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland. Photo / Steven McNicholl
At 23 Mt Eden Rd is the aptly named Twenty Three Cafe, from the same people who introduced The Corner Store next door.
It's a nice place to be, warm and modern with a hint of psychedelic thrown in with the bright lime barstools and pastel teapots on display (Ifind the environment always helps you appreciate the coffee more).
As per my new custom, I ordered a flat white and an espresso to get a full profile of what is going on in the coffee and as a measure of the barista's technique.
I have been impressed to see the detail in milk texturing presented in flat whites of late. We now understand the importance of smooth, velvety, well-textured milk in the bonding with espresso to provide us a harmonious, enjoyable cup.
This flat white was great, at a perfect temperature. The cup presented mild notes of dark chocolate subtly notable through the milk and a hint of pepper-spice through the palate, completed with a nutty, malt-like finish. The espresso offered similar notes through the consistent crema of this well-poured shot. A noticeable addition was a blackberry aroma that lingered in the mouth. Twenty Three provides a great coffee experience in very cool surroundings.
Twenty Three, 23 Mt Eden Road, ph (09) 354 4505, open Sat-Sun 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri 7am-5pm.
* Hans Pronk is a top Auckland barista who owns ME Coffee Boutique in Albert St and roasting company Merito Espresso.
